[timr]

We agree that the Japanese system is far more consistent. I think it's better!

But let's not kid ourselves: if the US instituted a CEFR B2 language requirement [1] for anyone on an H1B visa to gain residency, it would be an absolute shitshow.

[1] This is the new Japanese language requirement.

[handle584]

Assuming English is the language, CEFR B2 is roughly 75 in TOEFL, such a low standard that community colleges would think twice before admitting such internationals students. In reality H1B tech workers easily blows 100+.

[airstrike]

No, it would not be a shitshow. That's just your assumption.

Do you think I could not pass that test?

[timr]

> Do you think I could not pass that test?

Well, I don't know you, but you've missed the point entirely so...

It would be a shitshow because of the politics of it. I am certain there would be plenty of people who could pass, and some who can't.

Also, it's obviously my assumption.

[airstrike]

Right, it's obviously your assumption, but you stated the resulting shitshow as an obvious fact—"let's not kid ourselves".

I doubt H-1Bs would oppose taking that test. Many already took English proficiency exams by the time they apply for the visa.

I assume Americans in general would favor this extra requirement too.

And companies, if we decide we care about what they want, really have no reason to oppose the test. There's a large enough number of applicants that they can easily pick from the ones that do speak English fluently.

So to conclude it would be a shitshow because of the politics is likely incorrect, certainly defeatist, and gives up on the actual thing we should strive for, which is to make the H-1B visa better.

[saalweachter]

For the US to institute a language standard, we'd first have to agree on an official language at the federal level.

[_n_b_]

There's a (fairly basic but extant) English language requirement for naturalization, so it doesn't seem inconceivable that could be applied to a visa.

[ghaff]

This has been a political issue in the past--mostly with respect to Spanish--but there's essentially a de facto English requirement for most purposes.