For skilled professionals
H-1B Work Visa
H-1B is the most common U.S. work visa for skilled workers with a bachelor's degree or higher. A U.S. employer files a petition with USCIS; if approved, you can work in the U.S. for up to 6 years with a path to a green card.
Key facts
Duration
3 years, extendable to 6 (longer only if a green card petition is pending)
Cost
$2,460 — $6,460 in USCIS fees (paid by the employer) plus attorney fees
Processing time
Registration in March, lottery, petition by June 30, start date October 1
Path to green card
Yes — via employer sponsorship (EB-2 or EB-3)
Who this is for
- •You have a job offer from a U.S. company in a "specialty occupation" requiring a related degree.
- •You hold a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent experience under the 3-for-1 rule).
- •The employer is willing to cover USCIS fees and file the petition.
- •Roles in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, science, design and other professional fields.
Who this is NOT for
- •No job offer, or employer unwilling to sponsor.
- •The job does not require a related degree (e.g. driver, barista, construction worker).
- •Missed the March registration window for the lottery.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Find a sponsoring employer
The company must be ready to file the petition and pay fees. Discuss H-1B sponsorship upfront in interviews.
- 2
Registration (March)
The employer registers you in the USCIS electronic system. Registration fee is $215.
- 3
Lottery selection
USCIS randomly selects 85,000 registrations (including 20,000 for U.S. master's/PhD holders).
- 4
File I-129 petition
If selected, the employer has 90 days to file the full petition with supporting documents.
- 5
Visa stamping
After petition approval you receive the H-1B visa at the U.S. consulate in your home country.
- 6
Start work October 1
Begin employment in the U.S. at the start of the new fiscal year.
Required documents
- ›Bachelor's degree or higher (translated and evaluated by WES/ECE if foreign)
- ›Resume / CV
- ›Offer letter from the employer
- ›Approved LCA (Labor Condition Application) — filed by employer
- ›Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- ›Proof of prior work experience
Common mistakes
- ⚠Applying for a role that doesn't qualify as a "specialty occupation".
- ⚠Missing the March registration deadline — no chances until next year.
- ⚠Not keeping I-797, I-94 copies and pay stubs — needed for extensions and green card.
- ⚠Switching employers without filing an H-1B transfer petition.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't win the lottery?+
You can register again next year, consider O-1 (extraordinary ability), L-1 (intracompany transfer), or join a cap-exempt employer (universities, research centers).
Can my spouse work?+
Spouse gets an H-4 visa. Work authorization (EAD) is available only if the principal H-1B is at the green card stage (approved I-140).
Important: This page is a general overview, not legal advice. U.S. immigration law is complex and changes often. Consult a licensed attorney before filing.
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