US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that approximately 2,000 H1B visas remain for foreign applicants with masters degrees earned in the States.

So-called ‘aliens’ with a masters - or higher qualification - awarded by an American institution will be entitled to apply to work in the USA for the fiscal year 2008, exempt from the cap on foreign workers imposed by Congress.

Law-makers have decreed that 20,000 foreign workers with higher qualifications earned in States will be considered for H1B visas before the remaining 45,000 positions are allocated.

As of April 18th 2007, 18,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees had been received by USCIS.

A new immigration bill has yet to be finalised, but positive employment figures suggest that restrictions on access to the H1B visa category are soon to be relaxed.

Reports in the States also hint at a future simplification of the process leading to permanent residency for those already in work in the USA, as well easier access to a green card.

Foreigners applying for research positions at American schools or colleges, or hoping to work in the US non-profit sector, are also exempt from federal visa restrictions.

Anyone planning to take up a position in the US should be sure to invest in comprehensive visitor insurance before traveling.