H-1B Specialty Occupation

Skilled WorkerPath to PRForm I-129

The most common US work visa for skilled professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Subject to an annual lottery with a 65,000 cap plus 20,000 for US master's holders.

Duration

3 years, renewable up to 6 years

Processing Time

3-6 months (15 days with premium processing)

Cost

$1,710 base filing + $780 USCIS fraud fee + optional $2,805 premium processing

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty occupation
Job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor
Employer must file Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Selected in annual H-1B lottery (registration in March)
Prevailing wage requirement met by employer

Path to Permanent Residence

Employer sponsors for Green Card via PERM labor certification (EB-2/EB-3). Severe backlog for Indian-born applicants (10-15+ years).

Popular For

software engineersdata scientistsfinancial analystsengineersarchitects

Apply on Official Website

Always verify current requirements on the official government website. Visa rules change frequently.

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L-1 Intracompany Transfer

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B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

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