Nasscom seeks extension for near-expiry H-1B visas

BENGALURU: Nasscom has stepped up efforts to assist Indian IT professionals in the US whose H-1B and L-1 visas have expired or are going to expire soon. Life amid lockdowns has become a big challenge to thousands of IT professionals working in customer locations and company sites overseas.
Nasscom has requested the US Department of Homeland Service (DHS), the labour department and the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for a 90-day grace period for professionals to depart the US following expiration of their H-1B/ L-1visas. The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies (including US subsidiaries of Indian companies) to temporarily employ foreign workers. L-1 is a non-immigrant visa that facilitates temporary transfer of foreign workers in managerial, executive or in the specialised knowledge category to the US.
Nasscom has also sought the easing of Labour Condition Application (LCA) norms to allow for work-from-home. “Nasscom has stepped up its efforts at the right time,” said Vikram Shroff, head of the HR law practice at law firm Nishith Desai Associates.