H1-B Visa: US received 65 thousand applications for an H1-B visa, Federal Agency for Immigration Services gave information

The US has received 65,000 applications for H1-B visas for the fiscal year 2023, which is the maximum number approved by Congress (Parliament). The US Federal Agency for Immigration Services gave this information on Tuesday.

What is H1-B Visa

The H1-B visa is a non-immigration visa through which US companies recruit foreign workers in areas of expertise. Technology companies in particular are heavily dependent on this visa, which recruits thousands of employees every year from countries like India and China. H1-B is the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians.

Let us tell you, due to the limit set by Congress, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can issue a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas in a year. USCIS can issue another 20,000 H-1B visas to foreign students who have completed higher education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects from a US university.

The US government issues H1-B visas to employees with higher education. It allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers. H-1B work authorization is strictly limited to employment by the sponsoring employer only.

How to apply for H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa cannot be applied for by itself. For this, you are sponsored by an American company. Your employer pays your visa fee and they submit your documents to the visa office on your behalf. Initially, H-1B visas are available for three years, which can be extended for up to six years.

If you have an H-1B visa, you can also keep your family members for the duration of your stay in the US. An h-4 visa is issued for a spouse or children. H-1B visa holders can apply for permanent US citizenship after five years.

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