The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is Stepping ahed to introduce new rules for H-1B and L-1 visas aimed at combating fraud and enhancing national security, according to Business Because.
The proposed changes are expected to have significant implications for both employers and professionals, particularly those from India. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) indicated that under the new rules, all H-1B visa extensions would require a hefty $4,000 fee.
"These proposed changes aim to strengthen our immigration system and ensure the integrity of employment-based visa programs while also safeguarding national security," the Times of India quoted DHS as saying.
The new rules are set to be unveiled on July 8, after which they will be open for public comment for a specific period. The H-1B visa is crucial for Indian IT companies, serving as the primary route to deploy their software engineering professionals in the US. Historically, Indians have been the largest group of H-1B visa recipients.
Additionally, changes are expected to the costs associated with L-1 visa extensions. The L-1 visa allows companies to hire managers and executives from foreign offices and bring them to the US. The proposed rule would mandate a $4,500 fee for extending an L-1 visa.
Furthermore, employers with 50 or more employees, where over 50 percent of employees hold H-1B or L-1 visas, will be required to pay a fee for initial petitions and when there is a change of employer.
The USCIS grants H-1B visa applicants residency and work permits after the employer provides sponsorship. Initially, this permit is valid for a period of three years after completing a higher education degree.
Currently, the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, introduced in 2015, applies only to initial visa petitions and changes of employers. The proposed amendments aim to expand this fee to encompass all H-1B and L-1 visa extension petitions.
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