What you'll learn?
Understanding the H-1B Visa process as an Employer
• Understanding the H-1B Visa Modernization Rule
• Understanding the changing climate of the H-1B Visa program
• Understanding the impact of the Trump Administration on the H-1B Visa Program
Overview of the webinar
The H-1B visa program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant workers in specialty
occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that
requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a
bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business
skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorizing the temporary employment of qualified
individuals who are not otherwise authorized to work in the United States.
Recent policy shifts under the new Trump Administration have sparked debates across political lines.
Tech industry leaders, such as Elon Musk, have defended the H-1B program, arguing that it attracts
top global talent essential for innovation and competitiveness. Conversely, critics within the MAGA
movement contend that the program suppresses wages and displaces American workers. This internal
conflict underscores the complex dynamics regarding U.S. immigration policy.
The Department of Homeland Security’s H-1B final rule took effect on Friday, January 17, 2025,
modernizing and improving requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. U.S. Citizenship
and Immigration Services also published a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
(edition date 01/17/25) on Jan. 17, 2025 reflecting changes associated with the final rule.
As previously announced, the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 went into effect on Jan. 17, with no grace
period, because the revised edition is necessary to apply the final rules.
The H-1B final rule modernizes the H-1B program by streamlining the approval process, increasing its
flexibility to better allow employers to retain talented workers, and improving the integrity and
oversight of the program. The rule was published in the Federal Register on Dec. 18, 2024.
The H-1B visa registration period for 2026 opens on March 7, 2025, and closes by March 24, 2025.
Area Covered In The Webinar
What is the H-1B Visa Program?
• DHS’s H-1B Visa Modernization Final Rule
• Trump Administration Executive Orders That Impact the H-1B Visa Program
• H-1B Eligibility
• H-1B Licensing
• H-1B Electronic Registration Process
• Petition Filing Process
• The Revised Form I-129
• Labor Condition Applications
• Legal Protections for H-1B Workers
• Period of Stay
• H-1B Cap
• Changing Employers
• Family of H1-B Nonimmigrants
• The Future of the H-1B Visa Program
Why should you attend?
For more than twenty-five years, Jacquiline Wagner, Esq., the proud President of Wagner HR, has
been representing, advising and training business owners, employers, supervisors and Human
Resources professionals in all aspects of Employment Law. Stemming from her seasoned experience,
Jacquiline has designed an effective proactive system tailored to cultivate the emotional intelligence
of leadership, maximize the full potential of employees and effectively reduce the risk of
Employment litigation.
About the speaker
Years of Experience: 25+ years
Jacquiline M. Wagner For more than twenty-five years, Jacquiline Wagner, Esq., the proud President of Wagner HR, has been representing, advising and training business owners, employers, supervisors and Human Resources professionals in all aspects of