USA H-1B Work Visa: Eligibility, Process, and Fees
The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after U.S. work visas for highly skilled foreign professionals. It allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations such as IT, engineering, medicine, finance, and research. This article explains everything you need to know about eligibility, the lottery process, required documents, and costs.
What is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in occupations requiring specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
It is initially granted for up to 3 years and can be extended to a maximum of 6 years.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
- The job must be in a specialty occupation (e.g., IT, engineering, science, medicine).
- A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent experience) is required.
- The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor.
H-1B Lottery System
The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap of 85,000 visas (65,000 regular cap + 20,000 for advanced degree holders from U.S. institutions). Due to high demand, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select applications.
Application Process
- Employer Registration: The U.S. employer registers the candidate during the registration period (usually March).
- Lottery Selection: USCIS randomly selects registrations to proceed.
- Petition Filing: If selected, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS along with supporting documents.
- Visa Application: After USCIS approval, the candidate applies for a visa at a U.S. consulate.
- Entry to USA: Once the visa is issued, the worker can travel to the U.S. and begin employment.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter and employment contract
- Educational qualifications (degrees, transcripts)
- Form I-129 petition filed by employer
- LCA approval from the Department of Labor
- Proof of professional experience (if required)
Visa Fees
The costs for an H-1B visa vary depending on employer size and category. On average:
- Base filing fee: $460
- ACWIA training fee: $750–$1,500
- Fraud prevention fee: $500
- Public Law 114-113 fee (for large employers): $4,000
- Attorney fees (if applicable)
Processing Time
Regular processing can take 3–6 months. Premium processing (for an additional $2,500) guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days.
Benefits of the H-1B Visa
- Opportunity to work in the U.S. legally.
- Possibility to bring dependents (spouse and children) on H-4 visas.
- Potential pathway to permanent residency (Green Card).
- Ability to change employers under certain conditions.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and updated information, visit the official sources:
Conclusion
The H-1B visa remains one of the most competitive U.S. work visas due to high demand and limited annual caps. By preparing all documents carefully, working with a reliable employer, and understanding the lottery system, applicants can maximize their chances of success.