Immigration news h1b

Here are some recent updates on H1B immigration news:

Recent Developments:

  1. H1B Visa Lottery Results: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the results of the H1B visa lottery for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The lottery selected 85,000 H1B petitions out of a record 483,000 submissions.
  2. H1B Visa Fees Increase: Effective October 1, 2022, the H1B visa application fee increased from $460 to $500 per petition. The fee increase is aimed at reducing the backlog of pending H1B petitions.
  3. H1B Visa Extensions: The USCIS has announced that it will begin accepting H1B visa extension petitions for employees who are currently in the US on an H1B visa. The extension period will be up to 3 years, subject to certain conditions.
  4. H1B Visa Cap Relief: The US Senate has introduced a bill to provide relief to H1B visa holders by increasing the cap on H1B visas and providing a pathway to permanent residency for certain H1B workers.
  5. H1B Visa Reform: The US House of Representatives has introduced a bill to reform the H1B visa program, aiming to improve the program's integrity and ensure that it benefits American workers.

Recent Court Decisions:

  1. H1B Visa RFEs: A federal court has ruled that the USCIS's practice of issuing Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for H1B petitions is not arbitrary and capricious.
  2. H1B Visa Denials: A federal court has ruled that the USCIS's denial of an H1B petition based on a lack of evidence of a "specialty occupation" was not supported by the record.

Recent USCIS Guidance:

  1. H1B Visa Portability: The USCIS has issued guidance on H1B visa portability, allowing H1B workers to change employers while their petition is pending, subject to certain conditions.
  2. H1B Visa Cap Exemptions: The USCIS has issued guidance on H1B visa cap exemptions for certain employees, such as those working in the healthcare industry.

Recent Industry Developments:

  1. Tech Industry H1B Visa Use: The tech industry has been a significant user of H1B visas, with many major tech companies relying on the program to hire foreign workers.
  2. H1B Visa Alternatives: Some companies are exploring alternative visa options, such as the L1 visa or the O1 visa, to hire foreign workers.

Recent Policy Changes:

  1. H1B Visa Reform: The Trump administration had proposed reforms to the H1B visa program, including a salary-based system and a cap on the number of H1B visas issued.
  2. H1B Visa Suspension: The Trump administration had suspended the H1B visa program for several months in 2020, citing concerns about the program's integrity.

These are just a few of the recent updates on H1B immigration news. If you have any specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask!