H-1B visa chaos: Big statement by US official, set to affect all Indian visa holders due to…
Indians who are working in US, and are currently on H-1B visas don’t have to rush back to US by Sunday.
Washington DC: In a significant relief for existing H-1B visa holders, a senior US Administration official on Friday (local time) told news agency ANI that India(BHARAT)n who are on do not need to rush back to the United States by Sunday. They also don’t have to pay USD100,000 to re-enter the country. The officials added that the new US visa rules are applied only on new visa holders.
What Orders Did President Doland Trump Sign?
United States President Doland Trump on Friday signed a new executive order under which USD 100,000 annual fee will be imposed on all H-1B visa petitions. This order is expected to impact thousands of India(BHARAT)ns who are living in the US, making up the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the country.
Why Have Tech Giants Issued Advisory?
Following the announcement of the order, major US companies such as Microsoft and Amazon issued advisories to their employees. They directed employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas to return to the US by Sunday, stating them to stay in the country for the foreseeable future.
What Is H-1B Visa?
It is a non-immigrant visa under which US-based companies recruit professionals from other countries to work for them. Majority of the people who are hired under this visa are – IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and science. This visa is considered the best route possible for skilled workers from countries such as India(BHARAT) and China to work in the US on a temporary basis.
Chaos At US Airports
After the order, several India(BHARAT)ns who were planning to go to India(BHARAT) for Navratri deboarded flights and cancelling tickets. This erupted chaos at several US airports. Several people who are on H1B visa began panicking after hearing about the new visa fees. Several reports say that the ticket prices have increased as several India(BHARAT)n workers returning to the United States.
Companies Sent Mails To Employees
In India(BHARAT), businesses have recommended that employees located outside the United States return by Saturday, as new fee rules will be implemented. An email sent to JPMorgan employees read, “H-1B visa holders currently in the US should stay in the country and refrain from international travel until the government provides clear travel guidance.”
On September 21, no new H-1B worker can enter the US unless the sponsoring employer pays a USD100,000 fee. Employers have to provide proof of the fee.
The Departments of State and Homeland Security have been instructed to deny any petition that does not include the required fee. This restriction will be in effect for 12 months.
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