The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These occupations require highly specialized knowledge and typically a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. The visa is sponsored by a U.S. employer and initially granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extension. It is subject to an annual cap with a lottery system if applications exceed the quota. The H-1B visa is not a green card but permits dual intent, meaning holders can apply for permanent residency while on this visa.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa:
- Designed for "specialty occupations" that require theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge.
- Requires employer sponsorship and filing petitions with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Annual limit (cap) of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 for holders of advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
- Visa holders typically have an initial stay of three years and can extend up to six years or beyond under certain green card process milestones.
- Allows foreign workers to gain professional experience in the U.S. and employers to fill skill gaps.
- Beneficial for highly skilled sectors such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- H-1B holders can also bring dependents, though dependent children must secure their own visa once they reach age 21.
Recent Context:
There are political and regulatory adjustments, including a recent fee increase for employers sponsoring H-1B workers, reflecting ongoing debates about the visa's impact on the U.S. workforce.
Thus, the H-1B visa is an important temporary work visa that facilitates skilled immigration to the U.S., particularly in specialized and technical fields, with pathways that potentially lead to permanent residency.
