Help Wanted: U.S. Desperate for Qualified Foreign Workers
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
