H-1B visa lottery applications dropped 40% due to measures against fraud. Rules restrict multiple entries, ensuring fairness. Major tech firms employ visa holders, but critics raise concerns about wages and labor protections.
H-1B workers, including Indian nationals, can begin applying to renew their visas without leaving the US, marking a significant change after nearly two decades.
The United States will start online filing of H-1B applications for FY25 in February, with the introduction of organizational accounts for collaboration and submission.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has finalized a rule announcing an increase in premium processing fees for specific visa categories, including H-1B applications. Immigration attorneys advise sponsoring employers to consider the new fees in their immigration budget planning.