
- March 2 – Petitioners (employers) can start creating an H1B registrant account at noon US Eastern time.
- March 9 to March 25 – H1B registration period. The registration period opens and closes at noon US Eastern time.
- March 31 – By this date, the USCIS will have notified the selected entrants.
- April 1 – if your employer’s petition was selected, this is the earliest date that you may submit an application for an H1B visa for FY 2022.
What are the H1B visa registration dates?
The registration process dates for an H1B visa are as follows: March 2 – Petitioners (employers) can start creating an H1B registrant account at noon US Eastern time. March 9 to March 25 – H1B registration period. The registration period opens and closes at noon US Eastern time.
When to apply for an H1B visa for FY 2022?
April 1 – if your employer’s petition was selected, this is the earliest date that you may submit an application for an H1B visa for FY 2022. How to Apply for the H1B Visa?
Is the H-1B visa application process more difficult this fiscal year?
While the H-1B already has an application process that is more complicated than most other visas, this fiscal year, things are a little bit different. What this means is that it’s increasingly important to organize your documents for submission and complete the other necessary steps in the process.
How soon can I start the H-1B to green card process?
For that reason, the H-1B to green card process is best handled by a qualified immigration attorney. How Soon Can I Start H-1B to Green Card Process? As an H-1B holder, you can start your status adjustment to green card status as soon as your employer is ready to sponsor you.

When should I start applying for H-1B?
11. When is the best time to submit the H-1B application to the USCIS? The earliest an H-1B application can be submitted to the USCIS is six months prior to the selected H-1B start date.
What is the last date for H-1B Form 2022?
All H-1B registrations must be submitted after 12 p.m. EST on March 1, 2022, and before 12 p.m. EST on March 18, 2022. If you submit your petition outside this window, USCIS will issue a denial. Employers can submit only one registration per sponsor for each beneficiary.
How quickly can you get an H1B visa?
USCIS takes 15 days to adjudicate plus mailing time for Approval Notice; a total of approximately 5 weeks. Employee has to obtain visa and travel to U.S., that takes approximately one month (longer if a background check is initiated). That means: You should send us your request 2 1/2 - 3 months ahead of time.
What is the H1B visa process for 2022?
Within 90 days of being selected, the selected registrants' employers will then file their petitions with the USCIS for processing along with the appropriate filing fees and supporting documents. If the petition is approved, the H-1B visa will be issued, and the beneficiary's start date will be October 1st, 2022.
Can I still apply for H-1B 2022?
Registrations can be submitted and paid for until the registration period closes at noon Eastern on March 18, 2022.
When can I apply for H1B visa 2023?
On March 1, 2023, USCIS will begin accepting registrations of H1B petitions subject to the Fiscal Year 2023 cap. Beneficiaries of successful FY 2023 H1B petitions will be eligible to start working in the U.S. on October 1, 2022.
Is it difficult to get H1B visa?
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.
How much does H1B visa cost?
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 can I increase my chances of H1B 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.
Who is eligible for H1B visa?
H-1B Visa Eligibility In order to be eligible for the H1B visa, you will need: A job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge. Proof of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in that field. Your employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.
What is the eligibility for applying H1B visa?
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.
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.
How long does IT take to get H1B visa after interview?
It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
Can I start working before H1B approval?
A worker must be authorized to work pending the approval of an immigrant or non-immigrant working visa before that worker can work without violating the immigration laws and jeopardizing his future right to obtain the approval of the visa for which his employer has filed a petition.
Can I apply for H1B 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.
How to determine prevailing wage?
The prevailing and actual wages should be confirmed by the State Employment Security Agency. If the prevailing wage exceeds the offer made by the prospective employer then a wage determination will be sought. It’s important to ensure that the foreign worker will not be working below the minimum. The prevailing wage in a specific location. The Foreign Labor Certification Data Center maintains the prevailing wage determinations by location. The prevailing appropriate wage for H-1B visa applications can be determined using any of these three sources: 1 A Prevailing Wage Determination obtained from the National Prevailing Wage and Center (NPWC). 2 A survey conducted by an independent authoritative source. 3 Another legitimate source of wage information.
What is the I-129 form?
