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 H-1B 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 H-1B program.
You need to be sponsored to get an H-1B visa. Both the visa fee and the Department of Labor fee will be paid for by your business. Most of the time, the H-1B visa is good for three years. Second, the number of people who can get an H-1B visa each year is limited. Every year, 85,000 H-1B 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 is 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.
Read Also: US H2A Seasonal Work Visa – H2A Visa Program
Eligibility Criteria:
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.
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.
Benefits of US H1B Visa:
- Legal Employment in the United States: The H1B Visa enables foreign nationals to work legally in the United States in specialty occupations, including finance, engineering, IT, and healthcare.
- High Earning Potential: H1B visa holders have the potential to earn competitive salaries in the United States, which are frequently higher than those in their native countries, particularly in sectors such as finance, engineering, and technology.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The H1B Visa can serve as a gateway to permanent residency (Green Card) in the United States, as numerous H1B holders petition for a Green Card while employed in the country.
- Family Sponsorship: H1B visa holders are permitted to bring their spouse and children (under 21 years old) to the United States under the H4 visa category. This enables families to reside together during the duration of the work visa.
- Work Flexibility: Career Mobility and Flexibility within the US Job Market: H1B visa holders are permitted to change employers (provided that the new employer sponsors a new petition).
- Extended Stay: The H1B Visa is initially granted for a maximum of three years and can be extended for an additional three years, allowing for a total of six years of employment in the United States. Extensions beyond six years may be feasible under specific circumstances.
- High-End Job Market Accessibility: The United States provides a plethora of job opportunities in specialized disciplines, including technology, engineering, and healthcare, which facilitates access to a highly competitive job market.
- Opportunities for Professional Development: The United States is home to some of the world’s largest companies, which offer H1B visa holders exceptional opportunities for career advancement, networking, and learning from top professionals in their respective fields.
- Education and Training: Workers who are employed in the United States on an H1B Visa have the opportunity to take advantage of a variety of professional development and educational opportunities to further their qualifications and talents.
- Travel Capacity: H1B visa holders are permitted to enter and exit the United States while their visas are valid. This permits both personal and business journeys abroad, provided that the requisite documentation is in order.
- Health Insurance and Benefits: Numerous employers in the United States offer health insurance, retirement programs, and other benefits to H1B visa holders, thereby guaranteeing access to financial security and high-quality healthcare.
- Cultural Exchange and Experience: Foreign laborers are afforded the opportunity to reside and work in one of the most dynamic and diverse countries in the world by working in the United States, which offers a rich cultural experience.
- Entrepreneurship Opportunity: Workers may be eligible to establish their own business or participate in entrepreneurial activities after holding an H1B visa for a period of time, particularly if they aspire to a Green Card or other visa categories.
- Networking Opportunities: The United States is a global hub for business and innovation, which offers H1B visa holders exceptional networking opportunities to connect with professionals from around the globe.
- Potential for position Mobility: The H1B Visa provides the flexibility to work with multiple employers and even change fields or industries, provided that the new position is also a specialty occupation.
How to Apply for US H1B Visa Process?
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 the US H-1B visa?
Foreign workers can work in the US in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher under the US H1B visa, a non-immigrant visa.
Who can apply for an H-1B visa?
To qualify for an H1B visa, applicants must have a job offer from a US employer in a specialized field, a relevant degree, and meet other educational and professional requirements set by the employer
How long does the H-1B visa process take?
The H1B visa process can take several months, with the initial petition process starting in April each year. Typically, the processing time spans from 3 to 6 months, but an additional fee can expedite it with premium processing.
