If you're considering working in the United States, it's essential to understand the US H1B Visa program, which allows foreign workers to be employed by US companies. This nonimmigrant temporary resident visa is initially issued for three years and can be applied for online by individuals from any country. To be eligible for the H1B Visa, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree qualification. This visa is highly sought after and is the most popular US work visa.
Every year, the US government selects 85,000 new H1B applicants, with 20,000 of those spots reserved for individuals with a master’s degree from a US institution, exempt from the cap. Many US companies sponsor work visas to fulfill the demand for workers in various sectors. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the H1B Visa process, including requirements and types, read on.
Types of H1B Visa:
- H-1B: The minimum requirement for an H-1B visa is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- H-1B2: This is a specialty occupation visa, requiring a job that necessitates a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- H-1B3: The H-1B3 is designed for fashion models.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for an H1B Visa, you must have one of the following:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- A master’s or doctoral degree.
- Advanced training or vocational skills (e.g., fashion models).
You must also have a job offer from a US employer.
H1B Visa Cap:
- 65,000 for new applicants.
- 20,000 reserved for applicants with higher education degrees from US institutions.
H1B Selection Process:
The H1B Visa lottery is a random selection process conducted by the US government each year in March. During this time, employers apply on behalf of prospective H-1B workers, and the selection is made randomly.
H1B Petition Process:
The employer must complete several steps to hire a foreign worker, including obtaining a Labor Condition Application (LCA), filing Form I-129, and submitting a petition to USCIS.
How the H1B Application Process Works:
1. Find a Job Offering an H1B Visa: Secure a job offer from a US company willing to sponsor your H1B visa.
2. Gather Documents: Work with your employer to collect all necessary paperwork for the visa application.
3. Apply Online in March: During the application window (usually March), your employer electronically submits your registration for the H1B lottery.
4. Wait for the Lottery: The US government randomly selects registrations to meet the annual quota.
5. File Petition if Selected: If your registration is chosen, you and your employer file a full H1B petition with USCIS.
6. Interview and Visa Issuance: Once the petition is approved, proceed with the visa application, including completing the online Form DS-160, scheduling an interview at the US Embassy, paying the visa fees, and presenting the required documents at the interview.
- To learn more about the application process please go through USCIS WEBSITE
Period of Stay:
Initially, the H1B Visa is issued for three years.
This overview aims to clarify the US H1B Visa process for 2024. Remember, this is a general guide, and for more detailed information, please refer to the USCIS website. If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with others. Sharing is caring.
