H-1B Visa

Video: H-1B Visa Explained

For many skilled professionals worldwide, the dream of advancing a career in the United States begins with the H-1B visa. This non-immigrant work visa enables U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, including technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and other professional fields where expertise is in high demand.

Each year, the U.S. government issues 85,000 new H-1B visas. Of these, 65,000 are available for professionals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree, while an additional 20,000 are reserved for those with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Because the number of applicants far exceeds the annual quota, the selection process is highly competitive and requires careful preparation.

The application process follows several key steps. First, a U.S. employer must agree to sponsor the foreign professional. The employer then registers the applicant for the H-1B lottery. If the registration is selected, the employer submits a detailed petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the applicant can begin working legally in the United States.