{"id":22157,"date":"2025-02-17T13:00:23","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T18:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/travelbeats\/?p=22157"},"modified":"2025-02-17T20:03:38","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T01:03:38","slug":"new-h1b-visa-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/travelbeats\/new-h1b-visa-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"New H1B Visa Rules Redefine Specialty Occupation, Assure Easy Renewals, Reduce Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the H1B visa registration window for fiscal 2026 opening on March 7, the US Department of Homeland Security brought new H1B visa rules to reform the system for both American employers and foreign workers. Effective from January 17, 2025, the H1B program modernization rule redefines \u2018specialty occupation\u2019, enhances transparency, reduces visa fraud, assures seamless visa extension, and updates the lottery process.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"H1B<\/a><\/p>\n

Beneficiary-Centric Selection Process<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Unlike previous years, multiple employers cannot submit applications for the same candidate. USCIS has implemented enhanced measures to prevent duplicate filings by employers for the same beneficiary and ensure that each applicant has an equal chance. Any employer submitting multiple registrations for the same candidate will face disqualification from the H1B lottery system.<\/p>\n

New Definition of ‘Specialty Occupation’<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has refined the definition of “specialty occupation” as part of the H1B visa modernization rule<\/strong> in 2025. Previously, possessing a bachelor’s degree in a specific field might have sufficed. Now, your degree must be directly related to the position and the job responsibilities. Employers can list multiple acceptable fields of study, but each must have a clear connection to the job description.<\/p>\n

Regular Worksite Inspections<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To prevent H1B visa fraud<\/strong> and misuse, the USCIS\u2019s Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit will conduct more frequent worksite inspections, including at third-party client sites. Employers who deny these inspections risk having their petitions denied or revoked. It is essential for companies to maintain detailed records and ensure full compliance with H-1B regulations.<\/p>\n

H1B Extension Approval without Re-evaluation<\/strong><\/h4>\n

In the new H1B visa rules<\/strong>, USCIS officers are now instructed to defer to prior approvals when deciding on H-1B extension requests. Only if there has been no material change in the previous approval. This means if your job, employer, and circumstances remain unchanged, your visa extension request is more likely to be approved without re-evaluation. However, all required documents must still be provided.<\/p>\n

Other H1B Visa Updates for Indians<\/strong><\/h3>\n