The H1B visa. People talk about it like it is some golden ticket. In a way, it is, but not quite like the movies. It is just a work permit on paper, yet for thousands every year it feels like the start of something bigger. Most folks applying are in tech, engineering, healthcare, finance jobs where you actually need very specific skills.
You cannot just apply alone. A company in the US has to want you first. They file the paperwork, pay the fees, explain to the government why you, out of all people, are needed. Then comes the lottery. Sounds unfair? It kind of is. You can be the best at what you do and still lose out because your number was not pulled.
Those who get in usually talk about better pay, career jumps, new projects. But then there is the other side missing your cousin’s wedding back home, spending the first winter figuring out why the heater makes that weird sound at night. The visa is good for three years, extendable to six, but if you lose your job, the countdown to leave starts almost immediately.
And the rules keep shifting. One president says yes, we need more skilled workers. Another says no, tighten the gates. People plan whole futures around these swings.
Still, every year, the demand stays high. Some aim for a green card, others just want the experience and then go home. At the centre of all that talk and paperwork? People betting on themselves, hoping the leap will land where they imagine.
The Donald Trump administration is considering significant changes to the H1B visa issuance process. According to a filing submitted by the Department of Homeland Security on July 17th, the current lottery system for the 85,000 capped visas could be replaced by a weighted selection process.
Among confusion and panic, the tech world stands frayed as US President Donald Trump announces the new H1B rules.
Two major US companies have appointed Indian-origin CEOs. Telecom giant T-Mobile announced Srinivasan Gopalan will take over as CEO from November 1. Beverage major Molson Coors has chosen Rahul Goyal as its new CEO, effective October 1. Gopalan's appointment comes as the US wireless market faces challenges, including slowing subscriber growth and fierce competition. Goyal, a company veteran, has previously served in key roles including CFO of Molson Coors India. These appointments are notable amidst discussions around the H1B visa program in the US. A reporter noted, "Desi CEO for US Giants is the biggest news in the day for Telecom and IT space as well." This highlights the significance of these leadership changes in the corporate world.
The top talking point of this episode of News Today is the United States' H1B visa crackdown and its wide-ranging implications for India, including the uncertainty faced by the Silicon Valley tech sector and the ongoing trade negotiations involving top Indian ministers in the US.
The United States administration's decision to levy an additional one lakh dollar fee on H-1B visas has ignited a domestic political conflict in India. The Congress party has mounted an attack on the government, with Rahul Gandhi reiterating his description of Narendra Modi as a "weak Prime Minister". The opposition party claims it had forewarned the Prime Minister about potential changes to the H-1B visa rules as far back as 2017. Following the US announcement, Rahul Gandhi reportedly re-shared his previous statement, saying, "I want to repeat that India has a weak PM." Congress asserts that while Donald Trump is insulting India, Prime Minister Modi remains silent, prompting the entire country to question the government's handling of the situation and its foreign policy.
The top story focusses on Amazon's recommendation for H-1B and H-4 visa holders to return to the United States by 21st September, following a $1,001 lakh fee levied on H-1B visas through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The administration states this move aims to prioritise American workers in the tech industry. Companies, including Amazon, are advising employees and their families on H-1B and H-4 visas to avoid travelling abroad and remain in the US to prevent complications. There is uncertainty about how the new rules will be implemented and enforced, leading to concerns and questions among visa holders and legal experts. The lack of clarity and the short window before the new policy takes effect has created chaos among affected individuals and companies.
Sixty-three per cent of respondents said they are worried about President Donald Trump’s high tariffs on Indian goods, according to India Today-Cvoter Mood of the Nation (MOTN) poll.
This episode of India First focusses on the 50% tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian exports, which come into effect from August 27.
Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20 next year. But the political coalition that brought him to power seems to be breaking apart before he even takes office
Finally, there’s a ray of light for laid-off techies in the US. Now, you don’t have to find a new job within 60 days. You can get more time simply by changing your visa category. You can shift their H-1B visa to a B category visa. Watch the video to find out more.
Presidential advisory subcommittee has recommended that US government increase the grace period for H1-B workers who have lost their jobs from 60 days to 180 days so that the workers have enough time to find new jobs or other alternatives.
Meta fired thousands of employees globally last week. CEO Mark Zuckerberg sent an email to employees stating that he is firing 13% of staff globally, which accounts for around 11,000 people. Among these thousands, were many Indians who have been impacted by the mass layoffs. Twitter also fired thousands of employees since billionaire Elon Musk took over the social-media giant.
India Today spoke to Chairman of Infosys Nandan Nilekani as the country continues to face economic losses due to coronavirus-induced-lockdown. "Every business is looking for ways of becoming more digital, contactless amid lockdown," Nandan Nilekani told India Today. For more, watch the full video.
The US Congress has prohibited banks and other firms from receiving federal bailout from hiring people on H1B visa.
