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H-1 B Visa

1st February, 2024

H-1 B Visa

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Picture Courtesy: www.thequint.com

Context: The H-1B Visa Domestic Renewal Program was launched by the US Department of State as a pilot program that allows certain H-1B visa holders to renew their visas domestically, without having to travel abroad.

About H-1B Visa

  • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise, with technology companies often relying on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.

H-1B Visa Renewal Program

  • Launched on January 29, 2024, the pilot renewal program will run until April 1, 2024.
  • The pilot program is voluntary and will accept approximately 4,000 applications each week, divided into 2,000 slots for applicants whose prior H-1B visas were issued by diplomatic missions in Canada and another 2,000 slots for applicants whose prior visas were issued by US embassies and consulates in India.
  • Applicants can only apply through the designated portal, with applications processed on a first-received, first-processed basis until the weekly limit is reached.

This pilot program offers an opportunity for H-1B visa holders currently in status to renew their visas in the US before temporary trips abroad, aligning with the ongoing demand for skilled foreign workers in speciality occupations and facilitating smoother immigration processes for professionals contributing to the US workforce.

Must Read Articles:

H-1B AND L-1 VISA: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/h-1b-and-l-1-visa#:~:text=The%20H%2D1B%20visais,countries%20like%20India%20and%20China.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What does the term "H-1B" refer to in the context of immigration news?

A) A type of tax form

B) An employment-based non-immigrant visa

C) A federal budget category

D) A legislative bill in Congress

Answer: B

Explanation: H-1B is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.