Once the LCA process has been completed, the employer can proceed to submit the H-1B petition by filing the I-129. Form I-129 is officially known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The employer must be sure to include the employment letter with the position’s exact duties, dates of employment, detailed description, salary offered, position requirements, contact information, etc.
What is the purpose of prevailing wage?
The purpose of the prevailing wage is to ensure that the foreign worker is not underpaid compared to other workers offering the same or similar service in the same area of employment.
What is the masters quota?
To be eligible for the master’s quota (advanced-degree exemption ) there are a number of requirements you must first meet. You must have received your master’s degree from an accredited U.S. based institution. The institution also has to be public or non-profit in nature as well as accredited by a national accrediting agency. It’s best to not assume that your U.S. institution is automatically accredited because that’s not always the case.
What documents are included in a foreign employee's supporting documents?
The foreign employee’s academic qualifications, training certificates, membership documents, resume, and letter of support must also be included as part of supporting documents.
Can I change my status on my I-129?
Change of Status: Once the I-129 is approved, the USCIS will update your I-94 record to indicate your new visa class to H-1B status. With this, you can take up your new job position as an H-1B visa holder. This is only available to those that are already under a valid nonimmigrant status such as O-1, J-1, or L-1 status.
When does the H1B visa open?
The applications open every year in spring. USCIS approves around 65,000 petitions per year starting from October 1 st to September 30 th of the following year. 6,800 petitions are reserved for H1B1 visas for Chile and Singapore nationals, while the rest for H1B visas. The applications of the first 20 thousand applicants with a master’s degree are exempt from this visa cap.
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:
How Long Do I Have to Wait for Processing?
The H1B visa processing time depends from country to country. US Embassies in different countries/cities have various processing times, so it is best to contact them for any details.
How long do you have to work to get an H1B visa?
Begin work in the United States. H-1B beneficiaries may arrive in the United States up to 10 days before the start date of their petition and stay up to 60 days (with some exceptions) after the termination of their H1B status. Upon arrival, you should present your passport, H1B visa, and Form I-797 approval.
What is an H1B visa?
The H1B is a special visa that allows foreign nationals to perform specialty occupations in the United States. This work can be in - but is not limited to - any of the following fields:
What is H1B in the US?
The H1B allows foreign nationals to perform specialty occupations in the United States. This allows highly qualified individuals to work and live in the US. This benefits both the beneficiaries and the US economy.
What are the benefits of H1B?
One big advantage of H1B visa is the portability benefits. This means that if you are on an H1B and change employers, you can begin working for a different employer upon filing your new petition.
How long before I can apply for a visa can I apply for a visa?
Note that you cannot apply for a visa more than 90 days before the start date of the job . Upon scheduling a consular interview, the foreign national will meet with a US consular officer and show them their I-797 approval.
How to extend a bona fide job offer?
This can be through a written contract or, if there is no written contract, through a summary of an oral agreement. Additionally, there must be evidence to support the need for the beneficiary.
Is H1-B a multistep process?
The H1-B visa is a multistep process . The following is a general guideline followed by a more detailed explanation:
What is the H1B visa?
By this visa, companies can hire people who have a university degree for certain professions. Due to this, it is also known as a Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. Therefore, if the applicant has the following characteristics, he/she can apply for this visa:
What are the H1B visa requirements?
This job position requires a specialist who has a university degree or has taken specialized courses in a particular field. Expert people are people with special skills that not many people can do their tasks successfully. Specialists in information technology, physicians, lawyers, accountants, architects, and professors are some of the experts who are eligible to receive the H1B visa.
Can your dependents come to the United States under this visa?
Most H1B visa holders want to bring their children and spouse to the US. Their Spouse and children can petition for an H4 visa. Since 2015, H4 visa holders can work under the H 4 EAD program in specific conditions. Besides, they are also permitted to enroll in studies. Children under 21 years can also go to the US through an H4 visa.
How to renew the H1B visa?
The same costs must be paid except for the Fraud Prevention and Protection Fee. The employer must go through the previous steps to obtain approval from the United States Department of Labor and the USCIS. The documents required to renew an H1B visa are:
How to access healthcare under this visa?
