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H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation Work Visa)
The H-1B Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. It is one of the most popular work visas in the United States and provides a pathway to temporary employment, with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency.
What is an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B Visa is specifically for foreign nationals employed in specialty occupations such as technology, engineering, medicine, finance, education, and other fields requiring specialized knowledge.
Key features of the H-1B Visa include:
Initial validity of 3 years, extendable up to 6 years.
Eligible to include spouse (H-4 visa) and unmarried children under 21.
Requires employer sponsorship and a job offer in a specialty occupation.
Why Choose an H-1B Visa?
Gain work authorization in the U.S. for specialized occupations.
Eligible to live and work in the U.S. with your family.
Provides a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) through employment-based categories.
Allows access to professional growth, higher salaries, and international experience.
Offers H-4 dependent spouses limited work authorization in certain cases.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an H-1B Visa:
Must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation.
Must possess a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent relevant to the position.
The employer must demonstrate that the job requires specialized knowledge.
Must maintain valid immigration status throughout the application and employment period.
Employer must file Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor before petitioning USCIS.
H-1B Visa Process
Labor Condition Application (LCA): Employer files LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor to certify wages and working conditions.
Petition Filing (Form I-129): Employer submits H-1B petition to USCIS along with supporting documents.
USCIS Approval: If approved, USCIS issues the H-1B visa petition.
Visa Stamping / Entry: If applying from abroad, attend a consular interview for H-1B visa stamping.
Start Employment: Enter the U.S. and begin work in the specialty occupation.
Extensions & Status Maintenance: H-1B is valid for up to 6 years, with possible extensions for pending Green Card processes.
Documents Required
Valid passport.
Job offer letter from U.S. employer.
Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval.
Educational certificates (degree, transcripts) relevant to the specialty occupation.
Resume/CV detailing work experience and qualifications.
Employer petition documents (Form I-129, supporting forms).
Dependent family documents (birth certificates, marriage certificate).
Additional documentation as requested by USCIS.
Timeline & Processing Time
LCA Approval: 1–2 weeks
USCIS Petition (Form I-129) Processing: 3–6 months (premium processing available: 15 calendar days)
Visa Stamping (if outside the U.S.): 1–4 weeks
Overall Timeline: Typically 2–6 months, depending on premium processing and consular appointment availability.
H-1B vs. Other Work Visas
H-1B: For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher; employer-sponsored.
L-1: For intracompany transfers of executives or managers.
O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, business, or athletics.
H-2B: For temporary non-agricultural workers.
How We Help
We provide full support for H-1B Visa applicants:
Guidance on eligibility and specialty occupation requirements.
Assistance with Labor Condition Application (LCA) preparation.
Preparation and filing of Form I-129 petition with USCIS.
Support with H-1B visa stamping and consular interviews.
Advice on extensions, H-4 dependents, and transition to permanent residency.
Why Choose Us for H-1B Visa Assistance?
Expertise in handling specialty occupation visa applications.
Proven track record of successful H-1B approvals.
Transparent and step-by-step guidance for employers and employees.
Assistance with both U.S. domestic filings and consular processing abroad.
Personalized support for families and career planning in the U.S.