New H-1B Visa Regulations: Details and Implications

According to a press release published on the White House website, the new H-1B visa rules will be implemented starting September 21st. The H-1B visa program allows US companies to employ foreign professionals, including scientists, engineers, and computer programmers. The initial duration of the visa is three years, with a possible extension up to six years. The new rule requires that companies applying for the H-1B visa must submit their applications with the $100,000 fee. Applications without the fee will be rejected, and employees of the applying company will be denied entry into the US. Companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta advised their employees to return to the US immediately after the announcement of the rule change. However, this new rule primarily affects new applicants and the companies that hire them, not those who already possess the visa.