Tag: H-1BVisa

Categories
1 Minute-Read

H-1B applicants face expanded US social media scrutiny

The United States has announced stricter vetting for all H-1B and H-4 visa applicants from December 15.

Under the new rules, applicants must keep their social-media profiles public. Consular officers will review online activity, work history, and any involvement in content moderation, misinformation tracking, or roles that may be seen as restricting protected speech.

Anyone found to have “censored or attempted to censor” expression in the US could be denied a visa. The changes are expected to affect many Indian tech workers, especially those in digital safety or moderation roles, and may lead to delays or higher rejections.

Categories
Beyond

H-1B hiring slows as US firms cut back

International students in the United States are finding it increasingly difficult to secure jobs as American employers pull back from sponsoring work visas.

The slowdown follows a series of policy changes introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration, including a new $100,000 fee for companies applying for H-1B visas.

The H-1B visa program, a key route for skilled foreign graduates to stay and work in the US, has seen a steep contraction in hiring. And, the technology sector seems to be hit the most with Tech giants such as Amazon, Microsoft and Meta being among those most affected.

Business groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, have challenged the new rules in court, arguing they are unlawful and could damage industries dependent on global talent.

Although authorities clarified that recent graduates and current student visa holders will be exempt from the fee, the uncertainty surrounding implementation has prompted many firms to delay or cancel international hiring.

According to date from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Indian nationals made up over 70% of H-1B visa recipients in 2024, followed by applicants from China and the Philippines.

Also Read: HAL, GE ink $1 billion deal for 113 Tejas engines

Categories
Beyond

Canada Opens Fast-Track for H-1B Holders

In a bid to attract skilled workers hit by recent US visa policy and fee changes, the Canadian government has announced a new accelerated immigration pathway for professionals holding US H-1B visa holders.

As part of a broader plan to strengthen its innovation-driven economy and fill key labour shortages outlined in the 2025 Federal Budget, the program will offer opportunities to transition expertise to Canada’s fast-growing sectors, including healthcare, technology and scientific research.

As part of its International Talent Attraction Strategy, Canada will roll out a special initiative to hire more than 1,000 global researchers, backed by CA $1.7 billion in funding.

The investment aims to help Canadian universities and research institutions bring in top international talent and accelerate advancements in innovation and discovery.

The budget also proposes setting up a Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund, with CA $97 million allocated over five years starting 2026–27. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada, the fund will help streamline and modernize the recognition process for foreign-trained professionals, with a focus on healthcare and construction, where demand for qualified workers remains high.

Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that attracting and retaining top global talent is essential for maintaining Canada’s competitive edge. The new measures reflect a shift toward strategic immigration policies that align with regional and sectoral needs.

These steps also complement ongoing efforts to improve Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program and create smoother pathways to permanent residency for skilled professionals.

With the new fast-track visa route and expanded research funding, Ottawa aims to position Canada as a global hub for innovation, talent, and opportunity, strengthening its role in the evolving international labour and technology landscape.

Also Read: Maharashtra Becomes First State to Partner with Starlink