The H-1B visa program is like a golden ticket for people with special skills who want to work in the United States. Now, for the fiscal year 2025, the process is starting again, and if you’re from India and dreaming of working in the US, it’s time to pay attention to what’s happening.
Changes on the Horizon:
Some big changes might be coming to how people apply for H-1B visas. The US government is thinking about doing things differently, which could make it easier or harder to get one. It’s something to keep an eye on as things develop.
A Promise of Improvement:
The White House has said they want to make things better for people going through the H-1B process. They’re working on making the system smoother and more user-friendly. So, hopefully, it’ll be less stressful for everyone involved.
Looking Back:
Let’s take a quick look at the past few years to see how many people have been applying for H-1B visas. The numbers have been going up, which means more and more people are interested in working in the US. In 2022, there were 308,613 registrations, with 131,924 applications selected for further processing. The following year, registrations increased to 483,927, and 127,600 applications were selected. Notably, 2024 saw a surge in registrations, reaching 780,884, and 188,400 applications were selected.
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Key Dates to Remember:
Here are some important dates you need to know if you’re thinking about applying for an H-1B visa:
- March 6: The registration period begins.
- March 22: The registration period ends.
- March 31: This is when the government will let you know if you’ve been selected.
- April 1: If you’re lucky enough to be chosen, this is the earliest date you can start submitting your visa application.
How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take the plunge and apply for an H-1B visa, here’s what you need to do:
- Create an account on the USCIS website. This is the first step in the process, so don’t skip it.
- The registration period for the fiscal year 2025 is from March 6 to March 22. Make sure you don’t miss the deadline!
- From February 28, 2024, if you’re applying on your behalf or as a representative of a company, you’ll use an “organizational” account. It’s a new system aimed at making things more organized and efficient.
- If you’re a representative, you can also upgrade to an organizational account from February 28, 2024.
- The registration fee is $10 per application, and you can only pay with certain methods. But don’t worry, there are options available to make things easier for you. The U.S. Department of Treasury has granted temporary approval for an increase in the daily credit card transaction limit, easing the burden of payments for applicants.
Navigating the Process:
The road to getting an H-1B visa might seem long and complicated, but with a little patience and preparation, you can make it through. Take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Seizing the Opportunity:
For Indian travellers dreaming of working in the US, the H-1B visa program is a chance to turn those dreams into reality. So, if you’re ready to take the next step in your career journey, now’s the time to start preparing. With a bit of luck and a lot of determination, you could soon be living and working in the land of opportunity.
Disclaimer: The above information is a result of research and Axpert Media is not responsible for errors in the same.
