H-1B visa fee used to fund apprentice programme: US commerce secretary

WASHINGTON: The US is financing its ambitious apprentice programme to close the skills gap amongst Americans from funds generated by the H-1B visa fee, according to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

The H-1B visa programme allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in the US on a non-immigrant basis in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. The H-1B visas are the most sought-after by Indian IT professionals.

Ross said Wednesday that the Trump administration had launched a new “Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship System” in a major effort to spur employer-led training and was now planning to expand it.

He said the additional public funding could help establish new apprenticeship programmes in the travel and tourism industry.