In yet another instance of US President Biden appearing to push decisions in areas President-Elect Donald Trump is likely to be hawkish, the US on Wednesday (December 18) relaxed rules for H-1B visas. The new measures are likely to make US companies easier to hire foreign workers. The relaxation in rule is also likely result in smoother transition from F-1 student visas to H1-B visas.

The latest relaxations are likely to benefit Indian professionals as H-1B is the most sought-after visa among Indian techies.

USA's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the relaxation in rule. An official release said that the changes will help US companies to hire as per their business needs and also remain competitive globally.

President-Elect Donald Trump is slated to take charge of the white house on January 20. Trump is largely viewed as isolationist who wants the US to have lesser role in global affairs and give priority to American workers in jobs back home.

Students to Benefit From Visa Relaxations

The DHS also said that new measures also provide for simpler process for students who want to change their F-1 visa status to H-1B.

The relaxation in rules will also allow speedier application processing by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for persons who were previously approved for H1-B visa.

“American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N Mayorkas as quoted by ANI

“These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he said.

“The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there’s no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation’s growing economy,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou.