The Fate Of H-1B Visa Holders Hangs In Balance Due To COVID-19

The fate of H-1B visa holders is still dicey. Indian government and industry body NASSCOM is talking to the US government regarding the same.

According to a recent news report, the Indian government has asked the Trump administration to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas held by Indian nationals.

On April 8, Indian Foreign Secretary took up the matter with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun.

According to a report in a reputed news channel, NASSCOM has requested the Department of Homeland Service and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to extend the 90 days grace period given to leave the country after the visas expire.

However, the Trump administration is yet to respond to the issue. Netra Chavan, who manages one the largest H-1B and H4 community Facebook groups, said that the administration has not provided clarity on a visa that has expired or about to expire.

This lack of clarity over the issue is what is keeping the community on tenterhooks, visa holders suggest.

Visa holders are worried given that amid the pandemic, it would be hard to find a job within the 60-day timeframe when your existing employment terminates. They are also at the risk of being deported if they are unable to change their visa status.

Thus, any decision by the Trump administration will not only has a bearing on the Indian community, but also the tech ecosystem there.

As there are over 5 lakh Indian H-1B visa holders in the US and many of them have been waiting to get their green card for more than a decade. The majority of these visa holders are employed in tech companies, including giants such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft. For most tech firms, Indian techies constitute a significant portion of their workforce.