Immigration Wrap 2023: H-1B revamp, student visa changes & costlier applications for the US
visa applications for the year. This marked a 20% increase from the number processed in 2019. The US Embassy and Consulates in India reported that over 1.2 million Indians visited the USA last year, solidifying it as one of the most robust travel relationships globally.
According to the US Embassy and Consulates in India, Indians now represent over 10% of all visa applicants worldwide, including 20% of all student visa applicants and 65% of all H&L-category (employment) visa applicants.
The United States also made considerable changes in the immigration policies through the year, and have also laid out significant plans for 2024.
Here are the big visa and immigration changes Unites States announced in 2023
1. H-1B Visas: A revamp plan and a dometic renewal pilot
The commencement of the in-country H-1B visa renewal pilot program marked a significant development in 2023. Launched by the US State Department, this limited rollout allowed 20,000 participants to renew their H-1B visas within the United States. However, spouses of H-1B employees are excluded from this process, and participants must submit their visas to the State Department, refraining from international travel during the renewal period.
Read in detail| H-1B visa domestic renewal begins January 29, 2024: Key dates to note, fees & documents
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is planning substantial modifications to the H-1B specialty occupation worker program, aiming to modernize and streamline the process while enhancing integrity measures. One major change it will bring is barring related entities from submitting multiple registrations for the same applicant, strengthening anti-fraud measures.
Read in detail| Four ways the United States is
