US Work Visa Updates: H-1B and Employment-Based Immigration
December 20, 2023
By Visa Specialist
The United States has implemented significant changes to its work visa programs in 2024, affecting H-1B visas, employment-based green cards, and other work authorization categories. These updates impact both employers and foreign workers seeking employment opportunities in the US.
H-1B Visa Program Changes
Major updates to the H-1B visa program include:
- New Registration Process: Updated H-1B registration system with enhanced fraud prevention measures. The lottery system has been refined to ensure fair selection of beneficiaries.
- Premium Processing: Expanded premium processing options with faster turnaround times for certain H-1B categories, allowing for expedited processing at an additional fee.
- Wage Requirements: Updated prevailing wage requirements ensuring H-1B workers receive fair compensation based on their occupation and location.
- Cap Exemptions: Clarifications on H-1B cap exemptions for certain employers including universities, non-profit research organizations, and government research facilities.
Employment-Based Green Cards
Updates affecting employment-based permanent residency:
- Changes to PERM labor certification process and requirements
- Updated priority date processing and visa bulletin updates
- Changes to EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories
- Updated requirements for national interest waivers
- Processing time improvements for certain employment-based categories
Other Work Visa Categories
Updates to other employment-based visa categories:
L-1 visas for intracompany transfers, O-1 visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, and E visas for treaty traders and investors have also seen updates. Our visa specialists can provide detailed information on these changes and how they affect your specific situation.
Understanding these updates is crucial for both employers and employees navigating the US work visa system. Proper preparation and expert guidance can significantly improve your chances of success.
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