US says it will ease H1B visas for skilled Indians, clear backlog, after meet with PM Modi

As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, the Joe Biden administration is set to introduce measures aimed at simplifying the process for skilled Indian workers to live and work in the country.

Reuters, quoting sources, reported that the US State Department is preparing to announce a pilot program that will allow a select number of H-1B visa holders to renew their visas within the US, eliminating the need for international travel.

Pilot program to enhance visa renewals for skilled workers

The pilot program, which could be expanded in the future, will initially focus on a small group of Indian and other foreign workers on H-1B visas.

These individuals will have the opportunity to renew their visas within the US, streamlining the process and saving them from the inconvenience of traveling abroad.

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India's H-1B visa dominance

Indian citizens constitute the majority of H-1B visa holders, accounting for 73% of the nearly 442,000 H-1B workers in fiscal year 2022.  The pilot program aims to alleviate pressure on consulates abroad by allowing visa renewals within the US, thus enabling the efficient utilization of resources.

Additionally, the program will also extend to some workers holding L-1 visas, which facilitate intra-company transfers to US positions.

Progress on visa backlog

Another noteworthy development is a separate initiative to address the visa application backlog at US embassies in India.

Reuters, quoting sources, reported that this backlog is finally showing signs of progress, and it is expected to be a topic of discussion during the bilateral meetings between the delegations of both countries in Washington.

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Strengthening US-India ties

The Biden administration has been diligently working to improve visa access for Indian nationals, seeking alternative avenues in the absence of comprehensive immigration policy reforms by Congress.

President Biden aims to forge closer ties between the world's two largest democracies, as a strategic move to counter China's dominance.

Modi's first state visit to the US

While PM Modi has previously visited the United States on five occasions since assuming office in 2014, this trip holds a special significance as it marks his first full-fledged state visit.

Modi will become the only Indian Prime Minister to address a joint session of the US Congress twice. He had earlier addressed the US Congress in 2016.