How to Get a US H1B Visa. An important type of work visa. This is a short-term work visa for foreigners who want to come to the US and work. It lets U.S. companies hire a qualified foreign worker with particular skills for a set amount of time. You can’t file for an H1B visa on your own because the U.S. company pays for it. Your business will put in a Petition for you. You must have a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in any job to be eligible for the H1B program.
You need to be sponsored to get an H1B visa. Both the Visa Fee and the Department of Labor Fee will be paid for by your business. Most of the time, the H1B visa is good for three years. Second, the number of people who can get an H1B visa each year is limited. Every year, 85,000 H1B visas are given out. Twenty thousand are for graduates from the United States, and sixty five thousand are for grads from any other country. Here are more information about the US H1B Visa, including what you need to do to get one, how to apply, and the maximum number of visas that can be issued.
Eligibility Criteria for H1B Visa Program
In order to be eligible for a US H1B visa, a person must:
- You need a bachelor’s degree or at least two years of work in that field.
- You need to have a valid job offer from a company in the United States.
Understand the H1B Visa Cap
There is a cap on the number of H-1B cards that can be given out each year.
At the moment, there is a limit of 65,000 visas. The first 20,000 foreigners with a U.S. master’s degree or higher are excluded. Every year, 85,000 H1B visas are given out.
H1B Cap Exempt
In the U.S., some employers are not subject to this yearly cap. They don’t have to wait for the lottery to make a Petition; they can do it at any time of the year.
This list of types of companies is not subject to the H-1B cap:
- Employed in colleges and universities.
- organizations that are not for business and are connected to colleges and universities.
- Research groups that don’t make money.
- Research groups for the government.
Understand the US H1B Visa Lottery
Because a lot of people want to get an H-1B visa. A lot of U.S. companies fill out a petition to hire a worker from another country.
Every year in March, the USCIS picks 85,000 applicants at random through a draw. You can apply for a US H1B visa online or at a US Embassy or consulate if you are chosen.
US H1B Visa Requirements
- You need to get a job offer from a company in the US.
- The Petition will be filed for you by your company. Employers are the ones who apply for the US H1B Visa; you can’t go to the US Embassy and ask for it yourself.
- It means that you have already been chosen to apply for an H1B visa if your name was drawn in the H1B lottery.
- It’s now possible to get an H1B visa at the U.S. embassy.
Read Also: US H2A Seasonal Work Visa 2024 – H2A Visa Program
How to Apply for a US H1B Visa?
They are the ones who fill out the H1B application. If you want to apply, you need to do these things:
- Fill in Form DS-160: This is the most important part of the application.
- Schedule an interview: Set up a meeting at the US Embassy in your country that is closest to you.
- Pay the H1B visa fees. The Visa fee will be paid for by your boss.
- Submit the required documents. Here are all of your academic records, such as degrees, work experience, job contracts, and so on.
- Attend the H1B interview: During the interview, you will find out what will happen with your visa.
Duration of H1B Visa
It is possible to get an extra three years on the Visa after the first three years are up. There are 6 years that a person can stay and work in the US.
You can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card after 6 years, but there are some requirements.
Cost Covered by the US Employer for H1B Visa
- Visa Fee
- H1B Petition Fee
- Department of Labor Fee
Helpful Resources
Conclusion:
Getting a US H1B visa requires meeting certain requirements, knowing the visa cap and exemptions, figuring out how to use the lottery system, and applying through your sponsoring job. This visa lets skilled workers work in the US. They can stay for up to six years and can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card to extend their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a US H1B Visa?
The US H1B Visa is a temporary work visa for foreign nationals with specialized skills, sponsored by US employers.
How does the H1B Visa lottery system work?
The USCIS conducts a random draw to select 85,000 applicants from the pool of petitions received annually, with exemptions for certain categories like US master’s degree holders.
