H-1B domestic visa renewal has finally seen new developments.
According to a U.S. State Department official, a limited number of H-1B visa holders will be able to renew their H-1B visas within the U.S. as early as January next year.
The renewal pilot program will initially be limited to 20,000 participants, allowing them to renew their visas by mail with the State Department without leaving the U.S. and facing uncertain wait times for consular appointments abroad.
A Federal Register notice with full details is expected to be published next month.
.png)
H-1B Domestic Renewal: A Year-Long Wait from Start to Finish
In February, Bloomberg first reported rumors of H-1B domestic renewal.
Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to the U.S. in June also helped push the policy forward.
A White House memo at the time stated that the domestic renewal pilot would launch this year for a small number of work visa holders, and would be expanded next year to more H-1B and L-1 holders, with the potential to cover additional visa categories.
However, news on H-1B domestic renewal then went quiet. It wasn't until the end of November that a decision was finally reached.
Although the policy is limited to visa renewal and has a cap, the favorable roll-out at the start of the year still brings hope to H-1B visa holders and future applicants.
In fact, there have been many positive developments for H-1B this year.
H-1B Sees a Flurry of Good News This Year
Streamlining Visa Processes to Attract AI Talent
In mid-November, the recent summit between the U.S. and Chinese leaders also reached important consensus, introducing more measures to facilitate personnel exchanges and promote people-to-people ties, including optimizing visa processes between the two countries.
Prior to that, President Biden signed the most comprehensive AI regulatory executive order to date at the end of October, signaling that the U.S. will focus on developing the AI sector.
The U.S. will modernize and streamline visa processes to attract more AI talent from around the world to study and conduct research in the country. At the same time, it will relax related immigration policies to attract more high-tech talent to work in the U.S.
The order directs the State Department to consider, when developing the upcoming domestic visa renewal program, whether it can be extended to include J-1 research students and F-1 students in STEM fields.
In the ongoing modernization of the H-1B program, consider targeted policy improvements for talent in AI and other critical and emerging technologies, simplifying the process of status adjustment for these non-citizens and their dependents.
'One Person, One Lottery' to Eliminate Fraud
In October, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposal to update the H-1B visa program.
To thoroughly address the issues of multiple registrations and fraudulent entries, the proposed rule would change the current 'one registration, one lottery' to a 'one person, one lottery' system, meaning that each beneficiary, regardless of how many employers submit registrations, would be entered only once.
The new proposal also stipulates that the H-1B CAP-GAP protection will be extended to April 1 of the same fiscal year, providing more flexibility to students.
The rule remains open for public comment until December 22, 2023, and final provisions could be implemented starting FY2025.
As early as May this year, the U.S. government began cracking down on H-1B lottery fraud, investigating and taking action against companies specifically providing fake H-1B visas.
In the future, H-1B lottery entries are likely to be made by individuals rather than employers, which would maintain employment flexibility while ensuring a level playing field for everyone.
How International Students Can Successfully Navigate the H-1B Path
However, based on this year's data, even excluding duplicate registrations, the H-1B selection rate is only 14.6%. Compared to last year's 25%, the selection rate has been declining year by year.
But H-1B visa application is indeed the only way for international students to work long-term in the U.S. So how can international students successfully navigate the H-1B process?
Choose the Right Major and Job
According to USCIS data for FY2022, STEM-related jobs accounted for the majority of H-1B approvals.
Computer science is the most sought-after field. Among H-1B approved job categories, computer-related positions account for nearly 70%.
Additionally, fields like management and education also have a certain share, so liberal arts graduates still have opportunities to work in the U.S. through H-1B.
Choose the Right Sponsor Employer
In addition to choosing a major, finding a reliable company to sponsor you is also crucial.
USCIS data shows that tech companies sponsor H-1B approvals at an overwhelming rate, accounting for 46% of total H-1B selections. Manufacturing, information, finance and insurance, and educational services companies follow closely behind.
The top 10 H-1B sponsor employers in 2023 continue to be dominated by tech companies, with more than half on the list:
Of course, the wave of layoffs at tech giants hasn't ended, and getting a share of H-1B visas in the current climate is not easy, especially for new graduates.
Higher Degrees Boost Selection Chances
Currently, the H-1B lottery still uses multiple rounds: the first round includes all applicants, both bachelor's and master's or higher; the second round gives another chance to master's or higher applicants who weren't selected in the first round.
Under this process, applicants with a master's degree or higher effectively have multiple chances, increasing their odds of selection. In the second round, the selection rate for those with advanced degrees is higher.
In short, having a master's or doctoral degree makes the H-1B lottery more favorable.
In late July, USCIS also completed the second round of H-1B lottery, with details awaiting official announcement.
Prepare Early and Stay Positive
After understanding the H-1B process, early and thorough preparation is key to success.
Choosing the right major, confirming your career path, gaining internship experience, networking efficiently, submitting resumes, comparing sponsor employer information... there's quite a lot to prepare for the H-1B lottery, and students are advised to start as early as possible.
Of course, even with thorough preparation, the H-1B lottery still involves luck. We hope everyone can maintain a balanced mindset and view the outcome calmly. Consider all options and adjust as needed.
Even if you're not selected, you can have various backup plans, such as continuing your studies or transitioning through CPT.
We hope all students planning for the H-1B lottery will succeed!
CheersYou（清柚教育） will continue to monitor the latest H-1B policy developments and provide timely updates.
