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n 1992 Congress created the H-1B visa category for non-immigrants who sought work in the United States in high skill or specialty occupations. The “American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 2000” (ACWIA) increased the annual cap on these visas to 195,000 H-1B until 2003 and separate legislation established an employer application fee of $1,000. Of the funds generated by employer fees, 55% is available to support training under the Department of Labor’s H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant Program.

The newest round of H-1B funding will follow guidelines published by the Department’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) on April 13. The full text of the solicitation for grant applications (SGA) is available on the ETA website at www.doleta.gov. The website also contains valuable information on grantees from previous rounds of competition for these funds.

These grants are designed to prepare American workers for skill shortage occupations and allow for work in career ladders leading to longer-term solutions to domestic skill shortages in high skill and high technology occupations. Labor unions have been valuable contributors in putting these training programs together and this remains a priority for labor in helping new and employed workers adapt to changing technology in many industries.

A short Fact Sheet on the grant solicitation follows. If you want additional information or technical assistance around this grant competition, please contact Teri Bergman, WAI Director of Public Economic and Workforce Development Strategies.