New H-1B Visa Rules Take Effect, Bringing Key Changes for Employers and Skilled Workers

The updated rules aim to enhance fairness, streamline processes, and provide greater flexibility for U.S. employers and foreign professionals.

The H-1B visa changes, effective January 17, 2025, focus on improving efficiency, transparency, and program integrity.
Indian tech professionals, who make up the majority of H-1B holders, are expected to benefit significantly from the new rules.
Key updates include streamlined F-1 to H-1B transitions, with automatic F-1 visa extensions for students awaiting H-1B approval.
Nonprofits and government research organizations now have expanded eligibility for H-1B cap exemptions under revised criteria.
Employers face stricter requirements to prove legitimate job offers and alignment with the Labor Condition Application to prevent misuse.