In order to bypass the numerical cap on H-1B visas, the potential H-1B applicants are now applying for and fraudulently getting O visas, alleged an American Senator on Thursday.
While H-1B visa programme is for skilled foreign workers, O visa is for use by those having extraordinary achievements in the fields of science, arts, education, business, athletics etc.
“Despite the rarity of such exceptional qualifications, O visa issuance has tripled in the last decade, from just over 30,000 in 2006 to just shy of 100,000 in 2016,” the Senator wrote in his letter to the Homeland Secretary. His letter was released to the media today.
Saying that visas intended for exceptional individuals should not be misused by H-1B applicants, he requested the Homeland Secretary to prevent the alleged visa fraud, which according to him, can ultimately damage the integrity of both visa programmes.
