Page 4 - Us Visa News Today

The United States has announced a steep fee hike for H-1B, L-1, and EB-5 visas, which are commonly used by Indians to immigrate to the country. This is the first fee increase since 2016 and will be effective from April 1st.

The US on January 29 has formally launched a pilot programme to renew the much sought-after H-1B visas domestically, a move that is likely to benefit thousands of Indian tech professionals.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. - H-1B, L-1 And EB-5 Visa: US Hikes Fees For Various Categories Of Non-Immigrant Visas, Check New Rates

The United States has introduced a final rule to enhance the integrity of the H-1B visa system. The rule includes a beneficiary-centric selection process, fully electronic registration and petition transmission, and the requirement of valid passport or travel document information for each beneficiary. USCIS now has the authority to deny or revoke H-1B petitions with false attestations or invalid registrations.

The pilot programme for H-1B visa renewal will run from January 29 to April 1, accepting approximately 4,000 applications per week. H-1B visa holders will be able to renew their visas in the US before a temporary trip abroad through the pilot programme, which is voluntary.

H-1B Visa: In a move to fortify the integrity of the H-1B registration process and mitigate fraud risks, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a final rule for the fiscal year 2025 H-1B cap.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced revisions in certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. This marks the first adjustment since 2016.

The US Embassy and Consulates in India processed 1.4 million visas in 2023, with a 75% reduction in appointment wait times despite increased demand. Indians make up one-tenth of all US visa applicants globally.

US politicians are discussing changes to the H-1B visa regime as immigration becomes a major issue in the upcoming November election. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump has expressed anti-immigration sentiments, while President Joe Biden proposes more flexible rules. Tech companies will be impacted by the changes, including fee hikes and stricter eligibility requirements.

In 2023, the US processed a record-breaking 1.4 million visas for Indians, leading to a 75% reduction in wait times. Indians now make up 1/10th of all US visa applicants globally, with demand increasing by 60%. The US Embassy and Consulates in India highlighted the surge in visa applications across all categories, with visitor visas and student visas reaching historic highs.