According to The Wall Street Journal, spouses of H-1B visa holders that are being sponsored for a green card by their employers may be allowed to work in the United States. This is part of a new initiative that was recently announced by the Obama administration in an effort to attract high-skilled foreign workers. The administration explains that this and several other revisions to regulations will affect H-1B and other skilled worker visas.

When interviewed, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security reported that the goal of this change was two-fold. The administration hopes that not only will the change encourage more foreign workers in the U.S., but it will help the U.S. to maintain competitiveness with other countries that attract skilled foreign workers and offer employment authorization for spouses.

A study shows that 28% of new businesses in the U.S. are launched by immigrants. Four of ten Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or their children. The government believes that encouraging this entrepreneurship in America can grow the economy. The rules regarding the new H-1B visas and spouses occupations will be published in the Federal Register and will go into effect after a 60-day public-comment period if all goes well.

Congress allows 85,000 new H-1B visas which are issued each year. 20,000 of these visas are reserved for individuals that have advanced degrees. Until now, dependents of the visa holders were not permitted to work in the United States if they immigrated to the country.

According to the new statutes, spouses can only work after their spouse's employer has petitioned for a green card on behalf of the employee. Another revision that was announced last week will ease requirements for applicants of an EB-1 work visa. This visa is typically given to researchers and professors that have displayed extraordinary ability. 40,000 of these visas are issued each year. If you want more information on how this ruling may apply for you, contact a local immigration lawyer immediately!