Major reforms to the H-1B visa programme take effect on January 17, aiming to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency. Changes include a clearer definition of 'speciality occupation,' smoother transitions for F-1 visa holders,

The United States allocates H-1B and H-2A visas to employers to hire professional and non-professional workers, respectively, from other countries.

H-1B final rule also extends certain flexibilities for students on an F-1 visa seeking to change their status to H-1B to avoid disruptions.

Created in 1990 and intended for skilled foreign workers, the visa had until recently remained little known outside Silicon Valley, where technology companies use it to employ tens of thousands.

Recent data indicates that U.S. companies are increasingly relying on skilled foreign workers, particularly in the tech sector. ・H-1B visa issuance in the U.S. has been steadily increasing, with a significant rise in 2024 ・The program aims to address talent shortages and drive business growth,