H-1B Visa vs. Gold Card Visa: US President Donald Trump signed an order imposing a $100,000 (more than ₹88 lakh) fee on H-1B visa applicants as part of his latest immigration crackdown. This move could seriously hurt the technology sector, which relies heavily on skilled workers from China and India. Trump also signed an executive order introducing a “Gold Card” visa for individuals and businesses. Now, let’s understand the H-1B visa and the Gold Card visa.

What is an H-1B Visa?

Employers use the H-1B visa to hire foreign experts with specialized skills. The United States established this temporary work permit in 1990 for candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher who work in hard-to-fill fields such as math, science, technology, and engineering. The visa remains valid for three years initially and can be renewed for up to six years. Individuals who secure a Green Card, which grants permanent status, can extend the visa indefinitely.

Also Read: New H-1B Rule: Trump Imposes $100,000 Fee, Indians Affected

Candidates first register online with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the system then selects them at random through a lottery. However, media reports say the Trump administration is considering changes to the application review process. Once the visa is issued, the law guarantees equal pay and similar working conditions as those of American workers.

What is a Gold Card Visa?

The “Gold Card” plan will permit only “extraordinary people at the very top” to enter the country if they can start businesses and create jobs for Americans. The program charges $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses. Reports say the exceptional qualities of foreign nationals could allow the Gold Card visa to replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visas.

Share

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•