H-1B Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

What is an H-1B visa?

An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and skills. The H-1B visa program is commonly used by employers to hire foreign professionals in fields such as information technology, engineering, mathematics, science, and other specialized areas.

Key characteristics of the H-1B visa include:

• Specialty Occupation: To qualify for an H-1B visa, the job being offered must require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a specific field of study. The foreign worker must possess the necessary qualifications and expertise to perform the job.
• Employer Sponsorship: An employer in the United States must petition for the H-1B visa on behalf of the foreign worker. This means that the foreign worker cannot apply for this visa independently; they must have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
• Limited Duration: H-1B visas are typically issued for an initial period of three years and can be extended for up to a total of six years. In certain cases, extensions beyond the six-year limit may be possible.
• Numerical Cap: there is an annual limit on new H-1B visa approvals, with exceptions for certain categories of workers, such as those employed by universities and nonprofit research organizations.
• Prevailing Wage: Employers are required to pay H-1B workers the prevailing wage for the specific job in the geographic location where the work is performed. This is intended to ensure that foreign workers are not hired at lower wages, which could potentially undercut the salaries of U.S. workers.
• Dual Intent: H-1B visa holders can have “dual intent,” meaning they can pursue lawful permanent residence (a green card) while in the United States on an H-1B visa. This is different from some other non-immigrant visa categories that require applicants to maintain non-immigrant intent.

The H-1B program is highly competitive due to the limited number of visas available each year, and the process involves various requirements, including Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval from the Department of Labor and USCIS approval of the employer’s petition. Additionally, the program has been subject to various changes and reforms over the years, so it’s important to consult with an immigration attorney or the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the most up-to-date information on H-1B visas and their eligibility criteria.

Who is eligible to apply for an H-1B visa?

To be eligible to apply for an H-1B visa, an individual must meet certain criteria and go through a specific process. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

• Job Offer: The applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor them for an H-1B visa. The job offered must be in a specialty occupation that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specific field of study.
• Specialty Occupation: The position must meet the definition of a specialty occupation. This means that the job duties must be specialized and require specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Educational Qualifications: The applicant must possess the necessary educational qualifications and credentials to perform the job. This typically means having at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or its equivalent.
• Employer’s Labor Condition Application (LCA): Before filing an H-1B petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor. The LCA certifies that the employer will pay the H-1B worker the prevailing wage for the position and comply with other labor-related regulations.
• Numerical Cap: The H-1B program is subject to an annual cap on the number of visas that can be issued. Some individuals, such as those employed by universities, nonprofit research organizations, or certain other exempt entities, may be exempt from the cap. Most H-1B applicants, however, must compete for visas within the cap.
• Non-immigrant Intent: H-1B visa applicants are expected to have non-immigrant intent, meaning they should have the intention to work in the United States temporarily and not as immigrants seeking permanent residence. However, H-1B visa holders can have “dual intent,” which means they can pursue lawful permanent residence (a green card) while in the United States on an H-1B visa.
• Professional Experience: In cases where the applicant does not have a bachelor’s degree but has a combination of education and professional work experience, the USCIS may consider the professional experience as equivalent to a degree.

How to apply for an H-1B visa?

Applying for an H-1B visa is a multi-step process that typically involves both the U.S. employer and the foreign worker. Here is an overview of the steps to apply for an H-1B visa:

• Obtain a Job Offer:
  • A U.S. employer must offer you a job in a specialty occupation that qualifies for an H-1B visa.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA):
  • The U.S. employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The LCA certifies that the employer will pay you the prevailing wage for the position and comply with certain labor-related requirements.
  • The LCA process involves posting notices at the worksite and ensuring that existing employees are aware of the H-1B filing.
  • The DOL must certify the LCA before proceeding to the next steps.
• File Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker:
  • After obtaining LCA certification, the U.S. employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form includes detailed information about the job, the employer, and the foreign worker.
• USCIS Processing:
  • USCIS reviews the Form I-129 petition and may request additional documentation or clarification.
  • Premium Processing Service: Employers have the option to pay an additional fee for premium processing, which expedites the adjudication process. Under premium processing, USCIS generally aims to make a decision within 15 calendar days.
• USCIS Approval:
  • If USCIS approves the H-1B petition, they will issue a Notice of Approval (Form I-797) to the employer. This notice confirms that the petition has been approved and includes a start date for the H-1B employment.
• Visa Application:
  • If you are outside the United States, you must apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. You will need to submit the Form I-797 approval notice along with other required documentation.
  • If you are already in the United States in another non-immigrant status, such as F-1 student status, you may be able to change your status to H-1B without leaving the country. Consult with an immigration attorney for guidance on changing status.
• Attend Visa Interview:
  • Attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Be prepared to answer questions about your job, qualifications, and intent to work temporarily in the United States.
• Visa Issuance:
  • If your visa application is approved, the U.S. consulate or embassy will issue an H-1B visa stamp in your passport.
• Travel to the United States:
  • Once you have your H-1B visa, you can travel to the United States and begin working for your sponsoring employer on the specified start date.
• Arrival in the United States:
  • Upon arrival in the United States, you will go through customs and immigration procedures at the port of entry. The immigration officer will admit you to the United States in H-1B status, and you can start working for your employer.