Partner with Korea Act

Summary#

This bill adds a new category to the Immigration and Nationality Act that would let nationals of the Republic of Korea come to the United States to perform services in a "specialty occupation." To use this category, an employer must file an attestation under section 212(t)(1) and the Secretary of Labor must determine and certify that the attestation was filed. The bill sets a numerical limit of 15,000 principal aliens per fiscal year for these initial visas. Spouses and children of principal visa holders are not counted against that cap. The bill also updates related statutory language so the new category is treated as a specialty-occupation admission and so the attestation rules in section 212(t) apply to it.

What it means for you#

• If you are a national of the Republic of Korea and an employer wants you to work in a specialty occupation in the United States, you could be eligible under this new visa category if the employer files the required attestation and a visa slot is available.
• Employers must file the attestation required by section 212(t)(1) and obtain the Secretary of Labor's certification before the Department of State may approve the initial application.
• There are up to 15,000 initial principal visas available each fiscal year. Dependent family members (spouses and children) are not counted against that 15,000 limit.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on federal costs, fees, or budget effects is included in the bill text or metadata provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.