New US visa norms to benefit Indian professionals

In a move that could benefit professionals from India, the United States has proposed several steps, including changes in the F-1 and H-1B visas, to attract foreign skilled workforce. The move comes ahead of the proposed comprehensive reform in the country's immigration policy.

The changes include providing work authorisation for spouses of certain H-1B visa holders, 17-month extension of optional practical training (OPT) for F-1 international students to include students with a prior degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, allow for additional part-time study for spouses of F-1 students and allowing more space for outstanding professors and researchers to present evidence of academic achievement.

The department of homeland security also would launch its 'Entrepreneurs in Residence' initiative with an `Information Summit' in Silicon Valley on 22 February.

The US move will bring together entrepreneures, academia and government agencies to discuss ways of maximising the potential of current immigration laws to attract foreign entrepreneurial talent.

These steps are intended to support President Barack Obama's plans to meet US economic and national security needs, according to the department of homeland security.

The Obama administration wants to attract and retain immigrants who create jobs and boost competitiveness in the US and its immigration policy reform focuses on that.