The United States is set to introduce major modifications to the H-1B visa program starting March 20 (Thursday). As part of this transition, the Foreign Labor Access Gateway (FLAG) will begin removing older applications to make way for a revamped system by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Overview of the H-1B Visa Program
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialized fields requiring technical or theoretical expertise. Indian professionals make up nearly 70% of the 85,000 H-1B visas issued annually.
The U.S. President Donald Trump, along with entrepreneur Elon Musk, has expressed strong support for the H-1B program. However, the changes being implemented aim to enhance transparency and efficiency, despite some opposition from Trump’s MAGA supporters.
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What Are the New Changes?
According to The Financial Times, USCIS will delete all H-1B records older than five years, and employers must download any existing cases before March 19. Additionally, all temporary labor condition applications will be removed from the FLAG system on March 20.
A significant shift in the selection process will take place under the new system. Previously, multiple employers could submit applications for the same individual, increasing their chances of selection. The updated process will instead focus on selecting individual beneficiaries, preventing multiple entries and ensuring fairness.
To streamline the application process, USCIS is introducing a mandatory online registration system. This change is expected to make processing more efficient, reduce paperwork, and save time. However, the registration fee will rise substantially, increasing from $10 to $215 per entry.
Impact on Workers and Employers
The rule changes will affect all temporary labor condition applications, including H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, E-3, and Permanent Labor Certification Applications (PERM). The elimination of older records from the FLAG system means employers must act quickly to retain important application data.
By limiting multiple submissions for a single applicant, the new system aims to level the playing field and reduce the advantage held by large corporations. However, higher registration fees could lead employers to be more selective in hiring foreign talent.
The H-1B visa program has been a topic of political debate, particularly among Trump’s staunchest supporters, who argue that it contradicts his “America First” agenda and could displace U.S. workers. While the revised system seeks to make the process fairer and more efficient, its long-term impact on businesses and foreign professionals remains to be seen.