VISA2US Blog

American citizens and those affiliated with them via business, like foreign workers, held a collective breath as the days counted down to October 1 and a potential fiscal year government shutdown. If the two parties couldn’t come to a spending agreement, there would be an impasse and a federal spending moratorium until they did. Thanks to the last-minute short-term spending bill by President Biden, life in the government checkbook went on as normal — at least until November 17. With this new deadline on the horizon, the federal budget remains in dispute, and those holding an H-1B visa must act fast to keep it safe. We’ll explain why and what this means for immigration 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.

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 nationals highly covet the H-1B visa because of its many benefits. In addition to working in the United States, visa holders can bring their families, own and rent homes, and engage in most activities a US resident completes. But with these advantages comes a list of requirements the beneficiary must meet during their stay. Those terms, such as the employer and workplace listed on the H-1B visa documentation, can only change by USCIS approval. The latest requirements regarding H-1B workers changing worksites clarify how this is accomplished.

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.

Getting the notice from USCIS that your H-1B visa petition was approved is exciting! All that hard work and stress has paid off, and you’re almost on your way to your new career in the United States. But there’s one more important hurdle to get through before you’re officially a US nonimmigrant working and living in the country: the visa stamping process. What does this process involve, and how have the changes in 2023 affected it? Read on to find out!

Thousands of US companies employ H-1B visa holders every year. It’s a system designed to ensure the success of the country’s economy. But when your business is deemed “H-1B dependent,” you must follow particular immigration rules and regulations that are much stricter than the average H-1B employer. If USCIS or your lawyer has labeled you in this category (or close to it), keep these requirements in mind as you go through your daily routines.

Certain fields are known to have job openings that are notoriously difficult to fill. These industries, such as those in the STEM categories, have high-skill requirements and fewer people who meet the criteria to choose from. For that reason, many of these US employers must reach beyond the pool of native applicants and attempt to find foreign workers who can help them. But this action, although it's a last resort, does not get performed lightly. You must follow government guidelines as a US employer looking to hire a nonimmigrant. We've summarized them here to help you get started. 

If you’re planning to (or already have) applied for an H-1B visa, you know the fiscal year cap seasons are more important than any other date on the horizon for you. If you miss the cutoff, you’re stuck waiting until the following year to submit your petition. 2023’s is in the past, but you still have time to get your registrations in for FY 2024 beginning March 1st. Here is everything you need to know to ensure you’re ready for the first opening days.