By AB Wire
ITServe Alliance, a trade group that represents more than 2,200 small and medium-sized IT service companies in the United States, has voiced strong support for the new Pilot Domestic Visa Renewal Program, specifically aimed at H-1B visas.
Launched in December, this initiative seeks to address long wait times for visa appointments and plans to issue 20,000 visas initially to foreign nationals already in the US IT sector. The program aims to streamline the renewal process, reduce waiting periods, and eliminate the need for individuals to return to their home country for appointments, benefitting Information Technology professionals.
“The U.S. needs to maintain its leadership in technology and innovation,” ITServe Alliance President Vinay Mahajan said in a press release. “The U.S. has a large skills gap — availability of workers vs the openings for talent in the IT sector. We need the brightest minds from all over the world to keep our wide lead in technology and innovation. This new initiative is a good step to achieve this goal.”
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Highlights of the H-1B visa renewal program include:
- The Pilot Visa Renewal Program targets around 20,000 work visa renewals, constituting about 10% of the anticipated 583,420 H-1B visa holders.
- The program aims to cut waiting times, simplify the renewal process, and eliminate the requirement for individuals to travel back to their home country for appointments.
- Currently, visa applicants face an average wait period of 130 days for appointments in their home country, and individuals are restricted from traveling abroad until their visa is renewed every three years.
- The streamlined process intends to free up valuable time for US missions abroad to focus on new candidates.
A formal notice in the federal register, detailing procedures, requirements, and guidelines for the first round of applicants covering 20,000 cases from December to February, sets the stage for the State Department’s plan to extend the program to more employment categories in 2024.
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In recent years, ITServe has been urging Congress and the Department of State to introduce such an initiative. The organization said it is thankful to the Department of Homeland Security for addressing their concerns and reinstating this program.
ITServe’s advocacy involves educating lawmakers and the American community on the benefits of favorable immigration programs, dispelling misconceptions, and collaborating with Congressmen and Senators to shape laws beneficial to the ITServe community.
ITServe seeks lawmakers’ support for bill to close skills gap (August 8, 2023)
“I want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the hundreds of ITServe members, who continue to advocate with their local Lawmakers on behalf of ITServe, and make our voices heard on the corridors of power,” said Vinod Babu Uppu, ITServe Governing Board Chair.
The current H-1B visa limit is 65,000 per year, with an additional 20,000 available to workers with a master’s degree or higher from a US university. ITServe has been actively working to enhance the H1-B CAP limits, advocating for an increase from 65,000 to 130,000 per year.
ITServe acknowledges the critical role H-1B visa holders play in strengthening the US economy, fostering innovation, and enriching American society. The organization emphasizes the contribution of these skilled foreign workers in filling critical skill gaps, driving economic growth, and increasing competitiveness in various industries.
The High-Skilled Immigration Reform for Employment (HIRE) Act, introduced by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL, aligns with the proposed increase in H1-B CAP limits. The bill aims to close the skills gap and enhance US competitiveness.
ITServe said its leadership believes that immigration laws are becoming more inclusive, easing restrictions on lawful immigrants and creating a more accessible environment for skilled professionals seeking opportunities in the United States.
“ITServe Alliance will continue to support and advocate for immigration reforms that will help America maintain its tech leadership in the world,” said Siva Moopanar, Director of ITServe Alliance Policy Advocacy Committee (PAC).
Founded in 2010, ITServe’s vision is to empower local communities by creating, retaining, and fostering employment opportunities within the United States.