Startup Founders to Get H-1B Visas Faster Under Proposed Plan

• Manish Khandelwal
• 23/10/2023
• Visas & Passports

In a bid to enhance the efficiency of the H-1B foreign worker program, the Biden administration has proposed wide-sweeping changes to the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations.

These proposed modifications aim to streamline eligibility criteria, offer increased flexibility for F-1 students, entrepreneurs, and those working for non-profit organizations, and enhance the working conditions for non-immigrant workers.

Let’s delve into the key details of these transformative alterations.

Understanding the H-1B Visa Program

The H-1B visa program serves as a vital gateway for US companies to employ foreign workers specializing in fields that require theoretical or technical expertise. These visas are typically granted for a period ranging from three to six years, enabling employers to bring in foreign talent to fulfill specific roles.

Notably, many tech giants in the United States rely on this program to recruit hundreds of thousands of employees each year, with a significant portion hailing from countries such as India and China.

Proposed Changes to the H-1B Visa Program

The Biden administration has proposed several significant changes to the H-1B visa program, designed to facilitate the visa application process and make it more accessible to a broader range of individuals. Here are the key modifications:

1. Startups

The Biden administration is proposing to give a boost to startup founders by enabling their enterprises to sponsor their work visas. Under current rules, startup founders must have a US investor to sponsor their H-1B visa.

The proposed change would allow startup founders to sponsor their own visas, which would make it easier for them to start and grow their businesses in the United States.