US to ease Visa processing for Graduates with Job Offers

In light of changes and events in this changing World, the U.S. government has recently announced that it will speed up visa processing for U.S. college graduates holding job offers, thus opening up new opportunities for international students and skilled workers.

The Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to make the country more accommodating to International Students have sent a positive signal, fostering a sense of hope and positivity among prospective International Students.

U.S Attempts to Ease the Non-immigrant Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates with Job Offers

• Alan Goodman, IIE CEO, reflected on recruiting more International Graduates as American Citizens are reluctant to pursue STEM degrees. After the announce, Environment and Natural Resource Economics has been also added to the list of STEM subjects
• This shift in visa processing reflects a clear need in the U.S. for more Graduates to drive their economy, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers. This Initiative aims to ease Employment-based non-immigrant visas for U.S. college graduates with job offers to attract top talent and retain skilled workers.

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What do these mean for the Current Non-immigrant Visa Ineligibility Waiver Processing steps?

• To support this Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security has provided clear guidelines for consular officers regarding when they should recommend a waiver grant to certain applicants.
• This streamlined process is designed to reduce stress and result in faster work visa issuance.
• The Waiver requests are adjudicated by the Department of Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Admissibility Review Officer, based on Department of State recommendations.

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How do you apply for a Petition-based Non-immigrant Work Visa?

• There are certain rules and steps, one must follow before applying for an H-1B Visa or any other petition-based temporary worker Visa.
• The USCIS must first approve a Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, Form I-129. Once approved, the employer will receive a Notice of Action, Form I-797, from USCIS.
• After USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has approved the petition, Prospective Individuals may apply for a non-immigrant visa. Only then can they schedule an appointment for their visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

How can an Individual request a waiver for visa ineligibility during a standard interview?

• If an applicant is eligible for a waiver, they are notified even after a visa denial.
• Waivers are available for specific grounds under Section 212(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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How do the changes to the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) help consular officers better understand the Existing Guidelines?

• The updates from FAM guide consular officers on recommending waivers of ineligibility to DHS for visa applicants. This guidance aligns with existing waiver processes and does not grant new benefits. It applies to all visa applicants.
• These updates are consistent with existing department regulations and guidance.
• If DHS approves a waiver of ineligibility, certain individuals will receive their work visas more quickly.
• Leaving the U.S. to apply for a visa comes with risks, but this policy outlines when consular officers should consider recommending waivers. This helps individuals and employers make informed decisions and streamlines the process for qualified individuals to start working quickly.

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Conclusion

Adding New Subjects to the list of STEM degrees depicts the US Administration is providing more study options for international students to qualify for a 2 year extension of the 1 year OPT work program. Such measures from the Biden-Harris Administration will increase opportunities for international students to enhance their employability through overseas work experience. This necessarily is an attempt to enhance USA’s century old popularity as a study destination.

These recent changes suggest that US Government will be supportive of International Students’ career growth.

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