Key Takeaways:
- USCIS announces new H-1B and L-1 visa rules to strengthen security and reduce fraud, effective July 8.
- Changes include a $4,000 fee for H-1B extensions and a $4,500 fee for L-1 extensions, impacting mainly Indian professionals.
- New rules are open for public comment post-July 8, aiming to enhance national security and employment visa program integrity.
What Are the New H-1B and L-1 Visa Rules Announced by USCIS?
On July 8, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will introduce new rules for H-1B and L-1 visas. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these changes are designed to improve national security and reduce fraud.
What Changes Are Being Made to the H-1B Visa?
The new rules aim to impact employers and professionals significantly, particularly those from India. Major changes include a new extension fee for H-1B visas.
“These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system and ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs while also safeguarding national security,” DHS stated, as quoted by the Times of India.
An important change is the proposed $4,000 fee for H-1B visa extensions. The H-1B visa has primarily benefited Indian IT companies, as it allows them to send software engineers and other professionals to the U.S. These changes are expected to have a considerable impact on these companies.
For more information, you can visit the official USCIS website on H-1B visas.
How Will the New Rules Affect L-1 Visas?
Authorities will also update the cost of L-1 visa extensions. The L-1 visa is used by companies to transfer managers and executives from foreign offices to the U.S. The proposed rule mandates a $4,500 fee for extending an L-1 visa.
This rule will also apply to employers with 50 or more employees when over 50% of these employees hold H-1B or L-1 visas. These companies will need to pay the fee for initial petitions and for any change of employer within the visa duration.
What’s the Current Process for H-1B Visa Holders?
USCIS grants H-1B visa applicants residency and work permits based on employer sponsorship, valid for an initial period of three years. This work permit is a critical pathway for many foreign professionals to build their careers in the U.S.
What Are the Existing Fees and How Will They Change?
Since 2015, the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee applies only to initial visa petitions and changes of employers. The proposed amendments will now expand this fee to all H-1B and L-1 visa extension petitions.
However, it’s essential to note that no fees for extending L-1 or H-1B visas will be required until a final ruling is issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
What Does This Mean for Indian Professionals?
Indian professionals have been the primary recipients of H-1B visas. These new rules will likely have substantial implications for them and the companies employing them. The additional costs may lead to fewer H-1B or L-1 visa sponsors, affecting the employment landscape for Indian IT professionals in the U.S.
Public Commentary and Final Implementation
The new rules will be disclosed on July 8, after which they will be open for public comment. Stakeholders will have the chance to provide their input before any final decision is made.
Conclusion
As per VisaVerge.com, these significant updates to the H-1B and L-1 visa rules highlight the U.S. government’s focus on enhancing national security and reducing fraud within the immigration system. Employers and visa holders should stay updated through official channels to understand the complete impact of these changes.
For authoritative information, ensure to check the USCIS official site for updates directly from the authorities.
By being informed and prepared, companies and professionals alike can adjust accordingly and ensure they meet all new requirements effectively.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services): A federal agency responsible for administering and regulating the nation’s naturalization and immigration system, including visa adjudication, citizenship, and asylum processing.
- H-1B Visa: A non-immigrant visa that permits U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, often in fields such as IT, engineering, and mathematics. It allows professionals to live and work in the U.S. for an initial period of three years, with potential extensions.
- L-1 Visa: A non-immigrant visa allowing international companies to transfer managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees from foreign offices to the U.S. to work for an affiliated entity.
- Extension Fee: A fee required to extend the duration of a visa beyond its initial term. For H-1B visa extensions, a proposed $4,000 fee will be implemented, while a $4,500 fee will apply to L-1 visa extensions.
- DHS (Department of Homeland Security): A U.S. government department focused on ensuring public safety and enhancing national security, also responsible for overseeing agencies like USCIS for immigration enforcement and administration.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The USCIS announced new rules for H-1B and L-1 visas to enhance national security and reduce fraud. Key changes include a $4,000 fee for H-1B extensions and a $4,500 fee for L-1 extensions. These adjustments are expected to notably impact employers, especially those in the Indian IT sector.
— By VisaVerge.com
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– H1B Visa Changes: Indian IT Professionals Consider Returning Home
