USCIS Set to Announce New H-1B Visa Regulations Impacting Indian IT Professionals

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is preparing to unveil new regulations for H-1B visas that could significantly impact employers and professionals, particularly those from India. These proposed regulations are scheduled for release on July 8, initiating a public commentary period before the changes become official. H-1B visas are the main channel through which Indian IT companies send their software engineers to work in the US, with Indians historically making up the largest group of H-1B recipients.

What are the Changes?

The proposed changes include introducing a $4,000 fee for extending H-1B visas and a $4,500 fee for extending L-1 visas. These fees align with the 9/11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee, which currently applies only to initial visa petitions and employer changes.

First proposed by the USCIS on October 23 last year, the rule is now in a 60-day commentary phase. According to Forbes, the Biden administration could finalize the rule by the end of this year or after the upcoming election.