Important Facts For Prelims
H-1B Visa Program
- 01 Jan 2025
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The H-1B visa program has recently garnered significant attention amidst political debates. with prominent figures, including Elon Musk, have voiced support for its continuation, emphasizing its role in addressing the US’s STEM talent shortages.
What is the H-1B Visa Program?
- About: The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa which allows US-based companies to hire and employ foreign workers for specialty jobs like science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and IT (High skills and at least a bachelor’s degree)
- It was introduced in 1990 to help US employers address skill shortages when qualified US workers are unavailable.
- A nonimmigrant visa allows temporary entry to the US for purposes like tourism, business, work, study, or medical treatment.
- Visa Duration: An H-1B visa can be issued for a maximum of six years. After this period, the visa holder must either leave the US for at least 12 months before reapplying for another H-1B visa or apply for permanent residence (a Green Card).
- Annual Cap and Exemptions: Currently, there is a regular annual cap of 65,000 new H-1B visas each fiscal year.
- An additional 20,000 visas are available for applicants who hold a master’s degree or higher from a US university.
- Petitions for H-1B visa holders seeking continued employment and those seeking employment at higher education institutions, affiliated nonprofits, or government research organizations are eligible for cap exemption.
- Dominance of Indians: People born in India are the largest beneficiaries accounting for more than 70% of all approved H-1B petitions annually since 2015.
- People born in China rank second, consistently making up 12-13% of petitions since 2018.
Other US Nonimmigrant Visa Categories
| Visa Category | Purpose of Travel |
| O | Foreign national with extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics |
| H-2A | Temporary agricultural worker |
| H-2B | Temporary worker performing other services or labor of a temporary or seasonal nature |
| B-2 | Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor |
| V | Nonimmigrant Visa for Spouse and Children of a Lawful Permanent Resident |
Note: China and India dominate the STEM fields worldwide.
- According to data presented by the Centre for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), a US based think tank, in 2020, China (3.57 million) and India (2.55 million) led the world in STEM graduates, far surpassing the US (820,000).
