Specialty Workers Visa (H-1B, H-4)
The H-1B Visa is a nonimmigrant temporary working visa that
allows foreign-born professionals and those in specialty occupations to work in the US for up to
six (6) years within their professional field. One of the most common work-related
visas, it allows US companies to bring qualified foreign professionals to perform specific
jobs requiring specialized skills. The following list contains some of those considered
“specialty occupations”: architects, research analysts, chemists,
chiropractors, engineers, computer professionals, lawyers, doctors, nurses, computer scientists,
teachers, accountants, and certain fashion models. The Specialty Visa (H-1B) is
subject to annual quotas.
H-1B Visa Requirements
- Available for occupations requiring the theoretical and practical application
of specialized knowledge, usually acquired through higher education.
- Applicant must possess a minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree or its equivalent (certain
work experience may qualify).
- You must be the recipient of a job offer from a US company
- The employment is “employer specific,” but may be able to work for more than
one employer
- Employment cannot start until the employee enters the US
- Employers must have a labor condition attestation on file with the U.S. Department
of Labor before they can sponsor you for an H-1B visa
H-1B Visa holder’s privileges
- May legally work in the US
- May bring his/her spouse and dependents less than twenty-one years of age to the
US on H-4 visa
- Dependents with the H-4 visa can attend US schools, colleges and universities, but cannot
work
- May travel in and out of the U.S.
- May change employer without losing status (if approved by DHS/CIS)
- May apply for permanent residence without losing H-1B status
