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Daily Current Affairs for UPSC

H-1B Visa

Syllabus- International Relations [GS Paper-2]

Context- The United States has informed all successful applicants that the cap on H-1B visas for the fiscal year 2024, which begins on October 1, has been reached.

Key Highlights 

  • If based on a valid, selected registration, H-1B cap-subject petitions for the fiscal year 2024, including those for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) beginning on April 1, 2023.
  • The USCIS stated that for the fiscal year 2024, only petitioners with selected registrations and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice may submit H-1B cap-subject petitions.
  • The current annual regular cap for the H-1B category has been set at 65,000 by the U.S. Congress.
  • Under the terms of the legislation implementing the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements, 6,800 visas are reserved. This group of visas can be used for the regular H-1B cap for the following fiscal year.

About H-1B Visa 

  • It is a non-immigrant visa with multiple entry points that lets foreign workers who work for US companies work in the United States.
  • The H1B visa holders ought to work in specialized fields like science, medicine, engineering, and mathematics.
  • The US bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is required for H1B applicants.
  • This visa typically lasts for three years, but it can be extended for an additional three years in exceptional circumstances.
  • The applicant for the H-1B visa must apply on behalf of their employer.
  • In the United States, holders of H1B visas can sell or buy property and invest in the stock market.

Other visas introduced by the U.S.

  • The H-1B visa: “Work in a speciality occupation,” “engage in cooperative research and development projects administered by the US Department of Defense,” or “are fashion models that have national or international acclaim and recognition” are all eligible for the H-1B visa category.
    • Who is protected: The H-1B visa is most commonly associated with skilled tech workers, but it is also utilized by media and health care workers.
  • The H-2B visa: Employers and agents in the United States can use the H-2B program to “bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs,” as stated by USCIS.
    • Who’s covered: They typically apply to seasonal workers in hospitality, construction, landscaping, and forestry.
  • The J-1 visa: Individuals who have been approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs in the United States are eligible for the exchange visitor visa known as the J-1.
    • Who’s covered: Interns, trainees, teachers, camp counselors, au pairs, and participants in summer work travel programs are among the affected individuals.
  • The L-1 visa: Managerial or executive professionals who are relocating to the United States from within the same company or a subsidiary thereof are eligible for the L1 Visa. The L1 Visa can also be used by a foreign business to set up shop in the United States.
    • Who is protected: There are two subsidiary visa types within the L1 Visa: the L1A visa for managers and executives.
    • L1B visa for those with particular information.
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