How Changes in H-1B Visa Going to Impact Indian Students?

How the H-1B visa program got affected by the Trump Rule?

US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said that “the US intends to alter the current immigration system, specifically the H-1B visa program and green cards”. Under the Trump administration, several reforms have been introduced to the H-1B program, including strictly scrutinising the visa application process, increased application fees, several changes in the lottery system, and restricting international labourers in the country.

Senator Mike Lee of Utah questioned the future of the H-1B visa program, posting, "Is it time to pause H-1B visas?" His comments sparked debate over the H-1B visa programs’s impacts on American jobs. Let us explore each of these in detail to understand how they impact Indian students.

H-1B Visa as a 'Scam' and changes under Trump administration

Together with Florida Governor Ron DeSanti, Trump referred to the H-1B visa program as a ‘scam’, stating that American labourers are facing a crisis due to cheaper international labour. Donald Trump’s ‘Buy American, Hire American’ policies prioritised US citizens for jobs, curbing the influx of international workers in the country.

Impact on Indian Students:

The policies result in making it difficult to obtain the H-1B visas for Indian students. Job roles and qualifications are scrutinized highly, offering fewer opportunities to Indian students. This is because companies did not easily sponsor H-1B visas due to increased prices and regulatory hurdles.

What Indian Students Can Expect?

Despite H-1B visas being the lifelines of Indian students in the US, it has become challenging to get one. Those who have a background in the STEM courses have great advantages of using it and gain professional experience in the US. There are several benefits of STEM courses in USA.

Rising H-1B Visa Application Fee

Initially, the registration fee for the H-1B visa was $10 that increased to $215 and now it went to $780. Another consequence of the Trump administration was the rising price of H-1B visa application fees. As a result, hiring foreign workers became expensive, putting pressure on employers. The main purpose of increasing the visa fees is to minimise the number of H-1B visa applications.

Its impact on Indian Students

Earlier companies used to sponsor H-1B visas for students in software engineering, data science, and IT fields, but now these sponsorships have become lesser due to increased visa application prices.

What Indian Students Can Do?

The need of the hour for Indian students is to pay more attention to maximise employability by aiming for bigger companies which can sponsor H-1B visas. Building a strong professional network, participating in career fairs, and doing internships with reputed companies can help in getting jobs that qualify for visa sponsorship.

Changes to the H-1B Lottery System

Initially, the selection process for H-1B visa was done via a lottery, but in 2020, under the administration of Donald Trump, higher salaries and ‘specialized knowledge’
(highly specific and unique skill set) was prioritized.

Its impact on Indian Students

This change was brought to ensure that highly skilled workers benefit from this, but Indian students who don’t have much experience or salary, face disadvantages in obtaining H-1B visa under the revised lottery system.

What Indian Students Can Do?

The main focus should be on building technical and professional skills to get a high salary. Doing certifications and internships with big names in tech can help them enhance their chances in the lottery.

Long Wait for Permanent Residency in the US (Green Cards)

One of the biggest challenges for Indian students on H-1B visas is the long wait for getting the green card, establishing an uncertain future in the US.

Impact on Indian Students:

Due to a long backlog, Indian students who transition from H-1B to green card face complex procedures.

What needs to be done?

Students should be open to finding alternative pathways to PR beyond H-1B. This could include employer-sponsored Green card applications, family-based sponsorship etc. They can also consider other alternative study abroad destinations like Canada or Australia for a transparent and faster visa process.

Also Read:

• PR in USA

• Cost of Living in USA

How can Indian students overcome ongoing H-1B visa changes?

The ongoing changes in H-1B visas have increased difficulties for Indian students in building careers in the US, with increased application fees, a tighter lottery, and an increasing Green Card backlog. In order to overcome it, students need to emphasize acquiring niche skills, focusing on H-1B-sponsoring companies, and considering alternatives such as entrepreneurship or jobs in nations with easier immigration procedures. Flexibility will be essential for Indian students as they deal with a changing US immigration environment.

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