Biden Administration Finalizes H-1B Visa Reforms Before Trump Presidency

The updated rules aim to streamline application processes, enhance compliance, and support U.S. businesses in hiring global talent.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced changes to the H-1B visa program, effective January 17, 2025, just before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The reforms modernize eligibility criteria, including a requirement that degree fields be directly relevant to the job, benefiting both employers and skilled foreign workers.
USCIS will now defer to prior approvals for visa extensions and has eliminated the requirement for detailed itineraries for workers at multiple locations.
The changes aim to improve transitions from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas, providing flexibility for international students and reducing disruptions to their employment status.
The updated rules also expand exemptions for nonprofit and governmental research organizations, allowing year-round visa sponsorship outside the annual cap.