US: H-1B visa overhaul might revise wage requirements

As U.S. President Donald Trump pursues his immigration crackdown, his administration is believed to be in the midst of overhauling US worker visas intended for specialty occupations like the tech industry.

The Trump administration is reportedly working on an overhaul to the H-1B system that includes revisions to eligibility requirements and new wage requirements.

This could mean a focus on higher wages, making it harder for foreign workers with smaller salaries, such as teachers, to be eligible.

Here's what to know:

What are H-1B visas

The H-1B visa programme is reserved for people from other countries who are employed in specialty occupations in the United States, frequently in the technology field.

They can include software engineers, tech programme managers and other IT professionals.

H-1B visa recipients also generally have to hold a U.S. bachelor’s or higher degree or an equivalent foreign degree among their education and other certificates.

People in the United States on H-1Bs can extend beyond an initial six-year time frame – three years plus a three-year extension – if a green card application has been filed.

Under the terms of their visas, workers who are laid off face the prospect of having to leave the country within 60 days unless they can find another job or manage to change their immigration status.

Other work programmes include H-2A visas, which are for...

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