The H1-B visa program is a United States federal program that allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. The program is popular among IT professionals from countries like India and China. This visa program has been one of the most controversial visa programs in the United States.
If you are planning on applying for an H1-B visa, here are 10 facts that you need to know:
- The H1-B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.
This visa is typically used for workers in the fields of science, engineering, or information technology.
- To be eligible for an H1-B visa, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specialty occupation.
This is one of the most controversial parts of the program, as there have been cases of visa holders working in jobs that do not require a college degree.
- The H1-B visa has an annual quota of 85,000 visas.
This number was increased to 65,000 in 2005 and then to 85,000 in 2009. Previously, the Trump administration has proposed decreasing the number of H1-B visas issued each year.
- The lottery system for H1-B visas is highly competitive.
In 2017, there were over 190,000 applications for the 85,000 visas available. This means that only about 30% of applicants will be successful in obtaining an H1-B visa.
- The H1-B visa is valid for up to three years, with the possibility of an extension for another three years.
This is to allow employers to keep foreign workers for the duration of their project. After six years, the worker would need to return to their home country for at least one year before they could reapply for another H1-B visa in Utah or other states in the US.
- The H1-B visa program has been criticized for displacing American workers.
There have been cases of H1-B visa holders working in jobs that could be filled by Americans. This has led to calls for reform of the program.
- The H1-B visa program has also been criticized for being used to keep foreign workers in the United States.
There have been cases of workers being paid less than the prevailing wage for their occupation. The workers may also be required to work long hours for little pay.
- The H1-B visa program has been used to outsource jobs to foreign workers.
This has led to criticism that the program is being used to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor.
- The Trump administration has proposed reforms to the H1-B visa program.
One of the proposals is to increase the minimum salary that H1-B visa holders must be paid. Another proposal is to limit the number of H1-B visas that can be issued each year.
- The H1-B visa program is a controversial and complex program.
There are many different opinions on the program. It is important to research the program carefully before applying for an H1-B visa.
These are the top 10 facts that you need to know about the H1-B visa program. If you are planning on applying for this visa, make sure you are aware of the requirements and the controversy surrounding the program.
