U.S. proposes significant changes to H-1B visa program, impacting Indian workers and students
The U.S. government is set to introduce wide-ranging changes to its H-1B work visa program, Optional Practical Training (OPT) system, and employment-based Green Cards, as outlined in the Unified Regulatory Agendas. These changes, expected by August, include reducing H-1B cap exemptions for universities, stricter requirements for employers placing H-1B workers at third-party client sites, and increasing the entry-level wage benchmark for H-1B and PERM systems. For students, fixed periods of stay will replace the 'duration of stay' principle, and tighter rules for STEM OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are expected by February 2027. These changes will significantly impact Indian workers and students, who constitute a large percentage of H-1B visa holders and international students in the U.S.
Key Points
- The U.S. is implementing significant changes to its H-1B visa program, OPT system, and Green Card processes.
- Changes include reduced H-1B cap exemptions for universities and stricter requirements for third-party client site placements.
- The entry-level wage benchmark for H-1B and PERM systems will be increased, making Green Cards more expensive.
- International students will face fixed periods of stay instead of 'duration of stay' and tighter rules for STEM OPT and CPT.
Exam Facts
- Visa program: H-1B.
- Other programs: OPT (Optional Practical Training), PERM (Program Electronic Review Management), CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
- H-1B annual cap: 85,000.
- Indian share of H-1B applications: 71-74%.
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