H1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa category offered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. The H-1B visa program is designed to address the shortage of similarly qualified workers in the United States by providing a means for employers to hire foreign professionals who possess specialized knowledge and skills.

To obtain an H-1B visa, the employer must submit a petition to the USCIS on behalf of the prospective employee. The petition should demonstrate that the position qualifies as a specialty occupation, meaning it requires a specific theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge. Additionally, the employer must prove that they will pay the prevailing wage for the occupation in the specific geographic location where the work will be performed.

The H-1B visa is employer-specific, meaning the visa holder can only work for the same employer who sponsored their visa. However, there are certain exceptions that allow H-1B visa holders to change employers, such as when the new employer files a new H-1B petition on their behalf.

The H-1B visa program has an annual numerical limit, commonly referred to as the visa cap, which restricts the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year. The specific number of visas available is subject to change and is usually determined by Congress. To apply for an H-1B visa, employers must first go through a registration period and then submit a complete petition along with the required supporting documents and filing fees.

Once the H-1B petition is approved, the visa holder can work for the employer and is granted employment authorization for the duration specified on the approved petition. The H-1B visa is a dual intent visa, which means the visa holder can have the intention to immigrate to the United States permanently while maintaining a valid H-1B visa status.

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There are additional options available to expedite the processing of H-1B petitions. One such option is premium processing, which requires the payment of an additional filing fee. With premium processing, the USCIS guarantees a faster processing time for the petition.

It is important to note that the H-1B visa program has certain requirements and procedures that must be followed by both employers and prospective employees. Violating the terms of the visa or failing to comply with the regulations can result in penalties, including the invalidation of the visa or failed payment of fines.

The H-1B visa program also includes certain exemptions for employers who are government research organizations or institutions of higher education. These employers are not subject to the annual visa cap and can sponsor H-1B visas throughout the year.

Overall, the H-1B visa is a popular option for employers seeking to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, allowing them to fill gaps in the U.S. labor market with qualified professionals from around the world.

Who is Eligible to Apply for an H1B visa?

To be eligible to apply for an H-1B visa, individuals must meet certain criteria. Here are the key requirements:

1. Specialty Occupation: The applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is one that requires theoretical and practical application of a highly specialized body of knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in the specific field of study.
2. Education or Work Experience: The applicant must possess the required academic credentials for the specialty occupation. This typically involves having at least a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific field of study. However, in some cases, relevant work experience may be considered as a substitute for education.
3. Employer Sponsorship: The applicant must have an employer in the United States who is willing to sponsor their H-1B visa. The employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the applicant.
4. Labor Condition Application (LCA): Before filing the H-1B petition, the employer must obtain an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor (DOL). The LCA ensures that the employer will pay the H-1B worker the prevailing wage for the specific occupation in the geographic area of employment.
5. Valid Job Offer: The applicant must have a bona fide job offer from the sponsoring employer, which includes terms and conditions of employment, such as salary, job responsibilities, and work location.
6. Nonimmigrant Intent: The applicant must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent, meaning they have the intention to temporarily work in the United States and not immigrate permanently. However, it’s worth noting that the H-1B visa is a dual intent visa, allowing applicants to have immigrant intent while maintaining H-1B status.
7. Numerical Cap and Exceptions: The H-1B visa program has an annual numerical cap, which limits the number of visas issued each fiscal year. Some individuals may be exempt from the cap, including those who will work for government research organizations or institutions of higher education.

It’s important to consult the official USCIS guidelines and regulations for the most up-to-date and detailed eligibility requirements for the H-1B visa program, as the criteria may vary or change over time.

What documents are required

To ensure that your file contains all the necessary documentation, refer to the following checklist:

• Completed Form I-129 along with the filing fee (consider completing Form I-912 to apply for a fee waiver if applicable)
• Employer Funded Training Fee
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (one fee per foreign employee)
• Public Law 114-113 Fee (applies if the employer has more than 50 employees, with half of them on H-1B or L visas, not required for extension or amendment requests)
• Optional Premium Processing fee, accompanied by Form I-907
• Form G-28 if the employer is represented by an attorney
• Form I-129 (reiterated for emphasis)
• Evidence of the foreign worker’s educational qualifications
• Copy of the foreign worker’s valid passport
• Copy of the signed contract between the employer and employee
• Recent tax returns of the company
• Report of wages paid to employees within the company and/or state
• A minimum of 15 pictures depicting the business premises where the foreign worker will be employed

All the above-mentioned documents, along with the completed petition, should be submitted to the nearest USCIS service center. Once your submission is received, the USCIS will assign a case number, which you can use to check the status of your petition.

