JAPA: US Embassy to Grant Faster Visas to nigerian Graduates with Job Offers

In a bid to revitalize the US economy and retain top talent, the Biden administration has unveiled new measures to expedite employment-based nonimmigrant visas for recent US college graduates with job offers. The initiative aims to simplify the immigration process while ensuring robust security protocols and thorough screening.

Starting July 18, the Department of State will release updated guidelines for consular officers to recommend waivers of ineligibility to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This move is expected to significantly accelerate the visa application process, allowing international students who have graduated from US colleges and secured job offers to quickly begin their careers in the country.

The administration had previously pledged to prioritize international students who meet specific criteria during the election season. The new measures aim to facilitate the entry of skilled workers into the US workforce, which is expected to benefit the economy and drive innovation.

US H-1B Visa

Employment-based nonimmigrant visas, such as the popular H-1B visa, enable foreign nationals to work temporarily in the United States. The visa process typically begins with an employer filing a petition for the worker. Applicants who are initially denied may be eligible for a waiver, providing a second chance at obtaining their visa.

Under the new guidelines, employers must first receive approval for a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before applying for an H-1B or other temporary worker visa. Once approved, prospective employees can proceed with their visa application, including completing an online application and scheduling an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

In fiscal year 2023, USCIS and the Department of State issued over 192,000 employment-based immigrant visas, marking the second consecutive year without unused visas. The administration’s latest move is expected to build on this success and attract even more skilled workers to the United States.