During his recent address to the Indian multitude at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington DC, Prime Minister Mod i announced the introduction of ‘in-country’ renewal of H-1B visas for Indians working in the USA. The decision is an outcome of the recent bilateral meeting between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and forms a part of the people-to-people initiative.
This decision serves as a major relief to Indian professionals who would no longer need to travel abroad to renew their work visas. Furthermore, this move is aimed towards smoothening the process of H-1B visa renewal and making it hassle-free for Indians working in America.
The Prime Minister further pointed out America’s decision to open its new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. Along similar lines, India is also set to open a consulate in Seattle this year. Two more Indian consulates will be set up in two more American cities.
This decision comes after the mutual agreement of the two nations on the fact that the movement of workers (both professional and skilled), students, business travelers and investors between the countries contribute greatly towards enhancing bilateral economic as well as technological partnership.
What is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B Visa refers to a temporary work visa that allows American employers to hire skilled foreign workers for a specific period of time. The prime function of this visa is to fill the critical gap in the American labour market, particularly in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The H-1B Visa therefore, helps fill employment gaps in several STEM occupations, and enables extension of job opportunities to all.
The quota is set at 65,000 visas each fiscal year in 2023.
Benefits of an H-1B visa
- According to economists, the growing presence of immigrant workers in the American labour market has created new job opportunities for several indigenous workers.
- The presence of different skill sets imply employment in different occupations.
- Most of the times, immigrants contribute in expanding the American labour market by creating new business.
- Furthermore, foreign businesses tend to expand their businesses in response to the presence of immigrant workers rather than looking oversees for opportunities.
The presence of H-1B visa workers brings about new ideas and innovations that fuels economic growth in the country.
Who are eligible for an H-1B visa?
To become eligible for an H-1B visa, applicants will need the following-
- A valid employment offer from an American employer for a role that demands speciality knowledge.
- Proof of a bachelor’s degree or any other equivalent in the related field.
- A proof submitted by the employer that shows the lack of availability of a qualified U.S applicant for the said role.
How much does an H-1B Visa cost?
While registering for an H-1B lottery, an applicant has to make a payment of $10. In case of selection for an H-1B visa, the employer is required to make a payment of $460 for filing Form 1-129 (petitions for the temporary workers).
H-1B visa process
After applying for an H-1B visa, the process of filing a petition has to be done on behalf of the worker.
- The employer is required to submit a Labour Condition Application (LCA) addressed to the Department of Labour (DOL) for certification. The LCA serves as confirmation that the temporary worker will receive the same wage as any other qualified worker in the same geographic area, and their working conditions will not affect the condition of other employees.
- Once the LCA has been approved by the DOL, the employer will have to complete Form 1-129, along with the required fees and supporting documents.
Documents to be kept ready for H-1B Visa
The concerned applicant must make arrangements for the following documents when applying for an H-1B Visa–
- Valid passport.
- Printout of the confirmation page of Form DS-160.
- Copy of receipts showing proof of payments.
- Passport size photo as per U.S. State Department Requirements.
- Copy of the approved 1-129 petition and 1-797 approval.
Considering the present-day scenario, H-1B visa holders may also apply for a Green Card. However, this process may be subject to long periods of delay.
To conclude, the decision to allow for ‘in-country’ renewal of H-1B visa not just makes the process hassle-free for thousands of Indians working in America, but also signifies the coming together of the two nations in shaping the lives and dreams of its people. Furthermore, the leaders of the two nations have acknowledged the necessary steps to augment the processing of visa applications, hinting towards an urgent need to speed up the process further.
The Prime Minister’s visit to the USA therefore, has heralded a glorious journey of enhanced mutual relations between the two countries.