H-1B Visa Update: After Texas, public universities in Florida are also halting the hiring of new employees under the H-1B visa program. This comes after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called on schools to crack down on what he termed 'visa abuse' in higher education.

In late January, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into the H-1B visa program in the state and instructed the state agencies and universities to immediately freeze new visa petitions.

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Florida Universities Halt H-1B Visa Hiring Till 2027

Public universities in Florida will temporarily halt the hiring of new foreign faculty under the H-1B visa program. The decision applies only to new appointments at the 12 institutions that are a part of the State University System of Florida.

The Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state's public universities, has voted to keep the temporary hiring ban until January 5, 2027. Ray Rodrigues, the chancellor of the State University System of Florida, said last month that if approved, the suspension of H-1B visa hiring would remain in effect until January 5, 2027.

The pause would allow a review of the program's costs and how it is utilised by the state's universities.

While the suspension will not affect current employees hired under the H-1B visa program at Florida public universities, it will apply to new hires.

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Over 600 Individuals Granted H-1B Visas By Florida Universities

According to data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 600 individuals were approved for H-1B visas by the 12 universities that are a part of the State University System of Florida last year.

However, in October, Governor Ron DeSantis said, "Universities across the country are importing foreign workers on H-1B visas instead of hiring Americans who are qualified and available to do the job. We will not tolerate H-1B abuse in Florida institutions. That’s why I have directed the Florida Board of Governors to end this practice".

About H-1B Visa Program

The H-1B visa program allows employers to hire highly qualified professionals in specialised fields, such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, to work in the United States. Each year, the program issues 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 available for workers holding advanced degrees. These visas are approved for a period of three to six years.