United States•North AmericaH-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
90-180 days
Application Fee
205 USD
Stay Duration
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Subject to annual cap of 65,000 plus 20,000 for US advanced degree holders.
The H-1B visa allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields. It's the primary visa for skilled professional workers and is subject to an annual cap of 65,000 visas plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders.
Annual Visa Allocation
85,000 visas per year
65,000 for the general pool and 20,000 for applicants with a U.S. Master's degree or higher. Certain non-profits and educational institutions are cap-exempt.
Lottery system applies when oversubscribed
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Personal
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Required Skills
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
6+ months validity
Passport photos
US visa specification
Educational credentials
Degree certificates, transcripts
Resume/CV
Detailed work history
Credential evaluation
If foreign degree
OptionalSponsor Documents
Form I-129
Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
Labor Condition Application
Certified LCA from DOL
Company documents
Tax returns, organizational chart
Job offer letter
Detailed position description
Specialty occupation evidence
Proof position requires degree
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Path to permanent residency
- Spouse can work with H-4 EAD (if eligible)
- Can change employers (portability)
- Premium processing available
- Dual intent allowed
Considerations
- Annual cap with lottery system
- Employer-dependent status
- Long green card wait for some nationalities
- Complex and expensive application process
Application Process
Employer files LCA
Labor Condition Application with Department of Labor
Lottery registration
Employer registers during March filing period
Lottery selection
If selected, proceed to petition
File I-129 petition
Employer submits petition to USCIS
USCIS processing
Wait for approval
Visa interview
At US consulate if outside US
Enter US
Begin employment with sponsor
Application Forms
Form I-129
Form ID: I-129
Form DS-160
Form ID: DS-160
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