H-1B visas should be easier to obtain say business leaders
05 April 2011
For concise and recent immigration information watch our news.
From 1 April 2011 you can again apply for an H-1B visa. However, the earliest employment start date is 1 October 2011.
Recently Business leaders asked a congressional subcommittee to reduce the amount of red tape required to obtain an H-1B visa. However an academic claimed that the H-1B visa program makes it easier for employers to hire cheaper foreign labor.
Latest news
- 19 May 2012 US H-1B advanced degree level cap nearly met - Apply now!
- 18 May 2012 US Senator proposes increasing available H-1B visas
- 14 May 2012 US tells India they are the "greatest beneficiaries" of H-1B and L-1 visa
- 10 May 2012 Study finds US immigrants more likely to start a business than non-immigrants
IEEE-USA which is usually in favour of tough immigration controls together with the Semiconductor Industry Association has made a statement supporting changes to the foreign worker program. The open letter to the Judiciary Committee said the following:
"As you may know, SIA and IEEE-USA have for some time been at odds over portions of the H-1B program and its administration," …. "Currently 50 percent of master's and 70 percent of Ph.D. graduates in electrical and electronic engineering from U.S. universities are foreign nationals. These highly talented individuals should be able to get permanent resident status (green cards) in an expedited manner, rather than having to wait from 5-10 years as many do under the current system. ... SIA and IEEE-USA support immediate action by the Congress to retain these graduates as legal permanent residents."
It is hoped that in future the expense and paperwork required to obtain an H-1B visa will be greatly reduced. It is unusual that both business groups and "pro-labor" groups have come together in support of reform of the H-1B visa system. With both sides working together it may turn out to be easier to reform the system.
