Biden Administration Reforms H-1B Visa Program

The Biden administration has introduced significant reforms to the H-1B visa program, aimed at easing the hiring process for American companies seeking skilled foreign workers. These changes will modernize definitions and criteria for specialty occupations exempt from annual visa limits, benefiting sectors like nonprofit and governmental research. Additionally, the reforms will streamline the transition from F-1 student visas to H-1B, and allow H-1B holders with control over their organizations to gain status eligibility under reasonable terms. Implementation of these rules is set for January 17, 2025. As the administration approaches its end, it is also finalizing other regulations, including a ban on junk fees and new safety requirements for automakers, amidst a challenging political landscape where the incoming Trump administration may seek to reverse these measures.