H-1B Visa

The H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification used by an alien who will be employed temporarily to perform services in specialty occupations that include such fields as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology and the arts. To qualify, the alien requires a bachelor's or higher degree (or equivalent) in the specific specialty for which employment authorization is being sought (Three-for-one Rule: three (3) years of work experience in the specialty field can be substituted for one (1) year of academic study in order to equate the work experience to a U.S. Bachelor's degree). Typical H-1B occupations include architects, engineers, computer programmers, accountants, doctors and college professors. 

H-1B workers are admitted to the U.S. for an initial period of three (3) years, which may be extended for an additional three (3) years. Extension beyond six years is possible for H-1B visa holders who are awaiting green cards under given conditions.

 

Current US immigration laws limit the number of foreign workers who may be issued a visa or otherwise be provided H-1B status to 65,000 annually. Out of the available 65,000 H-1B numbers, a total of 6800 H-1B numbers are used for a new nonimmigrant category referred to as the H-1B1(1400 for Chile and 5400 for Singapore).Please note that holders of US Master’s Degree’s are subject to a separate quota of 20,000 visas per year.