This article discusses proposed changes to the H-1B visa program that may make hiring foreign lawyers in the United States more expensive for employers, primarily due to increased wage requirements and additional compliance measures. At the same time, the changes clarify eligibility criteria, potentially making it easier for qualified foreign legal professionals to obtain H-1B visas.
Kate Kalmykov, co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Immigration & Compliance practice, commented in Law.com that these updates may help law firms better understand which roles qualify for the H-1B program, reducing uncertainty in hiring. The dual impact of higher costs and improved clarity is significant for organizations considering international legal talent.