Because of the coronavirus pandemic, in a major relief for thousands of stranded Indian professionals in America, the US government has agreed to approve their H-1B visa requests for a prolonged stay in the country.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa which enables US firms to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations requiring theoretical or technological expertise. The technology companies depend on it to recruit tens of thousands of workers from countries such as India and China each year. In a recent report, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it acknowledges that as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic there are immigration-related problems.

The news comes at a time where countries in the world have closed their borders. Also, the suspension of all international passenger flights. The travel restrictions left several H-1B visa holders stuck in the United States. It is with their visa permits to expire early. Nevertheless, the DHS will shortly begin receiving requests to renew expiring visas.

Non-immigrants usually have to leave the United States before their permitted entry time expires, it said. Non-immigrants may apply for a residence extension (EOS) or status change (COS) permit. In the US thousands of students and professionals would have suffered without a visa extension.

So, if an employer ends an H-1B holder’s contract, the person may need to find new work. Also, this is within 60 days to maintain visa status. Thus, Indian IT staff wanted to expand the 60-day grace period to 180 days. So, Indians are the main beneficiaries of the H-1B visa system according to USCIS.