New York: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are introducing several changes to its popular H-1B visa program, starting March 20, the Financial Times reported. The Foreign Labor Access Gateway (FLAG), which allows American employers to hire nonimmigrant workers, will start deleting old applications, according to the newspaper.
Over 70% of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023 were received by Indian skilled workers, according to data shared in the Indian Parliament. "I like both sides of the argument, but I also like very competent people coming into our country, even if that involves them training and helping other people that may not have the qualifications they do," Trump told reporters at the White House.
The H-1B visa system is a major route for foreign skilled workers looking to find work in the country. The Financial Times noted that any record older than five years will be deleted from the FLAG system. Employers were reportedly asked to download any cases older than five years. Starting March 20, all temporary labor condition applications will be eliminated.
The USCIS plans to launch a new application process for employees. In the previous system, multiple employers could file applications for an individual. But, the new system will give all applicants an ‘equal chance’ regardless of how many employers submit applications for them. The registration fee will be hiked from $10 to $215 per entry.
