Explainer | Who is affected by Trump’s new rules on work visas?
- Trump administration extends visa ban to non-immigrants
- The following visa categories are affected by the US president’s order
The effects of the proclamation may not be immediately felt as the issuance of work visas had already dramatically declined due to the coronavirus pandemic.
H-1B
The United States grants 85,000 H-1B visas every year to ‘high-skilled’ workers, often in the technology industry. They are generally valid for up to six years. In the 2019 financial year, the Department of State issued 188,123 H-1B visas for both new applicants and renewals. Some 131,549 were for Indian citizens, followed by 28,483 for mainland Chinese citizens.
Only 143 H-1B visas were issued in May 2020, compared with 13,678 in May 2019, according to Department data.
H-2B
H-2B visas are for seasonal non-agricultural labour. The United States issues 66,000 per year, although it sometimes grants additional visas based on demand. They are generally valid for up to three years and are popular in industries like food processing, hotel work, and landscaping. In financial year 2019, the Department of State issued 97,623 H-2B visas for both new applicants and renewals. Some 72,339 were for Mexican citizens.