The type of insurance that an H1B visa holder can choose depends on the length of your stay in the US. The types of insurance that the visa holder can choose are:
How long is a H1B visa valid?
Initially, this visa is valid for three years. It can then be extended for another three years. So in most cases, you can use this visa to stay and work in the US for six years. This visa is a dual visa, meaning that the holder can apply to change the H1B visa status to an immigrant visa. So if you are qualified and have an appropriate job offer, you can apply for an Employment-Based Green Card.
How much does it cost to get an H1B visa?
If you make this appointment earlier, it will be better for you. The application fee for H visa categories is about $ 190. The cost of issuing the visa will depend on the embassy. In this case, you should seek guidance from the embassy where you are applying from.
H-1B Electronic Registration Process
In 2020 we implemented an electronic registration process for the H-1B cap. Prospective petitioners seeking to file H-1B cap-subject petitions, including for beneficiaries eligible for the advanced degree exemption, must first electronically register and pay the associated $10 H-1B registration fee for each prospective beneficiary.
H-1B Electronic Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is there an appeal process for registrations determined to be invalid duplicates?
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.
How to apply for H1B visa?
It generally takes a few months from receiving your application to process your request under regular processing times. To better manage your expectations, here is a timeline of the typical H1B visa process : 1 December: Start discussing your H1B application strategy with an immigration attorney. 2 January: Begin compiling your documents related to transcripts, letters of recommendation, and foreign credentialing. 3 Early March (1st to 20th): Register for the H1B visa along with your $10 application fee. 4 Early April (1st to 15th): File your Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL). 5 Before June 30th: Mail your petition to USCIS and make sure that it is delivered to its office no later than June 30th. 6 After June 3oth: At this point, you are waiting for USCIS to process your application. It is essential to keep track of developments throughout this time.
How long does it take to get an H1B visa?
The consulate decides as to whether you can work in the United States on the H1B visa program. It takes about approximately two weeks for the U.S. Embassy to complete the process from there and depends upon the current load of applications.
How to check status of USCIS application?
Staying on top of the visa application after submission is vital to the outcome of your case. The USCIS government website offers applicants a portal that allows them to check the status of their application online. Check on your application status frequently and make sure that you respond to follow-up requests promptly.
What is expedited H1B visa?
Electing the expedited H1B visa process is offered on a case-by-case basis through USCIS. Expedited processing is generally reserved for individuals who need to get into the United States as soon as possible.
When to start compiling documents?
January: Begin compiling your documents related to transcripts, letters of recommendation, and foreign credentialing.
When Does My H-1B Status Expire?
You can determine the date when your H-1B status expires by looking at the date listed on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You should have received an I-94 card from the port of entry officer who performed the inspection upon entrance to the U.S. (before April 2013).
Where is the expiration date on H-1B?
If you entered the U.S. and then changed your status to H-1B, the expiration date should be at the bottom of the USCIS approval document. Individuals can consult the Customs and Border Protection database for an electronic copy of their I-94.
How to file an I-140 for an alien worker?
Once the PERM has been approved, your employer must then file an I-140 Immigration Petition for Alien Worker. In the Form I-140, your employer must prove they are in good financial shape, as that is needed to demonstrate their ability to pay the salary for the job position. The form must be submitted with the approved PERM labor certification, and a filing fee. If your petition is approved, then the USCIS will send you an Approval Notice. This indicates that you can move to the next stage of your green card application process. Keep in mind that an approved I-140 doesn’t mean your status has been adjusted from nonimmigrant to immigrant. You will need to wait until the end of the 5th step, which is I-485 petition approval
What is the most popular visa in the US?
The H-1B visa is the most popular U.S. visa due to its numerous benefits, especially the opportunity to apply for a green card application. One of the most common terms related to the H-1B visa is “dual intent” which refers to certain temporary visa classifications with the option of green card application. Not all temporary/nonimmigrant visas have these options.
What is the purpose of submitting an I-485?
By submitting an I-485 you’re essentially asking USCIS to adjust your status from H-1B to green card (lawful permanent resident) status.
How long does it take to get a DOL?
On average, the DOL process takes about 6 months, and the USCIS process also takes several months.
When is priority date for USCIS?
You will need to wait until your priority date becomes current before moving on to the final step.
