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From 1 April 2011 you can again apply for an H-1B visa. However, the earliest employment start date is 1 October 2011.
Recently Business leaders asked a congressional subcommittee to reduce the amount of red tape required to obtain an H-1B visa. However an academic claimed that the H-1B visa program makes it easier for employers to hire cheaper foreign labor.
IEEE-USA which is usually in favour of tough immigration controls together with the Semiconductor Industry Association has made a statement supporting changes to the foreign worker program. The open letter to the Judiciary Committee said the following:
"As you may know, SIA and IEEE-USA have for some time been at odds over portions of the H-1B program and its administration," …. "Currently 50 percent of master's and 70 percent of Ph.D. graduates in electrical and electronic engineering from U.S. universities are foreign nationals. These highly talented individuals should be able to get permanent resident status (green cards) in an expedited manner, rather than having to wait from 5-10 years as many do under the current system. ... SIA and IEEE-USA support immediate action by the Congress to retain these graduates as legal permanent residents."
It is hoped that in future the expense and paperwork required to obtain an H-1B visa will be greatly reduced. It is unusual that both business groups and "pro-labor" groups have come together in support of reform of the H-1B visa system. With both sides working together it may turn out to be easier to reform the system.
