India again raises the issue of US Work permits (H-1B and L1 visas)

The issue of US Work Permits inclusive of H-1B and L1 visas were again raised by India. This was in the meeting between Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and Rex Tillerson the US Secretary of State.

In joint press conference with the US Secretary of State, Ms. Swaraj said that the meeting discussed crucial contributions of Indians to US economy. In particular, the role of skilled Indian professionals with H-1B and L1 visas said Sushma Swaraj.

Ms. Swaraj said that India has also sought the cooperation of the US on delayed issues pertaining to totalization. The US has also been urged to refrain from actions that damage interests of Indians, said the External Affairs Minister.

So far this year there are no changes that have been made to the US Work permits including H-1B and L1 visas. The same levels of 65, 000 general H-1B visas remain. The 20,000 for those with an advanced degree in the US are also intact. Indians receive most of the visas in general category as there are no national quotas, as quoted by the New Indian Express.

Sushma Swaraj said that as of now, no changes have been made by the US to the rules for H-1B visas. Indian professionals will be impacted if the US Congress approves the private member bill, added Swaraj. Rules for H-1B visas can be altered either through a Presidential executive order or through the US Congress. Swaraj said that India was having a dialogue with both of them.

The External Affairs Minister earlier raised this issue with Rex Tillerson in a meeting held alongside General Assembly session of the UN. She also raised it in a meeting with the US Congress delegates in this month.

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