The DHS will shortly start accepting applications for the extension of expiring visas
The US government has extended the visa status for people falling under the H-1B programme, helping thousands of Indian professionals who are stranded in the country due to the pandemic.
Travel restrictions had left several H-1B visa holders stranded in the US as their visa permits were soon expiring. The announcement brought a huge relief to the non-immigrant population as several countries around the world have closed their borders and suspended all passenger flights globally. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will shortly start accepting applications for visa extensions. “We recognise that non-immigrants may unexpectedly remain in the United States beyond their authorised period of stay due to COVID-19,” the DHS said.
H-1B is a non-immigrant visa document which allows US companies to employ foreign workers and professionals in specialty occupations that require theoretical and technical expertise. Several US-based tech companies rely on this provision in order to hire tens of thousands of workers from India and China. According to the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), Indians are the biggest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa programme.
