赚得多更容易中签？美国签证酝酿新规

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent changes in the U.S. visa policy, particularly the shift from a lottery system to a weighted system for H1-B visa allocation, favoring high-skilled and high-salary applicants [3][4]. Visa Policy Changes - The proposed new rule by the Department of Homeland Security aims to allocate H1-B visas based on multiple factors such as salary, job level, and education, rather than a random lottery [3][4]. - Currently, there is a cap of 85,000 H1-B visas issued annually, with 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a master's degree or higher [3]. Impact on Applicants - High-salary and higher-education applicants will have increased chances under the new system, as the lowest income quartile will see reduced lottery opportunities [3][4]. - The majority of H1-B visas (64%) are currently awarded to applicants in computer-related occupations, with Indian nationals receiving 71% of these visas [6]. Salary Level Considerations - The new rule will consider salary "levels" within specific job categories, meaning that applicants with salaries that meet or exceed the prevailing wage for their occupation will have a better chance of selection [7]. - For example, a teacher earning $112,790 in San Francisco may have a higher chance of selection than a software engineer earning $135,699 if their salary corresponds to a higher wage level [7]. Timeline for Implementation - The proposed rule is not yet finalized and will undergo a public comment period of 30-60 days before being officially published [8]. - If the process goes smoothly, the new system could impact the H1-B lottery for the fiscal year 2027, with registration starting in March 2024 [8]. Recommendations for International Students - International students are advised to communicate effectively with employers regarding job codes, work locations, and salary expectations to enhance their chances under the new system [10]. - Students should consider leveraging their educational qualifications as a dual advantage, as higher degrees may provide better job levels and salaries, thus improving their chances in the new allocation system [11]. Alternative Visa Options - Current regulations allow certain employers, such as universities and non-profit research institutions, to apply for H1-B visas year-round without a lottery [12]. - Applicants with significant achievements in their fields may also consider the O-1 visa, which has no cap on the number of visas issued [12].