How to Apply for the H1B Visa?
- Make sure you qualify for the H1B visa.
- Find a petitioner by applying for a job opening in the United States.
- Have the petitioning initiated by your employer.
- Apply for the H1B visa at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate in your home country. H1B Visa Petitioning Process for Employers Here are the steps that employers need to go through to petition a foreign worker: ...
- Applicant must find an H1B sponsor.
- Employer must submit a Labor Conditions Approval (LCA)
- Employer must submit Form I-129.
- Applicant completes an H1B visa application at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What are the requirements for H1B visa?
H-1B Visa Requirements. H-1B visa applications require a petitioner (the employer) and beneficiary (employee). The beneficiary must meet a minimum of one of the following requirements: Have completed a bachelor's degree (or higher) in the same field as their specialty occupation from an accredited university.
What is the process of H1B visa?
In addition to the employers, employees or H1B applicants also have to complete these steps:
- Fill in Form DS-160. The DS-160 is the most important part of the application. ...
- Schedule an interview. Try to schedule the interview as early as possible. ...
- Pay the H1B visa fees. The application fee is $190.
- Submit required documents for H1B Visa.
- Attend the H1B interview. ...
How to get H1B stamped?
You will need to carry the following documents to the interview:
- Copy of the DS-160 form
- All current and expired passports (original)
- Visa interview confirmation letter
- H1B approval notice (original)
- Copy of H1B application
- Copy of H1B LCA
- Verification letter from US employer
- Pay slips of the last three months
- Education degrees (school, graduation and post-graduation, if applicable)
How to apply for H1B visa?
The first time to apply for H-1B immigration application steps:
- Find a work entity that is willing to help you apply for a work visa;
- Complete the online registration of the H1B electronic lottery system. ...
- On April 1, the USCIS announced the results of the H-1B lottery. ...
- Between April 1 and June 30, the company submits formal H1B application documents to the USCIS for the selected H1B employees.
Who is eligible for H1B visa?
The minimum educational level acceptable for H-1B status is a bachelor's degree in the field of the proposed employment. The nonimmigrant employee must have the required degree, or its equivalent, to receive H-1B approval.
How can I apply for H1 in USA?
Here are the steps you need to go through in order to apply for the H1B visa:Make sure you qualify for the H1B visa.Find a petitioner by applying for a job opening in the United States.Have the petitioning initiated by your employer.Apply for the H1B visa at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate in your home country.
Is it easy to get H1B visa in USA?
How Difficult Is It To Get an H1B Visa? H1B visa requirements can be difficult to meet because you must first be hired by a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you. Competition for jobs in the United States is fierce, and demand for visas to enter the US grows daily.
What is H1 visa requirements in USA?
Hold a U.S. bachelor's or higher degree required by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university. Hold a foreign degree that is the equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's or higher degree required by the specialty occupation from an accredited college or university.
How much is US H-1B visa fee?
H1B visa costs for employersH1B feeAmount (US $)Who pays?Registration Fee$10EmployerBasic visa filing fee (I-129 form)$460EmployerPublic Law 114-113 Fee$4000EmployerPremium Processing (optional)$2,500Employer or employee3 more rows
How much does an H-1B visa cost?
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for H-1B Visa? The H-1B visa cost can range from $1,720 to $6,470 or more depending on attorney fees, optional fees, and employer criteria. However, only lottery-selected petitions will pay more than the $10 registration fee.
Can I apply for H-1B without a job?
No, this is not possible. To apply for this visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. company or organization.
What is the age limit for H1B visa?
Your wife and unmarried children below the ages of 21 are entitled to the H4 visa and can stay as long as your H1-B visa is valid. They cannot accept employment but are allowed to attend school in the U.S. Servants are also allowed under the B1 visa.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sistersU.S. permanent residentUnmarried children4 more rows
Can I get an H-1B visa without a degree?
Evidence of Certification from a Reputable Association You can also qualify for an H-1B without a degree by presenting proof of registration or certification from a nationally-recognized professional organization in your field.
Can I apply for H-1B from India?
H1B visas can only be applied through an employer, meaning you cannot apply for a H1B visa from India by yourself. The H1B visa is tied to a particular employer and if you change your employer, it could affect your visa status. In addition, family members in the U.S. cannot sponsor an H1B visa.
How can I increase my chances of H-1B visa?
4 Tips to Increase Your Chances at an H1B VisaGet your application in as quickly as possible. The USCIS accepts applications in April and, believe us, they come in thick and fast. ... Only apply once. ... Don't pay your own fee. ... Make sure your employer is a “good” one.
Can I apply for H-1B visa on my own?
