VISA2US Blog

Our blog is a source of latest immigration news, policy updates and trends for thousands of readers every month.

H-1B Workers and F-1 Student Regulations Under Review

October 25, 2023
One of the most popular work visas, the H-1B, has always had strict requirements to get and keep its validity. But now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is trying to amend some of these requirements and oversight. The proposed rule affects H-1B specialty occupation employees and F-1 students who have filed H-1B Cap Subject Petitions. What does this rule include, and how might it affect you? We’ll break it down here.

A Breakdown of the H-1B Program and Its Effect on the US Economy

October 10, 2023
For decades, the US has relied upon foreign workers to fill vital positions in the labor market, including both skilled and unskilled jobs. In more recent years, the focus has shifted to ensure critical industries, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), are taken care of through work visas such as the H-1B. This program has been in place since 1990 and is run by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Since its implementation, the H-1B program has significantly impacted the US economy, and we’ll discuss the effects here.

The Impact of Ramaswamy's H-1B Reform on Indians

October 6, 2023
It’s not a surprise that immigration visas are backlogged for many categories in various countries, particularly India’s H-1B visa. But with a wait time of over ten years for thousands of individuals, it’s understandable that their patience is disappearing. Now, presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy is promising to overhaul the H-1B visa program, replacing the outdated system with a more fair process. What is he promising, and how is it being received? We’ll explain here.

Eligibility for the H-1B Cap Gap Extension

September 11, 2023
When you’re trying to obtain an H-1B visa, you must abide by specific beginning and ending dates, and these aren’t always optimal. This can be particularly concerning when you’re a student finishing your university program with a gap between your last day of school and your first day at your new job. Since this is relatively common, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process in place to streamline your H-1B petition and allow you to remain in the US with a cap gap extension.

Processing Times for H-1B Extensions Beyond 6 Years

June 22, 2023
The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after work visas available. Although it’s challenging and costly to obtain this coveted document, that doesn’t stop millions of people from registering and petitioning for it. The advantages of having an H-1B visa are significant, ranging from family benefits to a green card path. It’s not surprising that once a beneficiary receives the visa, they don't want to give it up. However, the initial H-1B validity period is three years, with an optional three-year extension. What happens once you reach this six-year maximum? Well, if you know what you’re doing and work with an immigration expert, you may be able to extend your document beyond that period. Here, we will discuss the most essential things you need to know about an H-1B extension beyond six years and the processing time for this to happen.

How Does the Cap Gap Extension Apply to H-1B Visas?

June 8, 2023
Foreign nationals on an F-1 student visa often prefer to stay in the United States and continue their careers. The H-1B work visa is one way to do this. However, most job offers are obtained through businesses under the “capped” category. In these situations, a limited number of visas are allotted annually, and those approved can’t enter the US to begin work until October 1 of that fiscal year. So what happens to those in F-1 status who are approved for an H-1B visa but their OPT authorization or F-1 grace period expires before October 1? That’s where the H-1B Cap Gap Extension kicks in, and we’ll explain the details here.

Common H1B Cap Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

May 24, 2023
It’s no secret that this year’s cap filing numbers were substantially higher than predicted or that many registrations are being inspected for potential fraud. Whether the fraudulent claims are based on legitimate abuse or simply careless mistakes remains to be seen, but the fact is that you want your H-1B registration to stand up to scrutiny. To ensure your petition is adjudicated successfully, avoid these common filing mistakes in the future.

H-1B Quotas Are Behind the Times: Is an Increase Around the Corner?

April 11, 2023
Skilled foreign workers are a crucial part of the United States economy. These individuals enter the country under business visas like the H-1B, which permits them to reside and obtain employment legally. The program, run by the federal agency known as USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), has worked well since its inception 20 years ago. But two decades later, the amount of visas remains unchanged, and Congress is calling for a potential increase.

New Research Shows Foreign Workers are Essential to the US Economy

April 7, 2023
The H-1B visa program has long been a controversial topic in American politics, with many arguing that it takes away jobs from American workers. New research has shed light on the true impact of H-1B visas on the US workforce and economy. From Silicon Valley to Wall Street, H-1B visa holders are making significant contributions to the success of American businesses. This article will explore the power of H-1B visas and why they are crucial to the US economy.

NAFSA and H-1B Holders

January 6, 2023
The H-1B visa program is designed to bring skilled workers in various industries to the United States to fill gaps in employment. One of those industries is education, and employers and employees attempting to use the H-1B program often connect through NAFSA. The National Association of Foreign Student Advisers was established to promote and structure the professional development of US college and university officials who lead foreign students. If you’re in this field and considering using an H-1B visa, you should understand more about how NAFSA may play a role in your future.
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