Spouses of H1-B Visa holders now eligible to work in the US

Surya Rathee
[Published 03 Apr, 2023 | 04:54 AM]
About Author - 4 min read
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In a major decision, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the spouses of H1-B visa holders will now be able to work legally in the country. This decision is set to benefit thousands of highly skilled immigrants who have been living in the US with their spouses.

Previously, spouses of H1-B visa holders were not allowed to work in the US unless they obtained their own work visa. This left many spouses feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, unable to use their skills and education to contribute to their families and communities. The new rule will provide much-needed relief for H1-B visa holders and their families, who have long been advocating for this change.

What is an H1-B Visa?

The USA H1-B Visa is a temporary work visa that allows highly skilled foreign workers to come to the US and work in specialized fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The program has been a major source of talent for US companies and has helped to drive innovation and economic growth. 

Generally, to be eligible for a US H1-B Visa candidates must: 

• Have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor them for an H-1B visa. The job offered must be in a specialty occupation that requires specialized knowledge and a minimum of a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Have the necessary education, training, or experience to perform the job duties.
• The employer must pay the prevailing wage for the occupation and location where the work will be performed.
• The number of H-1B visas issued each year is subject to an annual cap, and applicants must apply during the designated application period.

It's also worth noting that some individuals may be exempt from the H-1B visa cap, such as those who hold a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution or those who work for certain non-profit organizations or government entities.

A positive step

The previous restrictions on spouses of H1-B visa holders had put a strain on families and caused many highly skilled workers to leave the US in search of better opportunities. With the new rule in place, spouses will now have the freedom to pursue their own careers and contribute to the US economy.

The decision has been welcomed by immigration advocates, who have been pushing for this change for many years. They believe that it will not only benefit H1-B visa holders and their families but will also help to attract and retain highly skilled immigrants, which is essential for the US to maintain its competitive edge in the global economy.

This decision is also a step towards greater gender equality in the US. Studies have shown that women are disproportionately affected by the restrictions on H1-B spouses, as they are more likely to give up their careers to follow their partners to the US. The new rule will give women the opportunity to continue their careers and pursue their own ambitions.

USCIS’s decision to allow spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in the US is a positive step towards greater inclusivity and economic growth. It is a win-win situation for both highly skilled immigrants and the US economy as a whole. 

Converting B1/B2 Visa to H1-B Visa

The United States government recently announced that B1/B2 visa holders can now work in the US. This decision comes as part of a wider effort to boost the US economy and provide more job opportunities for workers. This will allow them to work legally and contribute to the country's economy, while also providing them with greater job opportunities and the ability to improve their standard of living.

Want to know more? Talk to an immigration consultant at Nationwide Visas today!