The booming U.S. economyhas successfully driven down
unemployment to a nearly 50-year low and provided inspiring job growth across
sectors. While that sounds like excellent news for workers, employers are
struggling to fill positions that require specific skill sets.
According to the National Federation of Independent Business
(NFIB), job creation hit a 45-year high in February. But upwards of 49 percent
of business owners are reportedly struggling to find qualified workers and as
many as 37 percent were forced to leave job vacancies unfilled. American
companies are growing desperate and courting foreign workers to round out labor
pools.
HB-1 Visas in High Demand
According to reports, the 65,000 HB-1 visa limit was reached in
just five business days, and another 20,000 spots were added for workers with
at least a master’s degree or its equivalent. The HB-1 visa allows American
companies to bring in educated and uniquely skilled workers from abroad to fill
positions that might otherwise remain vacant.
The combination of HB-1 visa applications surpassing the cap in
under a week and NFIB reports of widespread vacancies underscore the
frustrations of U.S. companies. It may have been hard to imagine a few years
ago that companies would be competing over workers instead of the other way
around.
HB-2 Visas Expected to Increase
According to reports, the U.S. hit what is known as “full
employment” in 2018. That term does not necessarily mean that everyone residing
in the U.S. has a job.
Although there may be more available jobs than workers, matching
skills and location to employment opportunities is not always seamless. That’s
one reason the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reportedly
increased the number of HB-2 visas. This class of work visa opens the door for
companies to offer hardworking people without college degrees jobs under these
and other conditions.
·The Job is Temporary
or Seasonal
·U.S. Worker Shortage
in this Employment Area
·Job Does Not
Negatively Impact U.S. Labor Force
More
Information on Temporary Nonimmigrant Work Visas
In 2018, the U.S. increased the number of these visas by upwards
of 15,000 and lawmakers are looking to raise the cap again. The surging U.S.
economy continues to post unexpectedly high job creation that benefits American
and foreign workers alike. However, candidates should be keenly aware that the
application process is also highly competitive.
Strengthen Your Work Visa Application
Securing an HB-1 or HB-2 presents inherent challenges for
candidates from outside countries. You will be required to file detailed
paperwork with the U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS among others. Negotiating
the process can be challenging for someone unfamiliar with government
bureaucracies. A single error can cause delays and even missed job
opportunities.
If you are considering applying for a work visa, it may be in
your best interest to work with a legal professional. Contact The Law Offices of Malvern C.
Burnett APLC
and schedule a visa consultation to avoid
costly missteps. Call 800-208-8472
