Fewer and fewer: how many American visas have been issued in recent years

Not only the green card opens the way to the United States. Immigrants from post-Soviet countries use several types of nonimmigrant visas to fulfill their American dream. But from 2016 to 2020 fiscal years, the number of visas issued gradually, and sometimes even sharply, declined.

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What are the problems

In almost all categories, you can see a noticeable downward trend in the number of visas issued, even before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, there are types of visas, the number of which has remained at about the same level or even increased. Tourist visas suffered the most.

2020 was a very difficult year for both those who were in the United States and those who were just planning to visit the States. In particular, when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, many were unable to enter the country due to the closure of borders and huge restrictions. Those who nevertheless entered, then could not leave on time, which brought on themselves many problems.

But it all started before the pandemic. The administration of President Donald Trump (who came to office in 2016) did everything possible to limit the flow of immigrants into the United States, as well as people who could come to the country, request a change of status and remain there. Trump has tightened many rules, such as the “public charge” rule. This could be one of the reasons for the sharp reduction in the issuance of various categories of visas.

Now the administration of US President Joe Biden has begun a gradual restoration of immigration policy after Trump's changes and the COVID-19 attack. In addition, the whole world is opening its borders, the United States is no exception. And although not everyone can now enter the country, and even then with restrictions, the picture is gradually recovering. Data for 2021 is unlikely to change much as the coronavirus continues to rage across the world, but there are still some developments that give hope for the best.

Visa data

Tourist visas

B1 visa issued to applicants who intend to visit the United States for business purposes. For example, for negotiations with American partners, participation in an exhibition or conference, professional training and other types of business activities. The B-1 visa does not give the right to work in the United States, which means that a person is not entitled to receive wages from an American employer. Having arrived in the States on a business visit, he is considered an employee of a foreign company. And in order to receive a salary in an American company, you need not a guest, but a work visa, writes Ukrtrast.

• According to Department of State, in 2016 the United States issued 40 105 such visas
• In 2017 - 39
• In 2018 - 38
• In 2019 - 37
• In 2020 - 17

B2 visa is intended for visitors who are going to visit the States with a tourist or guest purpose, or for treatment in medical institutions of the country. The B-2 tourist visa allows you to go on vacation, meet friends or family in the United States, and receive medical care and non-business activities. Typically, a US visa for tourist purposes is issued for three to six months. It all depends on the decision of the immigration officer. He issues an I-94 card, which indicates how much a person is allowed to stay in the state.

• 2016 - 43 564
• 2017 - 42 037
• 2018 - 32 428
• 2019 - 28 829
• 2020 - 5 276

On the subject: US relaxes procedures for issuing certain visas and suspension of deportation

There are also different subcategories of these visas. Looking at the total numbers, there has been a noticeable downward trend over the past 5 years.

• 2016 - 6 881 797
• 2017 - 6 276 851
• 2018 - 5 708 278
• 2019 - 5 297 439
• 2020 - 2 164 021

Work visas

H1B (for qualified professionals). A visa that allows an American company to hire a foreign specialist for up to six years. Under the category H1B, IT workers, engineers, and academics usually fall into the category. A visa is not immigration, but with it, you can get a green card.

• 2016 - 180 057
• 2017 - 179 049
• 2018 - 179 660
• 2019 - 188 123
• 2020 - 124 984

H2A (for seasonal agricultural workers). This work visa is issued to specialists for temporary or seasonal work in agriculture for a maximum of one year. Specialists applying for this visa are required to have relevant work experience and receive a job offer from an employer in the United States. Most often, the employee is provided with housing and food. Typically, H2A work is offered in the southern states of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

• 2016 - 134 368
• 2017 - 161 583
• 2018 - 196 409
• 2019 - 204 801
• 2020 - 213 394

H2B (for seasonal workers of various professions). This work visa provides for seasonal work on a contract of 6 to 10 months with the option of extending for 3 years. The work can be both skilled and unskilled. Typically, American companies are looking for service personnel to work in the landscape industry, in the hotel and restaurant services, as well as to work in amusement parks and golf clubs.

• 2016 - 84 627
• 2017 - 83 600
• 2018 - 83 774
• 2019 - 97 623
• 2020 - 61 865

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Student visa F1

F1 visa is one of the most popular types of visas that allows you to study in accredited institutions in the United States. This category of visa refers to multiple entries and provides the ability to make multiple trips to the United States. Holders of this type of visa can study in accredited universities and colleges, in private schools, in public schools for a maximum of 1 year, in English courses within certain programs, in other courses, the number of hours of study exceeds 18 per week ...

• 2016 - 471 728
• 2017 - 393 573
• 2018 - 362 929
• 2019 - 364 204
• 2020 - 111 387

O1 visa for talented people

You can get this visa if you have a distinctive ability in science, education, business, arts or sports, as well as national or international recognition and a desire to work in the United States. O-1 gives you the right to formally work in the United States, bring your family with you and live in the country for the entire duration of the visa. And it can be from one to three years with the right to renew an unlimited number of times.

• 2016 - 15 918
• 2017 - 17 011
• 2018 - 16 904
• 2019 - 17 751
• 2020 - 8 838

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