H-1B visa final rule for foreign workers to be implemented from January 17

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s December 2024 final rule modifies the H-1B program, effective January 17, 2025. Key changes include revised criteria for specialty occupations, clarification on qualifying degree fields, automatic cap-gap extensions for F-1 students, and improved processing times to support foreign workers transitioning to H-1B status.

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the final rule for the modernization of the H-1B program and other nonimmigrant visas such as the L1- Student Visa.