Public Description:
H.R. 6412, the Attracting the Best and Brightest Act, would add 50,000 new visas to a new employment-based priority category for aliens who have a master’s degree or higher in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), from a U.S. institution of higher education. Visas that are unused by the end of each financial year continue past the end of the year. The Department of Homeland Security has to publicly release a monthly report with details regarding the visas awarded under the new category. Further, Employers must post their job orders with the State workforce agency for 30 days. The new STEM category has a sunset provision calling for its repeal after two years. Student F-1 visas as reformed so that new F-Visa applicants who are pursuing a degree in a STEM category can apply without the previously necessary intent to retain their residence in their home country. The bill establishes “age-out protections” for children and permanent priority dates.
