Any H1B Policy Changes at Facebook, Google, Microsoft?

In light of a potential Trump re-election, companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta (formerly Facebook) may face new uncertainties around H-1B visa sponsorship policies. During his first term, Trump’s administration pushed several restrictive H-1B policies, which were ultimately blocked in court or rolled back by the Biden administration. However, a second Trump administration could see a resurgence of these initiatives.

Key potential changes might include increased minimum wage requirements for H-1B positions, which would make it more costly for employers to sponsor H-1B visa holders. Previously proposed regulations also aimed to narrow the definition of “specialty occupation,” thus limiting H-1B eligibility for certain roles. Additionally, Trump’s administration tried to prioritize H-1B selection based on wage levels, which would have affected opportunities for early-career professionals and entry-level positions common among new graduates. If reintroduced, these policies could significantly impact hiring practices at major tech firms USCIS B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP.

Currently, however, the Biden administration has proposed modernizations to streamline and make the H-1B process more transparent, focusing on efficiency rather than restricting eligibility. This approach contrasts with Trump-era policies and suggests more stability for H-1B sponsorship in the short term USCIS.