If I would like to work in the US, can I apply for an H-1B visa by myself? No, this is not possible. To apply for this visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. company or organization.
How can I get H-1B visa without sponsorship?
One of the questions we receive the most during this time of year is, “Can I apply for an H-1B visa without a sponsor?” The short answer is no. The reason is that an H-1B visa petition always requires an American company, called a Petitioner, to file the visa.
How long does it take to get an H-1B visa?
1 month to 6 monthsThe regular H1B visa processing time is from 1 month to 6 months. This also depends on the service center. The California and Nebraska Service Centers process H1B visas for an average of 2.5 to 4.5 months.
Can I get an H-1B visa without a degree?
Evidence of Certification from a Reputable Association You can also qualify for an H-1B without a degree by presenting proof of registration or certification from a nationally-recognized professional organization in your field.
What Are the Requirements for an H-1 Visa?
The H-1 visa comes with a number of specific requirements. You will need to meet all of these requirements if you wish to qualify for a U.S. H-1B work visa.
What is an H-1 Visa?
An H-1 visa is a temporary work visa for the United States. With an H-1 visa, you can gain temporary employment with a U.S.-based employer. Your H-1 visa is typically valid for a specific period of time. Typically, an H-1 visa will last for a maximum of six years before it expires.
How Long Does It Take to Process a U.S. H-1 Work Visa?
H-1 visa processing times vary widely depending on the workload at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Standard processing can take 3-5 weeks, while employers who pay for premium processing may have their H-1 visa approved within 5 to 10 days.
Can I Bring Dependents to the United States While on an H-1 Visa?
The H-1 visa is one of several visa types that allows you to bring dependents to the United States. Your dependents can file a request for an H-4 visa. The H-4 visa is designed specifically for the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an H visa holder.
Why do nurses need a visa?
Nurses have a specialized visa category because they are typically in high-demand among U.S. employers.
Where to find DS-160?
Form DS-160 can be found on your local U.S. embassy’s website. The form is typically available in your local language, although you will need to provide the answers in English.
Can I Extend My H-1 Visa?
The H-1 visa is typically given for a maximum of three years, regardless of your term of employment. Once your visa is expired (or close to expiring), you can choose to extend it. Extensions are awarded for either one year or three years.
How to find companies that have sponsored H1B visas?
You can do this by searching “H1B visa sponsors database” or “companies that sponsor H1 B visas.” Then, change the wording slightly to obtain lists of company names that have sponsored H1B visas in the past.
When do you have to tell a company you want to be in the H1B visa sponsorship?
Once you get a job offer, you have to tell the company that you want to be in the H1B visa sponsorship petition in 2021. This lets the company know that they have to act fast to get everything ready for April.
What companies sponsor H1B?
There are many, many companies in the U.S. that off H1B sponsorship. These companies exist in all fields and offer some of the best employment opportunities for H1B visa holders in the U.S. Some of the largest, most lucrative companies offering H1B sponsorship include: 1 Amazon 2 Google 3 Microsoft 4 Salesforce 5 Facebook
Is paying for an H1B visa a crime?
This is a big problem because paying for an H1B visa is considered a crime in the United States. If you decide to pay for an H1B visa, this year’s new regulations and laws can really come back to haunt you. You also never know whether what they’re saying is true or not, so we recommend you be very careful.
How much does it cost to get an H1B visa?
Besides the $190 for the H1B application at the embassy additional fees you have to pay for the H1B visa are:
How to Extend the H1B Visa?
The H1B extension procedures are similar to the initial application process. You will need to pay the same fees, except for the Fraud Prevention and Protection Fee. Your employer will also have to follow the same procedures for getting certification from DOL and an approved petition from USCIS. In addition, you will submit these documents:
How Long Can I Stay in the US with an H1B Visa?
The H1B visa is initially valid for 3 years but can extend for another 3 years. In total, a person can stay and work in the US for 6 years at most. However, that does not mean that the person must return to their home country. What makes the H1B visa popular is that it is a dual intent visa.
What is H1B Visa Stamping?
In case you are granted an H1B visa, you need to go on and apply for the H1B visa stamping. This a process on its own, and you should check out the H1B visa stamping article for more details.
How to See My H1B Status Updates?
When your employer submits the H1B visa petition, you will receive a 13-digit receipt number which you can use to check on your H1B status on the USCIS website . The receipt number starts with an “ EAC, WAC, LIN, SRC, NBC, MSC or IOE” and is followed by 10 numbers. Your status could state one of the following:
What Kind of Health Insurance Am I Eligible For?
The type of H1B health insurance you are eligible for depends on how long you will be staying in the United States. As an H1b visa holder you can have:
What is an H1B amendment?
