The US Department of Homeland Security today announced a new, final H-1B rule aimed at streamlining the approvals process as well as other improvements.

“American businesses rely on the H-1B visa program for the recruitment of highly skilled talent, benefitting communities across the country,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement. “These improvements to the program provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation.”

H-1B visas are used to bring in highly skilled professionals, such as tech workers, on a temporary basis. The final rule was lauded by FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization founded by technology and business leaders.

“We applaud the Biden administration for finalizing the H-1B Modernization rule, which will make the H-1B visa program more efficient and predictable while also enhancing the program’s integrity, among other important updates,” FWD.us President Todd Schulte said in a note sent to SIA.

The rule will enhance the program’s integrity and help strengthen the country’s ability to attract and retain more highly educated individuals, Schulte said.

“The finalized rule addresses longstanding challenges within the H-1B visa program and introduces important updates,” he said.

“It allows USCIS to defer to prior decisions for the same employer and employee, reducing redundant reviews and delays,” Schulte continued. “It simplifies eligibility for nonprofits and governmental research organizations to hire specialized workers, strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and government. Additionally, the rule requires clear documentation to ensure H-1B roles are not speculative and grants DHS site visit authority to verify compliance.”