What is the H-1B visa program?

The US has been, for decades, the most attractive destination for thousands of foreigners across the world, who yearn to build a promising future in this hopeful and abundant land, or who want to gain work experience, visit their beloved ones or study for a specific period of time.

One of the main branches of the local immigration system is employment-based programs, which are available to all kinds of foreign workers, from highly experienced workers to inexperienced or agricultural workers.

To give a specific example, the H-1B visa program is one of the most important for American or US-based companies to hire highly qualified foreign workers in sectors such as science and technology when there are not enough local workers available or properly trained.

The H-1B visa is available for specialty occupations and applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to use this business immigration program, both local employers and foreign workers.

If you are looking for help with a Business Immigration Case, our team can help you, regardless of whether you are a local employer or a foreign worker.

What is the current duration of the H-1B visa?

Since the Immigration Act of 1990 was officially implemented, the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) has been authorized to grant H-1B status to foreign workers for up to 6 years.

Currently, the USCIS initially issues a 3-year permit for eligible H-1B visa applicants, who must request the respective extension (for another 3 years) before their visa expires.

Among many other things, foreign workers holding H-1B visas can bring their closest relatives to the US (such as spouses and children – under certain conditions) through programs based on family ties. Adding to that, eligible spouses can also choose to apply for an employment authorization permit.

Do not think twice when seeking reliable help for your immigration process, it is undoubtedly the best decision to protect your future in the US. Contact Motion Law Immigration, schedule a FREE Consultation and follow the advice of our experienced attorneys!

Expert: USCIS should extend the H-1B visa initial duration

David Bier, a researcher at the Cato Institute, recently stated that it is not enough to remove the Trump administration’s restrictive policies on business immigration programs, but that the USCIS must also find ways to issue H-1B visas more effectively and efficiently.

In fact, Bier states that if the USCIS is authorized by local law to grant work permits for a total of 6 years, why not do it from the beginning and avoid all the effort that comes with applying for an H-1B visa extension?

Bier openly argues that applying for an H-1B visa extension after three years is an “unnecessary and expensive burden (…) The USCIS should replace the 3-year limit on initial H-1B petition approvals with a 6-year limit”.

In this way, the Biden administration could hit multiple targets with a single shot by:

• Expediting immigration processes for local companies to fill skilled workforce gaps with the help of highly qualified foreign workers.
• Reducing the backlog of pending immigration cases across the US.
• Attracting talent from abroad in times of crisis.
• Reducing the workload for USCIS employees to improve the efficiency of the country’s immigration system.

Do you need help with an immigration case of any kind?

If you, a family member, or a friend need help with an immigration case, please contact Motion Law today to schedule a FREE Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys. Our team will be happy to guide you through your immigration journey in the US.

Please contact Motion Law Immigration today at: (202) 918-1799.