Outsourcing firms set to demand US visas for foreign workers during recovery

November 03 2009 by Liam Clifford

US economy said to be improving as the number of applications for US H-1B visas increases.

The number of outsourcing firms applying for H-1B visas for foreign workers is expected to increase in line with the recovery of the US economy.

Outsourcing firms are currently the highly skilled US work visa scheme’s top users and they claim the dip in demand that is currently being experienced in the US will not last.

Peter Bendor-Samuel, the founder of outsourcing consultancy Everest Group, said, “unless we are heading into a Great Depression, pressure on the H-1B visa program will increase as the economy rebounds.” He continued, "it's almost impossible for me to believe demand will lessen long term. I find it mildly surprising there are some extras left now."

The impending retirement of skilled workers currently working in the US, along with a greater number of foreign students studying in the US for subjects including maths and science, are both factors that will lead to an increase in H-1B petitions.

Indian technology firms are especially keen to use the US skilled work visas to enable their staff to travel back and forth to the US to consult on major projects. Som Mittal, from trade group NASSCOM, supported Bendor-Samuel's comments, claiming “the reduction in applications is completely linked to the economic downturn. I think that as the economy turns around, the cap will again be reached quickly."

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