H-1B Visa

🇺🇸 What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations — roles that require theoretical or technical expertise, usually in fields like IT, engineering, finance, architecture, medicine, or science.

🧑‍💻 Who is Eligible for the H-1B Visa?

To qualify, you must:

• Have a job offer from a U.S. employer

• Work in a specialty occupation (Bachelor's degree or higher typically required)

• Hold a relevant degree or equivalent work experience

📝 H-1B Application Process (2025 Overview)

1. H-1B Registration (Lottery)

• Usually opens in March each year

• U.S. employers must register candidates through USCIS online portal

• A lottery system randomly selects applicants due to the limited quota

H-1B Visa

2. Petition Filing

• If selected, employer files Form I-129 with supporting documents

3. Visa Stamping

• Once approved, applicant goes for visa stamping at U.S. Embassy/Consulate

⏳ H-1B Visa Timeline

Step	Time
Registration (March)	~2 weeks
Lottery result	Within 2–4 weeks
Petition filing	90 days (if selected)
USCIS processing	2–6 months (Premium processing = 15 days)
Visa stamping	1–3 weeks
Start work	From October 1 (FY start)

🎯 H-1B Visa Cap (Quota)

• Regular Cap: 65,000 visas/year

• Master’s Cap (U.S. degree): Extra 20,000

• Exempt Employers: Universities, research orgs are cap-exempt

📌 Validity

• Initial stay: 3 years

• Maximum duration: 6 years (extensions possible with green card processing)

✅ H-1B Advantages

• Pathway to U.S. Green Card

• Dependents (H-4) can stay and some may work

• Higher salary & U.S. job market access

• Change employer with H-1B transfer

❗ Challenges / Considerations

• High competition due to lottery

• Strict employer sponsorship

• Complex rules (especially for job change)

• Visa rejections possible at stamping stage

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