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USA H-1B Visa
A non-immigrant visa allowing US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.
Non-ImmigrantEmployer-SponsoredAnnual Lottery Cap
Overview
The H-1B visa is one of the most sought-after US work visas. It allows US employers to sponsor foreign workers in 'specialty occupations' – typically requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field. There is an annual cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders), and a lottery is held when petitions exceed the cap.
✓Annual cap: 65,000 regular + 20,000 for US advanced degree holders
✓Random lottery held when cap is exceeded (typically every year)
✓Initial period: up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years
✓Can extend beyond 6 years if green card is pending
✓Spouse and children get H-4 dependent visa
✓H-4 EAD allows spouses to work in certain cases
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓Job offer in a specialty occupation from a US employer
- ✓Bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent experience) in the specific field
- ✓US employer must file Labour Condition Application (LCA) with DOL
- ✓Employer must pay the prevailing or actual wage, whichever is higher
- ✓Pass the H-1B registration lottery (if cap-subject)
- ✓Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) can file anytime
Visa Type
🪪 Non-Immigrant Visa – H-1B Specialty Occupation (USA)
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