H1B Visa Program, Beneficiaries, Eligibility and Limits

The H-1B visa program, critical for skilled migration to the United States, has become a point of contention among supporters of Donald Trump as he prepares to return as US President.

Table of Contents

About H1B visa

It is a Visa in the United States that allows the US employers to employ high skilled foreign workers in specialised occupations.
It was established in 1990 to help employers address skill shortages that the domestic workforce cannot fill.

Specialised Occupation

It refers to a job that requires a specific set of specialised skills and educational qualifications.

Educational Requirement: At least a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field of study.
Specialised Knowledge: Expertise in a particular field like- IT specialists, engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals etc.

Eligibility and Limits

Valid for up to 6 years (initially issued for 3 years and renewable for another three).
Workers must either leave the US after 6 years or apply for permanent residence (Green Card).
Annual cap: 65,000 visas under the regular cap. An additional 20,000 visas for individuals with advanced degrees from US universities.

Beneficiaries by Country

Indians dominate the H-1B program, accounting for over 70% of all approvals annually since 2015.
Chinese nationals come 2nd, representing 12-13% of approvals since 2018.

Indians and H1B Visa

High Proportion of Recipients: Indian nationals constitute a significant portion of H-1B visa recipients each year. In recent years, they have accounted for over 70% of the total H-1B visas issued.
Reasons for High Demand: Several factors contribute to the high demand for H-1B visas among Indian nationals:
- Strong Education System: India has a robust education system with a large pool of highly skilled graduates in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Economic Opportunities: The U.S. offers attractive career prospects and higher salaries compared to many other countries, making it a desirable destination for Indian professionals.
- IT Industry Dominance: The U.S. tech industry has a significant presence of Indian-origin professionals, further driving the demand for H-1B visas.