Summary
The Florida Board of Governors has implemented a one-year ban on hiring new faculty and staff at its public universities using the H-1B visa program. This pause is effective immediately and will last until at least January 5, 2027, based on directives from Governor Ron DeSantis. Current H-1B visa holders are not affected and can renew their visas as usual.
Key Facts
- Florida's public universities are pausing new H-1B hires for one year, effective immediately.
- This decision follows Governor Ron DeSantis's directive to review the visa program's use in higher education.
- Current employees with H-1B visas can continue their employment and renew their visas.
- The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign nationals in specialty occupations needing at least a bachelor's degree.
- Exceptions to the pause may be made for critical needs related to health, safety, or welfare.
- The chancellor's office will review how universities use H-1B visas and the impacts during the pause.
- The aim of the pause is to prioritize job opportunities for U.S. citizens and evaluate hiring practices.
- The Trump administration has imposed an additional fee on some H-1B visa applications to encourage hiring American workers.
