H1B USA Visa: Journey Simplified for 2024

The H1B visa USA is a nonimmigrant visa. The visa allows people with specialized skills or fashion models of distinguished merit and ability to work for a US employer. Some of the occupations that qualify for this visa include finance, engineering, and architecture., among others. To obtain this visa, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, provide the relevant documents, and apply for the same. Applying for an H1B visa USA soon? All the details for the same are provided in this blog. Keep reading to learn more. 

Visa Name	H1B Visa USA
Validity	3 years
Fee	$460 base filing fees
Processing Time	3-5 months (max 8 months)

H1B Visa USA Overview

The H1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign nonimmigrant workers in speciality occupations. A speciality occupation refers to an individual with highly specialised knowledge who has obtained a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. The H1B aims to assist US employers who otherwise would not be able to obtain the skills needed from the US workforce. The H1B visa allows temporary employment of alien workers in the USA. Employers hiring H1B visa workers must pay wages equivalent to what is paid to workers with similar experience in the field.

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Eligibility Requirements for H1B Visa USA

The eligibility requirements for an H1B visa USA are as follows. 

• The occupation must have the practical and theoretical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge. The minimum qualification for entry for the same must be a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty
• To qualify as a specialty occupation a Bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent must be the minimum requirement. Moreover, the degree requirement must be common to the industry in parallel positions among similar organizations. The job has to so complex that it can only be performed by an individual with a specialized degree. 
• The prospective candidate must submit a form ETA-9035/9035E, Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor (DOL) along with Form I-129. This is essential to work as a nonimmigrant worker. 

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H-1B  US visa Cap

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There is a huge demand for H1B Visa USAs, and only a limited number of visas are granted each year. Therefore, those interested in applying for an H1B visa must register with the  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After registering, certain candidates will be selected to apply for the H1B visa. At present, the visa cap is 65,000 visas per fiscal year. However, 20,000 additional visas are available to those with a master’s degree.

Documents Required for H1B Visa USA Application Process 

The documents required for an H1B Visa USA are as follows. Note; these original documents must also be presented in the visa interview.

• Passport and copy of current passport pages 
• Provide all previous passports 
• US visa fee payment receipt 
• Photograph of the applicant meeting the digital requirements 
• Copy of Form I-797.
• Visa interview appointment letter
• Form I-129 Receipt number 
• Original and 1 copy of Form I-129.
• Offer letter from the employer
• Educational qualifications
• Those who have work experience in the US would also have to submit: tax return forms, Pay slips for the past 12 months, a Resume or CV, and tax return forms, etc.

Petition Filling Process for H1B Visa USA 

The petition filling process for an H1B Visa USA is as follows:

• First, the employer has to submit  LCA to DOL for Certification. The LCA requirements are specified in the Foreign Labor Certification, Department of Labor page.
• Next, the employer or the agent has to submit the Completed Form I-129 to USCIS.
• Finally, prospective workers outside the US can apply for visas and admission. Note; this can only be done after the petition Form I-129 petition has been approved.

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H1B Visa Application Process 

The H1B visa application has to be filled by the applicant. The steps for the same are provided below: 

• The applicant must fill in Form DS-160, and schedule an interview 
• Pay the H1B visa application fee of  $205.
• Submit the required documents for an H1B Visa, and attend the interview 
• Lastly, the applicant must provide biometric information 
• Once, the visa has been granted the applicant will be informed of the same.

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Family of H-1B Visa Holders

The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 can seek an H4 nonimmigrant visa. Starting from  May 26, 2015, certain  H-4 dependent spouses can apply for Form I-765. This is possible as long as the  H-1B nonimmigrant visa holder has started the application process to start employment-based lawful permanent resident status.

H1B Visa USA fees 

The H1B Visa USA fee is $460. All employers have to submit the same to the USCIS. However, the employers do not have any obligation to pay the dependent-related immigration fees.

H1B Visa USA Duration 

The duration of the H1B Visa USA is approximately 3 years. A visa extension is possible for up to 6 years. 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what a work visa USA is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!