US opens up new chances

October 12, 2023 by Eric Bradley

The US labor market has traditionally been a formidable challenge for foreigners seeking work in the country, whether for temporary or permanent residency. However, for the first time in decades, a significant shift is occurring.

The US is grappling with labor shortages across a wide range of industries, causing this once-restricted market to crack open, presenting new opportunities. This shift is particularly promising for those with professional skills.

Now easier to qualify for H-1B and H-2B visas

When you look at the requirements for the H-2B visa, it can seem like you would have almost no chance of success. The even stricter requirements for the H-1B visa make that visa seem impossible to acquire for all but the most elite individuals.

Of course in the past this was intentional, and designed to discourage people from applying. It's a way of making sure that only those who already consider themselves to have elite qualifications will apply.

I don't think that was a very sensible policy because it overlooks a very important psychological factor. Those who are clever and competent rarely acknowledge that they are. "Imposter syndrome" is a real thing, and it is often the most talented individuals who are most heavily burdened by it¹. The implication of this erroneous policy is that it may have been costing the government up to 30% of attracting the best and brightest minds, with some data suggesting that up to 70% of experts have experienced at least mild imposter syndrome from time to time¹.

Meanwhile, much less talented people — the real "imposters" — usually tend to over-rate their abilities². This has led to an ironic situation where genuinely talented people feel discouraged to apply for a visa that was designed especially for them, while their place gets taken by people with much less talent but who feel emboldended by a false sense of their own worth.

The problem is that Covid-19 created shortages of experts in many industries and we're now seeing the effects. The government has recognized that not enough experts are applying to move to the US.

To address this crisis, the government has made it easier for applicants (and immigration officers) to understand the requirements for the H-1B and H-2B visas. The requirements are now written in a less intimidating way, and make it clearer that experts don't need to be Nobel Prize winners, but simply people with expert knowledge that is uncommon.

This means if you have a college degree and a few years of experience, you will probably qualify for a H-1B visa, and if you have only one of those things, you can possibly qualify for a H-2B visa.

How to Apply

If you genuinely believe you have an above average level of expertise or that you are a highly competent individual (or even if you don't personally feel that way about yourself but plenty of other people do), you may be a suitable candidate for a H-1B visa.

Don't rush out right now to submit your application, however. While rejection rates are at an all-time low³, there is still some risk involved, as the fees for a rejected visa application are not normally refunded.

We counsel anyone considering immigrating to the United States to consult with an expert immigration lawyer, as this way you can make sure your application has the best chance of succeeding.

Also make sure you have all the required documentation, and additionally any supporting documentation that will help affirm your expertise. This point is often overlooked, and it can be a costly oversight to apply with only the minimum documentation if you have more.

If you are a Thai student currently studying with ACES Education, please ensure you have completed all the required courses for both your aviation program and your US college degree requirements. This will give your application a strong standing.

In demand professions

The present shortage has created employment gaps in a diverse range of professions. The most urgently needed personnel are qualified professionals in the following occupations:

• Medical professionals including surgeons, doctors, dentists, nurses, and expert medical technicians.
• Teachers and professors.
• Pilots, aerospace engineers, avioinics specialists, licensed aircraft engineers & aircraft mechanics.
• Other engineers, electrical and electronics specialists.

This is not an exhaustive list, and many other professionals can apply if they feel they will meet the requirements.

Citations:

1. Pyschology Today (2019), Imposter Syndrome
2. Sarkis S.A. (2019), Psychology Today, You're Really Not That Smart: The Dunning-Kruger Effect
3. Anderson S. (2022), Forbes, New USCIS Data Show H-1B Denial Rates Remain Low