Are H1B Slots Open in India?

As an Indian professional seeking to work in the United States, you may have heard of the H1B visa program. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, such as science, engineering, and information technology. However, due to recent changes in U. immigration policy and the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been uncertainty regarding the availability of H1B slots for Indian applicants.

Changes in U. Immigration Policy

In 2017, Donald Trump’s administration introduced a series of reforms to the H1B visa program. These reforms aimed to prioritize American workers and prevent abuse of the program by outsourcing companies. Some of these changes included:

• Tightening eligibility criteria for H1B visas
• Increasing scrutiny of applications by requesting additional evidence
• Eliminating expedited processing options

These changes led to a decline in the number of H1B visas issued to Indian nationals. In 2016, Indians received more than 70% of all H1B visas issued worldwide.

However, by 2020, this number had fallen to around 60%. This decline was due to several factors, including increased scrutiny of applications and delays in processing times.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

In addition to changes in U. immigration policy, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the availability of H1B slots for Indian applicants. In April 2020, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the issuance of new H1B visas until December 31st, 2020.

The suspension applied only to new applicants outside of the United States. However, it still had a significant impact on Indian professionals seeking to work in the U. Many Indian workers who had received job offers and were waiting for their visa applications to be processed were affected by the suspension.

Are H1B Slots Open in India Now

As of September 2021, H1B slots are open for Indian applicants. However, there are still several factors that may affect your eligibility for an H1B visa, including:

• Your profession and job offer
• Your educational qualifications
• Your work experience

If you are considering applying for an H1B visa, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you navigate the complex application process and ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

The availability of H1B slots for Indian applicants has been affected by changes in U. immigration policy and the COVID-19 pandemic. While H1B slots are currently open for Indian professionals, there are still several factors that may affect your eligibility for the program. If you are considering applying for an H1B visa, it is essential to seek guidance from a knowledgeable immigration attorney.