Trump admin makes it more difficult for H-1B visa extension

Updated: Wed, Oct 25, 2017
12:39 pm
PTI
RELATED NEWS
Palladium prices hit record on supply deficit, gold firm on rate views Palladium prices hit record on supply deficit, gold firm on rate views
RBC lowers five-year fixed mortgage rate - The Globe and Mail RBC lowers five-year fixed mortgage rate - The Globe and Mail
Oil prices edge down as U.S. fuel stockpiles grow more than expected Oil prices edge down as U.S. fuel stockpiles grow more than expected
India a $5 tn economy by 2025: This is how to do it? India a $5 tn economy by 2025: This is how to do it?
Asia shares edge up, pound gets moment's peace Asia shares edge up, pound gets moment's peace

In a new directive, the Trump administration has made it more difficult for the renewal of non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and L1, popular among Indian IT professionals, saying that the burden of proof lies on the applicant even when an extension is sought.

Rescinding its more than 13-year-old policy, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that the burden of proof in establishing eligibility is, at all times, on the petitioner.

USCIS said the previous memorandum of April 23, 2004 appeared to place this burden on this federal agency.

"This memorandum makes it clear that the burden of proof remains on the petitioner, even where an extension of non- immigrant status is sought," USCIS said in its latest memorandum issued on October 23.

Under the previous policy, if a person was once found to be eligible for a work visa initially, they would usually be considered for extension of their visa.

Now during every extension, they need to prove to the federal authorities that they are still eligible for the visa they apply for.

William Stock, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that the change is being made retroactively to people already living in the country and not just to new visa applicants.

"In adjudicating petitions for immigration benefits, including non-immigrant petition extensions, adjudicators must, in all cases, thoroughly review the petition and supporting evidence to determine eligibility for the benefit sought.

"The burden of proof in establishing eligibility is, at all times, on the petitioner," the USCIS said.

The new policy is in line with the Trump administration's goal to protect American workers from discrimination and replacement by foreign labour, NumberUSA website said.

This new policy will make sure that only qualified H-1B workers will be allowed to stay in the US and will help crackdown on visa fraud and abuse, it added.

 

(This article has not been edited by Zeebiz editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. You can find out more by clicking this link

Close