In August 2024, the Biden administration plans to expand employment-based visa processing for U.S.-educated professionals and DACA recipients, helping them secure work visas more quickly.

The H-1B process remains employer-driven, with the employer filing the petition and the employee maintaining status by staying employed in the approved job under the approved terms.

Applicants should start early by keeping an eye on policy updates, gather documents that meet the latest requirements, and work closely with their employers who will need to be proactive as well.

Employers increased the risk of H-1B workers going out of status by rapidly withdrawing petitions after layoffs, complicating their future re-entry into the U.S.

The H-1B program is set to have a fee hike to $100,000 for new applications effective from the FY27 lottery cycle, which will reshape hiring choices.