H-1B Visa - Specialty Workers Visa
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, or H-1B, is subject to annual quotas.
H-1B Visa Requirements
- The H-1B visa is available for occupations requiring the theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge, usually acquired through higher education
- Applicant for an H-1B visa must possess a minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree or its equivalent (certain work experience may qualify)
- If you want to apply for an H-1B visa 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 H-1B visa holder enters the US
- Employers must have a labor condition attestation on file with the U.S. Department of Labor before they can sponsor for an H-1B visa
H-1B Visa holder’s privileges
- If you have an H-1B visa you may legally work in the US
- H-1B visa holders 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
- H1B visa holders 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
Please visit the following links if you need information on other Non-immigrant visas:
Contact our Immigration Attorneys
If you are interested in applying for an H-1B Visa, contact our experienced and knowledgeable immigration attorneys at your earliest convenience at 407-245-1232. You can also e-mail our Immigration Division or fill out our online form and one of our immigration attorneys will contact you shortly. We are committed and honored to assist you with all of your immigration needs.
