What is H1B?

What is H1B?

The H1-B Visa is a non-immigrant visa that lets U.S. companies employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. Think of fields like IT, engineering, finance, and architecture. It would be best if you had at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the company has to file a petition on your behalf.

H1-B is a classification in the US Visa System. The H category covers non-immigrant work visas, and the 1B distinguishes this particular type of work visa.

Why is H1B required?

The H1-B visa is a crucial one because it allows U.S. employers to tap into a global talent pool for highly skilled workers in specialized fields. There are many roles where the expertise isn’t readily available within the country, and the H1-B bridges that gap by enabling companies to hire the right talent from abroad. It benefits the economy and drives innovation.

The H1-B is essential because it addresses the talent shortage in specialized fields within the U.S. It enables American companies to hire highly skilled workers from around the world, fostering innovation, filling critical roles, and helping to keep the economy competitive on a global scale.

What is the application process for H1-B?

The employer must file a petition on your behalf. The process includes obtaining a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor and submitting Form I-129 to USCIS.

Who is eligible for H1-B?

Those who have a job offer from a U.S. employer are eligible for an H1B visa. The job must require a bachelor’s degree or higher (or its equivalent) in a specific specialty.

What is the duration of H1B Visa?

Initially, it is granted for a period of up to three years and can be extended for a total of six years.

How about the portability of the H1 B Visa?

H1-B visa holders can change employers or job positions, provided the new job is also in a specialty occupation

Who are the qualifiers for an H1-B Visa?

You qualify for the H1B visa if you are accepted in a specific job position which has the following requirements:

1. Possession of an advanced educational degree such as:

2. 4 four-year Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degrees)

3. A Master’s or Doctoral Degree

4. Advanced training or vocational skills (examples include fashion models)

5. Qualify to work in research and development projects of the US Department of Defense or other government positions.

Examples of job positions might be:

1. IT specialists

2. Architects

3. Accountants

4. Professors

5. Doctors

6. Lawyers, etc

The H1B work visa is initiated by an employer in the United States. The employer must have an open job position and they cannot find an American employee who is qualified enough to complete the work. This can be any position that requires higher education degrees or that is specialized enough in skills that not many people can do it successfully.

Then, the employer receives applications from various candidates and if the requirements for the job are fulfilled by a foreign employee, then the US H1B visa process is initiated.

How do we apply for H1-B Visa?

Here are the steps you need to go through to apply for the H1B visa:

1. Make sure you qualify for the H1B visa.

2. Find a petitioner by applying for a job opening in the United States.

3. Have the petition initiated by your employer.

4. Apply for the H1B visa at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

What are the documents required for an H1-B Visa?

After you have paid the H1B visa fees, you must submit the required documents for employees as listed below:

1. Your current passport.

2. Copy of your current passport pages.

3. All previous passports.

4. Receipts that prove you have paid your visa fees. · A photograph that meets the Digital Image Requirements.

5. Visa interview appointment letter (Original and 1 copy).

6. Printed Form I-129 Receipt number and the original and 1 copy of Form I-129.

7. Copy of Form I-797. · Letter from your employer with your job description.

8. Your qualifications (diplomas and certifications).

If you have worked before in the US, you also have to submit:

1. Your tax return forms.

2. Names and contact information of previous employers and supervisors.

3. Resume or CV.

4. Pay slips for the past 12 months.

If this is the first time you are applying, you should submit these additional documents:

1. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

2. Names and contact information of supervisors and managers of your current and previous jobs.

3. Names and contact information of two co-workers of your current and previous jobs.

4. A letter describing your job duties and responsibilities of the job you will have in the US.

5. Photographs of your current and previous job locations.

6. Photographs of the building where you will be working in the US (outside and inside), annual report, prospectus, and brochures.

7. Bank statements.

What would be the cost of an H1-B Visa?

Besides the $205 for the H1B application at the embassy, additional fees you have to pay for the H1B visa are:

1. Visa issuance fee. Which is different for various embassies, so you should check with your local US Embassy about the amount.

2. Additional fees. For employers with more than 50 employees, where 50% of them are on H1B or L visas, there is an additional fee of $2,250 which the employee/applicant has to pay. To determine the costs of the H1B visa application, you can the online calculators.

Is there anything specific to follow for H1-B Visa?

There are few steps to be specifically followed for H1-B Visa. Job offer from a U.S. Employer. Your education and qualifications as per the norms. Your employer must file LCA (Labor Condition Application) with the U.S. Department of Labor. The employer must submit I-129 to USCIS. There is an annual cap of 65000 visas, plus an additional 20,000 for those with a U.S. Masters degree or higher. The petition must be filed during the designated filing period, usually starting on April 1st for the fiscal year starting October 1st. If the petition is approved, you can apply for the H1-B visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Following these steps, will help you to be on track in the process.