After receiving the case number, you will need to patiently await the USCIS’s review. During this process, they will evaluate the job, business, and employee to determine the legitimacy of the position. If the petition is approved, the USCIS will issue a Form I-797, allowing the employee to proceed with the visa application process.

Understanding The H-1B Visa Cap

Before commencing work in the United States under the H-1B visa category, it may be necessary to undergo registration with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and be chosen for application.

Due to high demand, there is a limited number of H-1B visas issued annually. In the fiscal year 2023, the cap stands at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals holding a master’s degree from a U.S. institution. However, certain employers, such as higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations affiliated with higher education, and government research organizations, are exempt from the visa cap.

For occupations subject to the cap, prospective H-1B visa applicants need to participate in an electronic registration process with USCIS. This entails creating an online account and paying a registration fee. Information about the sponsoring company and personal details must be provided. Alternatively, an attorney or representative can handle the registration on behalf of the applicant.

The registration period occurs annually and lasts for 14 days. Failure to register within this timeframe, if the occupation is not exempt from the cap, will render the applicant ineligible for the H-1B visa.

Once registered, applicants can view their status through their USCIS account. The status can be one of the following: Submitted (valid registration), Selected (eligible to apply for an H-1B visa), Not Selected (not chosen for H-1B visa application), Denied (multiple registrations with the same employer leading to invalidation), or Invalidated-Failed Payment (payment failure during registration).

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After the registration period concludes, USCIS notifies selected applicants. It is essential to be chosen through the registration process in order to apply for the H-1B visa, unless an exemption applies. If not selected, USCIS informs the applicant or their representative once the H-1B cap for that year has been reached.

For the 2024 H-1B cap, the registration period is scheduled from March 1, 2023, to March 17, 2023, with a window between 12 pm Eastern time. USCIS plans to notify applicants by March 31 of their selection status.

How Much Does the H-1B Visa Cost?

The registration fee for participating in the H-1B visa lottery is $10. If the applicant is selected and moves forward with an H-1B visa, the employer will be responsible for paying $460 to file Form I-129, also known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. However, it’s important to note that the costs associated with the H-1B process can vary based on factors such as the company’s size, expediting the application, changing employers, and attorney fees.

It is crucial to be aware that there may be significant increases in government filing fees for most visa applications in the near future, possibly starting in the summer of 2023. The proposed fee for filing Form I-129 is set to rise from $460 to $1,385, representing a 201% increase. Additionally, the pre-registration fee could see a 2050% increase, going from $10 to $215.

In January, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced their plans to raise filing costs for various visa application types, including marriage green cards and applications for adjusting status to green cards. Although these proposed fees are not currently in effect, it is important to stay updated on any government updates regarding the fee changes, and Boundless is closely monitoring the situation.

The H-1B Visa Process

Once you have been selected to proceed with the H-1B visa application, your employer can initiate the process by submitting a petition on your behalf.

To begin, your employer will need to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL) for Certification. The purpose of the LCA is to verify that your employer will provide you with the prevailing wage for similarly qualified workers in the same geographical area, ensuring fair compensation and suitable working conditions.

Once the DOL certifies the LCA, your employer will complete Form I-129, also known as the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. They will submit both the certified LCA and the I-129 form to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with any required fees and supporting documents. These documents may include evidence of your education, relevant training certificates, professional membership documents, resume, confirmation letter of employment, letter of support, and any necessary fees.

If your Form I-129 petition is approved, the next steps depend on whether you are already present in the United States or outside the country.

If you are currently in the United States on a different visa category, you must wait for your H-1B visa status to become active before you can begin working.

If you are outside the United States, you will need to undergo consular processing. This involves completing Form DS-160, which usually takes around 90 minutes to fill out. You will also need to pay the application fee and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to your location.

For the interview, you will need to bring the following documents:

• A valid passport, which should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date into the United States.
• A printout of the confirmation page from your completed Form DS-160.
• Copies of your approved I-129 petition and I-797 approval notices.
• Receipts as proof of payment for the application fees.
• A passport-sized photo of yourself that meets the requirements specified by the U.S. State Department.

During the interview, you may be asked questions pertaining to your background, job, experience, the employer, and your travel history.

If you would like to prepare for your interview with an immigration attorney, Boundless can assist you by scheduling a call with a trusted and experienced immigration attorney for a fee of $49.

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Conclusion

The H1B employment nonimmigrant visa offers foreign workers the opportunity to obtain legal employment in the United States for a period of three years. This visa is beneficial to both employers and visa holders, however there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of. Before deciding to pursue an H1B employment nonimmigrant visa, it’s important to understand the requirements and process of obtaining one, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

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