India wants US to extend H1B validity

New Delhi: India has requested the US government to extend the validity of H1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the latest updates, the US State Department has conveyed India's request for the extension of visas, including the request for extension H1B visas for Indians in America to the US Department of Homeland Security.

With fears of the US economy heading for a big slump, the H1B holders stand the risk of not only losing their jobs but also to not be entitled to any unemployment benefits.

The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E Biegun on Wednesday. Sources told Zee Media that India is "closely monitoring related developments."

During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H1B status.

But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H1B visa holders. With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H1B visa might be impacted.

Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians.

In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown. It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H1B visa holders in the US.