H-1B VISA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The United States has launched a pilot programme that will benefit Indian tech professionals- Washington has launched a program to renew the much sought-after H-1B foreign work visas domestically.

H-1B Visa Program

• About: The H-1B visa is a non immigrant work visa designed to enable U.S. employers to employ foreign workers possessing specialized skills within the United States for a specified duration.
• Occupations eligible for the H-1B visa are primarily concentrated in fields like technology, finance, engineering, architecture, and others.
• H-1B Visa Eligibility: A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge
• Proof of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in that field
• Your employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role

H-2B Visa

• About: The H-2B program permits U.S. employers or their agents to bring foreign nationals into the United States for temporary, non-agricultural employment.
• This program primarily encompasses seasonal workers employed in sectors such as landscaping, forestry, hospitality, and construction.

EB-5 Visa

• About: The EB-5 (employment-based, 5th preference) investor visa grants permanent resident status to investors who satisfy certain criteria.
• Created: in 1990 by the Immigration Act of 1990.
• Aim: To create jobs and boost the economy by attracting foreign capital.