The debate about the H1B visa program has been ongoing for years, and many professionals, businesses, and institutions are eagerly waiting to see what the 2022 visa program will look like. With the current administration’s stance on immigration, the future of the H1B visa program is uncertain. In this article, we will explore the chances of getting an H1B visa in 2022, the challenges that applicants may face, and what steps they can take to increase their chances.

Key Takeaways

• The H1B visa program faces significant uncertainty in 2022 due to the current administration’s stance on immigration policies.
• As demand for H1B visas continues to increase, competition for limited spots continues to intensify.
• H1B visa applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s or higher degree, to qualify for the program.
• The H1B visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring applicants to put serious work into their applications.
• Applicants should consider taking steps to increase their chances of success, such as having a strong resume, seeking a qualified sponsor, and hiring an experienced immigration attorney.

The Current State of the H1B Visa Program

The H1B visa program is designed to allow U.S. employers to hire foreign skilled workers in specialized fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) when qualified domestic talent is unavailable. Approximately 85,000 H1B visas are granted each year, divided into 65,000 for regular H1Bs and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees. H1B visas are issued for a maximum period of six years, and recipients can apply for extensions.

The current administration’s stance on immigration policies has caused significant uncertainties regarding the H1B visa program. The increase in scrutiny and delay in visa processing has resulted in many applicants and employers being unable to access the program. Moreover, a slew of new policies regarding wage increments, visa issuance, and increased wage obligations for employers has further decreased applicants’ chances of success.

Factors Affecting the Chances of Getting an H1B Visa in 2022

The H1B visa program has not always been responsive to demand, and regardless of its initial promising ethos, it is now far more challenging to secure a visa. As competition for these visas increases, applicants face several challenges, including:

Uncertain Immigration Policies

Immigration policies continue to be a significant factor in who gets to access the H1B visa program. A backlog of visa applications due to stringent policies and the pandemic’s impact has made it challenging for applicants to obtain a visa. In addition, proposed regulations indicating higher wages and more stringent education criteria will also limit successful visa applications.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the H1B visa, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field or equivalent experience. Additionally, the applicant must hold an offer from a petitioner, be able to perform necessary functions, and demonstrate a job offer with a US employer upon arrival.

Competition

The number of applicants for a limited number of H1B visas is increasing, making the competition fierce. The program is oversubscribed every year, with more applicants than available visa numbers. For example, in 2019, the USCIS received almost 201,800 applications for the 65,000 regular H-1B Cap visas made available.

Increased Fees

In 2019, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) introduced new fees for companies looking to hire foreign workers. The new fees were set to increase the costs of hiring workers on H-1B visas by more than 20%.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success

While the H1B visa program faces significant uncertainties, there are still several things that applicants can do to improve their chances of success. Some essential tips are:

Seek a Qualified Sponsor

Finding a qualified sponsor is one of the most critical things that applicants can do to improve their chances of success. Applicants must find a company that is willing to sponsor their visa. Companies like Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Apple are among the biggest sponsors of the H1B visa program.

Create a Strong Resume

Creating a strong resume is critical to increase the chances of success in the H1B visa program. Your resume should highlight your education, skills, and work experience related to your field. Your resume should show that you are a qualified and experienced professional in your area of expertise.

Hire an Immigration Attorney

Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is a great way to improve your chances of success since an immigration attorney can help you navigate the application process and complete your application confidently.

Apply Early

Applying early can significantly increase your chances of success with the H1B visa program. Waiting until the last minute can make you miss out on a visa as the quota is met.

Conclusion

The H1B visa program is an increasingly competitive program to secure, and with the current administration’s stance on immigration policies, the future of the program seems uncertain. Applicants must meet the program’s requirements, including education and experience, to have a chance of getting H1B visa 2022. While a qualified sponsor, a strong resume, an experienced immigration attorney, and applying early can improve your chances, the competition is still fierce. Nonetheless, by paying attention to some of the key factors discussed in this article, applicants can increase their chances of success.

Useful FAQ

1. What is the H1B visa program?The H1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign skilled workers in specialized fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) when qualified domestic talent is unavailable.

2. How long does an H1B visa last?H1B visas are issued for a maximum period of six years, and recipients can apply for extensions.

3. How many H1B visas are issued each year?Approximately 85,000 H1B visa applications are granted each year, divided into 65,000 for regular H1Bs and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for an H1B visa?To qualify for the H1B visa, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field or equivalent experience. Additionally, the applicant must hold an offer from a petitioner, be able to perform necessary functions, and demonstrate a job offer with a US employer upon arrival.

5. What is the competition like for H1B visas?The H1B visa program is oversubscribed every year, with more applicants than available visa numbers. For example, in 2019, the USCIS received almost 201,800 applications for the 65,000 regular H-1B Cap visas made available.