Common Misconceptions Regarding the H-Visa Programme
In American immigration issues, the H-1B visa program often takes centre stage. A non-immigrant visa enables American businesses to hire foreign labour for specialized positions. The H-1B visa program needs to be understood despite its significance. In this piece, we want to dispel a few widespread rumours and provide factual, trustworthy facts.
H1B Visas: What Are They?
Non-immigrant H1B visas enable foreign workers from non-U.S. nations to enter the country and work temporarily in specialized vocations.
People working in technical or professional disciplines, including architecture, computer technology, finance, engineering, medicine, and accounting, often get these visas. Although many international professionals find the H1B work visa USA an excellent means of obtaining employment in the United States, there are many misunderstandings and misconceptions about the program.
1. All Year Long, H-1B Visas Are Available For Purchase
There needs to be more accuracy about H-1B visas. H-1B visas are only granted briefly every year—usually from April 1 to October 1. Only 65,000 H-1B visas annually, plus an additional 20,000 visas, are approved by the USCIS. After the designated period has elapsed, applications for H-1B visas will not be accepted again until the following year.
2. American Workers Lose Their Jobs to H-1B Workers
H-1B visas are intended to cover occupations requiring specialist expertise, often in industries requiring more skilled American workers. In actuality, employing an H-1B worker entails a stringent procedure demonstrating that no qualified American worker exists.
3. Employees with H-1B Visas Get Lower Pay Than Their American Coworkers
Reality The prevalent salary level for the profession in employment or the actual wage level paid by the employer to other employees with comparable experience and credentials must be paid by employers to H-1B workers, according to legal requirements.
4. Abuse of the H-1B Program Is Easy
Reality Several government organizations, notably the Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), strictly regulate the H-1B visa program. Strict guidelines and sanctions are in place to stop and penalize any misuse.
It may take many months to complete the extensive H-1B U.S. visa application procedure before you can start working in the U.S. The U.S. Department of Labor must receive the first application. After that, the employer has to submit a petition to the USCIS. The employee has to get a visa stamp from a U.S. consulate in their native nation when the request is granted. The worker formally started working in the U.S. then. Depending on the specifics, this procedure may take many months.
5. Workers Are Invited To Join The Labour Market At A Reduced Cost Via The H-1B Program
Individuals are not invited to join the labour market at a lesser cost via the H-1B program. Instead, the program mandates that businesses pay the greater of the actual salary given to other workers in like circumstances or the going rate for the job. Additionally, for each H-1B U.S. visa application, companies must pay a one-time filing fee to the Department of Labour.
6. H-1B Visas, For Example, Reduce The Number Of Jobs Available To American Workers
In actuality, occupations held by Americans are not being eliminated by this visa. According to studies, H-1B visas boost earnings and encourage innovation, which results in employment creation. Many times, one of the main drivers of employment creation is the presence of competent foreign labour. Businesses and organizations may maintain their competitiveness in the global market by using the H-1B program to close essential knowledge and skill gaps in their staff.
7. Dual Purpose Is Not Permitted With An H-1B Visa
Contrary to common assumption, dual purpose is permitted with the H-1B visa. This implies that a person with permanent status in the U.S. may apply for an H-1B work visa. Those who must work in the U.S. but may not want to settle down permanently will find this helpful.
Conclusion
Knowing the facts behind these myths is essential to have a thoughtful and educated conversation on the H-1B visa program. Remembering that this program is vital to fostering innovation and closing skill shortages in various American businesses is critical.
