H-1B Visa – U.S. Work Visa for Specialty Occupations
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa that allows companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is one of the most popular work visas for professionals in fields like IT, engineering, mathematics, finance, medicine, and architecture.
To be eligible, the job must require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a specialized field, and the applicant must possess the relevant degree or experience. The H-1B visa is employer-sponsored, meaning that a U.S. employer must file a petition on behalf of the applicant.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa
- Initial stay of up to 3 years, extendable to a maximum of 6 years
- Requires a U.S. job offer in a specialty occupation
- Includes spouses and children (H-4 dependents)
- Allows dual intent – H-1B holders can apply for a green card
H-1B Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the H-1B visa, the applicant must:
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation
- Possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific field
- Have relevant education, training, or experience
- Meet state licensure requirements (if applicable)
H-1B Cap and Lottery System
There is an annual cap of 85,000 H-1B visas: 65,000 under the regular cap and 20,000 for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Due to high demand, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select petitions each year, typically in March.
H-1B to Green Card Pathway
H-1B visa holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency (green card) through employment-based immigration categories such as EB-2 or EB-3. This “dual intent” nature of the H-1B visa allows professionals to work in the U.S. while pursuing a long-term immigration path.
Required Documents for H-1B Petition
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor
- Copy of the employment offer letter
- Proof of educational qualifications
- Resume, certifications, and professional references
Need Help With Your H-1B Visa Application?
Exitbase assists professionals and U.S. employers with the entire H-1B process — from preparing the petition and gathering documents to navigating the lottery and interview stages. Whether you’re an individual applicant or a company seeking skilled international talent, our team provides personalized, reliable support.
Contact us today to begin your H-1B journey with confidence.
