H1b visa processing latest news

Here are the latest news and updates on H1B visa processing:

Recent Developments:

  1. H1B Cap Season 2023: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the H1B cap for the 2023 fiscal year has been reached. The agency will continue to accept and process H1B petitions that are subject to the cap, but will not accept any new petitions until the next fiscal year.
  2. H1B Premium Processing Resumes: USCIS has resumed premium processing for H1B petitions, effective October 3, 2022. This means that petitioners can now pay an additional fee to expedite the processing of their H1B petitions.
  3. H1B Visa Extension for Certain Employees: The Biden administration has announced that it will extend the validity of H1B visas for certain employees who are unable to return to their home country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  4. H1B Visa Reform: There have been ongoing efforts to reform the H1B visa program, with some lawmakers proposing changes to the program to prioritize American workers and prevent abuse.

Recent Updates from USCIS:

  1. H1B Petition Processing Times: According to the USCIS website, the current processing times for H1B petitions are:
    • Regular processing: 8-14 months
    • Premium processing: 15-30 days
  2. H1B RFEs: USCIS has issued a significant number of Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for H1B petitions in recent months, particularly for petitions filed under the advanced degree exemption (H1B1).
  3. H1B Denials: USCIS has denied a significant number of H1B petitions in recent months, particularly for petitions filed under the specialty occupation exemption (H1B1).

Industry Insights:

  1. H1B Visa Demand: The demand for H1B visas remains strong, with many U.S. companies relying on the program to hire foreign workers in specialized fields such as technology, healthcare, and finance.
  2. H1B Visa Reform: The ongoing debate over H1B visa reform has led to increased scrutiny of the program, with some lawmakers calling for changes to prevent abuse and prioritize American workers.
  3. H1B Visa Alternatives: As the H1B visa program continues to face challenges, some companies are exploring alternative options, such as the L1 visa program or the TN visa program, to hire foreign workers.

Recent News Articles:

  1. "H1B Visa Cap Reached for 2023, USCIS Says" (Bloomberg Law)
  2. "USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for H1B Petitions" (Law360)
  3. "Biden Administration Extends H1B Visas for Certain Employees" (The Hill)
  4. "H1B Visa Reform Efforts Gain Momentum in Congress" (Forbes)

I hope this information is helpful!