A new bill has been introduced proposing a three-year pause on H-1B visas, with significant changes to the program upon its resumption. The bill aims to reduce the annual cap from 65,000 to 25,000 and replace the current lottery system with a wage-based selection process.
Key Details:
- Annual H-1B cap reduced to 25,000, eliminating existing exemptions.
- Employers must certify they cannot find qualified American workers and have not conducted layoffs.
- Minimum wage for H-1B positions set at $200,000 per year.
- H-1B workers barred from holding multiple jobs and prohibited from being employed by third-party staffing agencies.
- Dependents of H-1B workers will not be allowed to enter the U.S.
- Federal agencies will be prohibited from sponsoring nonimmigrant workers.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) will be ended.
- H-1B holders will not be able to adjust status to permanent residency.
- Nonimmigrants must leave the U.S. before changing to another nonimmigrant status.
This proposed legislation could significantly impact thousands of foreign workers and their families seeking employment in the U.S. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Sonal Sharma