The proposed legislation would result in considerable changes to the H-1B visa process, making it easier for STEM graduates to remain in the US after completing their studies.
The H-1B visa is a highly sought-after route for international students seeking employment opportunities in the US after graduation. The non-immigrant work visa allows US companies to employ skilled foreign workers in occupations requiring specialized knowledge. Graduates of higher education programs such as MBAs and business master's eligible.
Successful applicants can stay in the US and work for three years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional three years. However, the process of obtaining an H-1B visa is highly competitive.
What are the proposed H-1B visa changes?
The Keep STEM Graduates in America Act proposes several changes aimed at streamlining the H-1B visa process and increasing the retention of talented STEM graduates in the US.
The plans would see an increase in the number of H-1B visas available each year. While the exact number of additional visas has not been specified, the current cap sits at 65,000 H-1B visas per year and was set in 2023.
“By expanding the availability of H-1B visas and making the process to obtain one [simpler], we take an important and tangible step towards a future where those students with the most potential to innovate will innovate in the US,” said Thanedar in an interview with ANI News.
A significant concern for international students is the strict deadlines associated with their stay in the US post-graduation. The bill addresses this issue by proposing more flexible extension policies. These revisions would provide graduates ample time to find suitable employment and settle into their careers without the immediate pressure of H-1B visa deadlines.
“Deadlines dictating a student’s stay in the country is troublesome. That is precisely why I’m proposing a revision with respect to extensions,” Thanedar added.
How would H-1B changes impact international business school students?
The current H-1B visa cap and the complexities of the application process often force talented international students to leave the US after graduation, taking their skills and potential contributions elsewhere. By making it easier to stay, the US stands to benefit from the innovation and expertise of these graduates.
If brought into effect, the legislation is expected to particularly benefit Indian tech professionals, who make up a large portion of H-1B visa applicants. In 2023 alone, over one million visas were issued to Indian nationals in the US.
The proposal comes after news of a scheme being trialed by the US State Department to allow H-1B visa renewals within the US, along with other broader changes to the H-1B visa process, which largely affect international students planning to stay in the US after graduation.
