H1b Visa
High cost of anti-immigration policies: Backlash risks growth, innovation
Economists have long argued that easing restrictions on cross-border mobility brings enormous benefits to both destination and origin countries
 "High cost of anti-immigration policies: Backlash risks growth, innovation")
US orders H-1B spouses, kids to keep social media public from Dec 15
US has ordered H-1B applicants and their H-4 dependants to keep all social-media profiles public, extending mandatory online-presence checks already applied to F, M and J visas
 "US orders H-1B spouses, kids to keep social media public from Dec 15")
H-1B visas go to average college grads, not skilled workers: Ex-US official
Former US visa officials describe concerns over inflated demand for "specialty" workers, student debt imbalances and alleged fraud in Indian H-1B applications
 "H-1B visas go to average college grads, not skilled workers: Ex-US official")
H-1B applicants: Your LinkedIn profile is now evidence under Trump checks
A new State Department directive warns consular officers to reject applicants found involved in suppressing protected expression, intensifying the Trump administration's crackdown on legal migration
 "H-1B applicants: Your LinkedIn profile is now evidence under Trump checks")
H-1B visa approvals: Amazon, Meta, Microsoft lead, Indian IT faces 70% fall
New NFAP figures show a steep fall in new H-1B approvals for Indian IT companies in FY 2025, while Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Google expanded their hiring
HIRE Act: How the H-1B visa quota may rise to 1,30,000 from 65,000
The Bill, backed by ITServe Alliance, proposes raising the H-1B quota to 1,30,000 and removing the advanced-degree cap as the programme faces steep fees, political pressure and allegations of fraud
H-1B scam: Chennai okayed 220,000 visas against 85k US cap, says economist
A US economist claims the Chennai consulate issued 220,000 H-1B visas despite America's 85,000 cap, echoing a former diplomat's allegations of widespread fraud
 "H-1B scam: Chennai okayed 220,000 visas against 85k US cap, says economist")
Fast-track green cards: Why Indians are ditching H-1B for EB-1A route
Indian professionals are accelerating their move towards the EB-1A extraordinary ability route as H-1B hiring grows costlier and more restrictive, with early-2025 filings up by more than 50%
 "Fast-track green cards: Why Indians are ditching H-1B for EB-1A route")
Trump backs H-1B roles only until US workers can replace them: White House
White House Press Secretary said foreign workers may be needed initially to launch specialised facilities, but Trump wants American workers to eventually hold those roles
 "Trump backs H-1B roles only until US workers can replace them: White House")
H-1B visa fee: Immigrant physicians vital to America, says Harvard scholar
Trump's sharp increase in H-1B visa fees has raised fears of losing foreign-trained doctors who keep US rural and low-income communities functioning
 "H-1B visa fee: Immigrant physicians vital to America, says Harvard scholar")
H-1B visa layoffs: The important Plan B every Indian worker in the US needs
What happens when an H-1B worker is laid off? A strict 60-day countdown begins, and rising reports of early NTAs are adding new pressure on already-stressed workers
Skilled immigrants needed in US: Trump's stance triggers MAGA backlash
US President Donald Trump said companies building advanced factories must be allowed to bring foreign experts
 "Skilled immigrants needed in US: Trump's stance triggers MAGA backlash")
Americans avoid challenging physical work: Elon Musk on H-1B visa row
Elon Musk's comments about Americans avoiding demanding work revived a heated US debate on labour shortages and the future of the H-1B visa programme, Trump again defending the need for foreign talent
 "Americans avoid challenging physical work: Elon Musk on H-1B visa row")
People with obesity, diabetes may not get US visas approved: Here's why
The officers have also been asked to keep a track of the health conditions of the visa applicant's dependents
 "People with obesity, diabetes may not get US visas approved: Here's why")
Trump recognises H1-B talent as Indian tech leaders assess policy signals
President Trump's acknowledgement of the importance of H1-B talent has boosted sentiment in India's tech sector
 "Trump recognises H1-B talent as Indian tech leaders assess policy signals")
China K visa vs H-1B: Can Beijing lure foreign tech talent from US, Europe?
China K Visa: As the US raises barriers for foreign professionals, Beijing unveils a new K visa offering longer stays, easier entry, and freedom to work or study in science and technology sectors
 "China K visa vs H-1B: Can Beijing lure foreign tech talent from US, Europe?")
175 H-1B visa misuse cases under Trump's scrutiny to protect Americans
The Trump administration has opened 175 investigations into alleged misuse of H-1B visa, including fake work sites and underpaid positions, as part of a wider push to protect American jobs
Canada opens fast-track for H-1B visa holders, announces $1.2 billion plan
Canada sets aside C$1.7 billion to bring in over 1,000 top researchers and launches a fast-track for H-1B visa holders while halving foreign student permits
 "Canada opens fast-track for H-1B visa holders, announces $1.2 billion plan")
US resumes H-1B visa processing after shutdown halts applications
The US Department of Labor's FLAG portal and labour certification systems are back online, allowing H-1B employers and applicants to resume filings delayed by the shutdown
Indians, H-1Bs 'stole' American Dream from young Americans: Trump admin
The Labour Department's Project Firewall revives Trump's 'America First' rhetoric, alleging that US firms are replacing young Americans with foreign H-1B workers, mostly from India
 "Indians, H-1Bs 'stole' American Dream from young Americans: Trump admin")
