Resources on the H-1B Visa Program

There has been lots of discussion of H-1B visas in the last week.  The American Immigration Council has provided resources about those visas.

Fact Sheet: The H-1B Visa Program and Its Impact on the U.S. Economy

Foreign workers fill a critical need in the U.S. labor market—particularly in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Every year, U.S. employers seeking highly skilled foreign professionals compete for the pool of H-1B visa numbers for which U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) controls the allocation. With a low statutory limit of visa numbers available, demand for H-1B visa numbers has outstripped the supply in recent years, and the cap has been reached before the year ends. Research shows that H-1B workers complement U.S. workers, fill employment gaps in many STEM occupations, and expand job opportunities for all.  

This fact sheet provides an overview of the H-1B visa category and petition process, addresses some of the myths perpetuated about the H-1B visa category, and highlights the key contributions H-1B workers make to the U.S. economy.

Recent Blog: H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued its long-awaited H-1B modernization rule. The final rule takes effect on January 17, 2025. USCIS describes several of the regulations as codifying policies the agency has followed for years. The agency also emphasized that several of the regulations were enacted to strengthen “program integrity.” The final rule also includes a helpful change for F-1 academic students. Some of the changes apply to several temporary work categories in addition to the H-1B as they affect the filing with USCIS of a petition for a nonimmigrant worker (Form I-129). 

KJ