The H1B Amendment requires US employers to file an amended petition in case the employee has any material changes. Material changes are defined as anything that impacts the employee’s eligibility for an H1B visa. The USCIS does not give a list of what qualifies as such a change, but examples include:
How do I submit my H1B Visa?
The H1B Visa application process is electronic as it works with an online process created by the USCIS . However, the Petition Filing Process is very important and to complete it you must follow these steps:
How much does it cost to get an H1B visa?
Firstly, the initial registration fee is USD10,00, which is required to enter an H1B lottery. Be aware that all H-1B visa applications are subject to a lottery system, meaning that, even if you qualify for all the requirements, you might not be awarded your visa if you don’t win the lottery.
How does applying with iVisa.com work?
iVisa.com is ready to help with your visa and travel document needs. We know applying for a visa can be complicated, and that’s why our full service includes the following once it is launched:
What is an H1B visa?
The H1B Visa is a US visa designed for “specialty occupation”, which means the holder of this document is well-prepared in a position that requires exclusive knowledge or skill.
How long does it take to get an H1B visa?
The selection process can take from four to six months, and it depends on many aspects, including if the petitioner can continue with the selection process or not.
What is the minimum requirement for a specialty visa?
In general, the basic requirement is that the applicant has a university degree or an equivalent (for example, 3 years of work experience), and there might be other requirements needed, including highly specialized knowledge or ability.
Is there an online registration for H1B visa?
In 2020, the USCIS launched an online registration process to get the H1B Visa (H-1B cap). This method has reduced paperwork and data exchange, and it has also made the application process a lot easier for applicants.
Overview
The H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability. A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Key News
On January 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (Department) issued an Office of Foreign Labor Certification H-1B Program Bulletin and a Wage and Hour Division Field Assistance Bulletin (FAB) revising its interpretation of its regulations concerning which employers of H-1B workers must file Labor Condition Applications.
What form do I need to bring for an L visa?
L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.
What is the purpose of a visa interview?
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?
Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What form do I need to schedule an interview?
You will need to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, to schedule an interview.
Where to schedule H1B visa interview?
Scheduling the interview may be conducted at the closest U.S. consulate or embassy. The H-1B visa stamping process should be implemented in the following order:
How to secure a visa payment?
To secure payment approval, create a user profile with the U.S. Visa Service website. Select ‘Schedule Appointment.’ A payment confirmation page should appear. This page will allow the applicant to select the best-fitted payment information for the individual. The payment is only valid for a year, so it is important to schedule the appointment within that time.
What is a POE visa?
When you get to the port of entry (POE), you will have to undergo security clearance before you can be allowed to enter the country. Your visa stamp is one of the requirements to prove that you have valid authorization to travel to the United States.
Does the USCIS suspend visa stamping?
It also does not guarantee that your visa will be approved in the H-1B visa stamping process. There are times, however, when the USCIS will suspend premium processing to give preference to long-neglected petitions. This is true for all H-1B petitions during the 2017-2018 season.
What is an H-2A visa?
An H-2A visa allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary agricultural jobs for which U.S. workers are not available. An H-2A nonimmigrant classification applies to you if you seek to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States on a temporary basis. A U.S. employer (or an association of U.S. agricultural producers named as a joint employer) must file a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, on your behalf.
Where to bring I-129?
You must bring your I-129 petition receipt number to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate General in order to verify your petition's approval. Please note that approval of a petition does not guarantee issuance of a visa if you are found to be ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration law.
What is the form I-129?
The petition, Form I-129, must be approved before you can apply for a work visa at the Embassy or Consulate General. When your petition is approved, your employer or agent will receive a Notice of Action, Form I-797, which serves as your petition's approval notification. The consular officer will verify your petition approval through ...
What is a temporary visa?
This visa is required if you are coming to the United States to perform a job which is temporary or seasonal in nature and for which there is a shortage of U.S. workers. Your employer is required to obtain a Department of Labor certification confirming that there are no qualified U.S. workers eligible for the type of employment on which your petition is based.
How many days prior to I-797 can I travel?
However, when making your travel plans, please note that due to Federal regulations, you can only use the visa to apply for entry to the United States starting ten days prior to the beginning of the approved status period noted on your I-797.
What is a Type P visa?
Type P visas are issued to certain athletes, entertainers, artists, and essential support personnel who are coming to perform in the United States.
Where to conduct H and L interviews?
Please also note that starting March 1, 2019, interviews for H and L visas will only be conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or at one of the U.S. Consulates General in Guangzhou or Shanghai. We will no longer be conducting H or L interviews at the U.S. Consulates General in Chengdu and Shenyang .
