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News >> Technology >>
More H1-B visa for Indians
By agencies
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Monday, 28 August 2006, 19:30 IST
NEW DELHI: If things go as planned, the U.S. might hike the number of H1-B visas by 25 percent to enable more technology professionals to go the U.S.
Efforts are underway to raise the quota for H1-B (short duration stay) visas for Indians and there is a proposal to hike it by 25 percent, Peter G Kaestner, newly appointed Minister for Consular Affairs at the US Embassy, said in New Delhi.
At present, the limit of such visas meant for those employed temporarily is 80,000. Last year, the cap was 100,000.
The issue is political in nature and U.S. Congress has to decide on it finally, the official said. Kaestner, who has served at the US Embassy in New Delhi earlier also, said he felt the number would remain inadequate even after the hike.
The U.S. H1-B visa is a non-immigrant visa, which allows a U.S. company to employ a foreign individual for up to six years. The H1-B visa-seekers could be those employed temporarily in a specialty occupation or as a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.