United States•North America7-10 days
4,595 USD
1 year
Yes
Required
Allowed
No
Allowed
For nationals of Chile and Singapore in specialty occupations under free trade agreements. Separate from H-1B cap.
The H-1B1 is a US specialty occupation visa for citizens of Chile or Singapore created under the 2004 US-Chile and US-Singapore Free Trade Agreements. It draws from a dedicated allocation of 6,800 annual slots (1,400 for Chileans, 5,400 for Singaporeans) carved out of the standard H-1B cap, bypassing the lottery.
Applicants typically apply through a US consulate — no USCIS petition is required for new employment abroad. Stay is 1 year, renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments with no 6-year cap. H-4 dependents may accompany but cannot work. No dual intent: holders must show intent to return home.
This visa is ideal for Chilean or Singaporean professionals with a US specialty job offer who want reliable, lottery-free work authorization without pursuing permanent residence.
MRV visa application fee (consular route) | 205 USD |
Form I-129 filing fee (standard) | 780 USD |
Form I-129 filing fee (small employers and nonprofits) | 460 USD |
Asylum Program Fee (standard) | 600 USD |
Asylum Program Fee (small employers) | 300 USD |
ACWIA fee (standard) | 1,500 USD |
ACWIA fee (small employers) | 750 USD |
| LCA (DOL certification) | 1 week – 1 week |
| Consular processing (total, typical) | 2 months – 6 months |
| Initial grant | 1 year |
6,800 total (1,400 for Chilean nationals; 5,400 for Singaporean nationals); unused slots revert to general H-1B pool
Chile
SingaporeMust be a citizen (not permanent resident) of Chile or Singapore
Position must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field
Alternate credentials accepted for: management consultants and disaster relief claims adjusters (both countries); agricultural managers and physical therapists (Chile only)
Valid job offer from a U.S. employer
Employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from DOL
Must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and ties to home country — no dual intent permitted
Job Offer
Required
Education
bachelor or higher
Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Certified LCA (Form ETA-9035)
Job offer letter from U.S. employer
Educational credentials (degree, transcripts) demonstrating specialty occupation qualification
Evidence of ties to home country (property, family, employment)
MRV fee payment receipt
Photo meeting U.S. visa requirements
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| ETA-9035 Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers | Fill online |
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | Fill online |
| Application Steps | Employer submits Form ETA-9035 (LCA) to the Department of Labor and obtains certification; Applicant… | travel.state.gov |
| Dependent Visa | H-4 | uscis.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | MRV visa application fee (consular route): 205 USD; Form I-129 filing fee (standard): 780 USD; Form … | uscis.gov |
| Fees | USD $205 MRV visa application fee (nonrefundable). For change of status or extension of stay request… | uscis.gov |
| Forms | DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application — consular route); Form ETA-9035 (Labor Condition Application … | uscis.gov |
| Forms · DS-160 · description | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | ceac.state.gov |
| Forms · ETA-9035 · description | Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers | flag.dol.gov |
| Forms · ETA-9035 · url | https://flag.dol.gov/programs/LCA | flag.dol.gov |
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