VISA2US Blog

Recent proposed changes to the traditional H-1B visa program have entrepreneurs sitting up and taking notes. Now, those looking to work for themselves could technically be sponsored by their company, changing the definition of “US employer” and streamlining the process of obtaining an H-1B visa. Customarily, H-1B visas are only available through a job sponsor, but now, if the proposal goes through, a beneficiary may own a controlling interest in their sponsor’s company. This suggested change has the potential to make a substantial impact on those who have waited for a visa for years. How would the new H-1B rules make it easier for entrepreneurs? We have the details here.

When you’re a foreign national living in the United States, you need permission from the government to obtain work legally. This is given via an EAD or an Employment Authorization Document. Work authorization is the proof an employer needs to hire you, but it isn’t always given to immigrants or foreign nationals. If you’re waiting for a National Interest Waiver or are on another path to a Green Card, and you already have work authorization, keeping it is a precarious thing. Here, we’ll delve into everything you need to know to get or maintain your EAD when you’re waiting for an NIW or Green Card.

It seems like navigating a potential government shutdown is a regular part of fiscal year changes anymore. While this year’s was avoided with a last-minute deal between the two parties, conflicting values in the US government point toward an actual shutdown sooner rather than later. What would happen to the immigration system if the Democrats and Republicans can’t agree on how to fund spending? Each agency has a contingency plan in place, and we’ll explain them here.

Part of the visa application process includes verifying your identity. For initial visas like the H-1B category and for green cards, that includes a biometrics screening. While it might sound like advanced artificial intelligence, this is simply an appointment during which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) collects a record of your fingerprints and takes a picture of you to cross-reference the information with the FBI database and the Department of Homeland Security. Provided you don’t have a criminal record or any run-ins with the immigration department, this is a simple step. What should you know before you go to prepare for your biometrics appointment? We’ll give you the details here.

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a top-tier under the Employment-Based Second Preference (EB-2) visa category. It permits the holder to live and work in the United States without a job sponsor. Qualifying for this coveted document is challenging as the applicant must prove that they are highly skilled or have an exceptional ability that makes them of particular national interest. As with all immigration regulations, the requirements and benefits of the NIW adapt to the needs of society, and recent changes may benefit spouses under an H-4 visa should they seek work. We’ll explain those and the other must-know details here.

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.

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.

America’s immigration policies are frequently tied to the political situation in the country at any given time. When those in charge of reformation and policies can’t come to an agreement, the resulting impasse may have serious consequences. That’s what we see playing out on the near horizon as the end of the fiscal year approaches. If Congress can’t agree on how to fund the federal government, a partial shutdown could happen, and the impact could be damaging to those awaiting immigration paperwork. We’ll explain what’s going on and what you should be doing to prepare for a potential government shutdown here.

Foreign workers under the H-1B visa umbrella enjoy the added perk of bringing their spouses and eligible children to the United States. While employed in this category, they have up to six years to live and work in America. During this period, it’s common for children to “age out” of the visa’s eligibility requirements. What happens when your child gets to this point, and is there any way you can keep them in the US with you? We have the details here.

Entering the world of employment visas is challenging yet rewarding, as it can lead to permanent residency in the US through the coveted green card. No matter your avenue, there are many hurdles to overcome and rigorous qualifications. Still, the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and NIW categories are in high demand. What’s the difference between these visas, and which is best for you? Keep reading to find out.