What is an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows US companies to temporarily employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations such as IT, finance, medicine, architecture, and engineering. It’s one of the most popular and competitive routes to legally work in the United States. This visa also serves as a stepping stone toward permanent residency (Green Card) in the US.
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Why Apply for a US H-1B Visa?
If you’re a skilled professional looking to grow your career internationally, the H-1B visa offers incredible benefits:
Work in the USA with global companies
Eligibility with a Bachelor’s degree in fields like IT, Finance, Architecture, Medicine, Engineering, and Science
Earn in USD—often 5x higher than salaries in many other countries
Clear pathway to apply for a Green Card (US permanent residency)
Settle in the US with your spouse and children (under 21)
How Does the US H-1B Visa Work?
The H-1B visa process involves a US-based employer sponsoring a foreign national for a job that requires specialized skills. The applicant must hold a relevant degree or equivalent experience.
Process Overview
Employer Files a Petition: The employer submits Form I-129 along with a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA).
H-1B Cap and Lottery: A yearly cap of 85,000 visas exists (65,000 regular + 20,000 for advanced degree holders). A lottery is held if applications exceed this cap.
Petition Review and Approval: If selected, USCIS evaluates the petition. If approved, the foreign worker can proceed to apply for a visa.
Visa Application and Interview: After approval, the candidate applies through the US Embassy and attends a visa interview.
Travel and Entry: Upon visa approval, the individual can travel to the US and begin employment.
When Is the Best Time to Apply?
January–March: Prepare documents and submit the Labor Condition Application
April 1: USCIS begins accepting H-1B petitions
After April: USCIS conducts the lottery and selects applicants
October 1: Visa start date for selected applicants
To increase your chances, start the process by early January each year.
H-1B Visa Lottery: How It Works
The H-1B lottery is used when applications exceed the yearly visa cap. USCIS randomly selects registrations to proceed to the next stage.
Steps:
Registration: Employers submit applicant details online
Selection: Lottery system chooses who can proceed
Filing: Selected registrants file complete petitions with supporting documents
H-1B Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience)
Have a job offer from a US employer for a specialty occupation
Submit an approved Labor Condition Application
File Form DS-160 and pay visa fees
Points-based criteria:
3 points per year of college education
1 point per year of work experience
Minimum 12 points are required for eligibility.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Educational certificates (degree, transcripts)
Resume and work experience letters
Approved LCA
Form I-129
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa appointment and fee receipt
H-1B Visa Duration and Extension
Initial Validity: 3 years
Extension: Up to another 3 years (total 6 years)
After 6 years: Apply for Green Card or leave the US for 1 year before applying again
How to Extend
Check your eligibility
Submit Form I-129 again
Pay extension filing fees
Wait for USCIS decision
Challenges for Applicants and Employers
For Applicants:
Limited visas due to annual cap
Random lottery system
Strict documentation and deadlines
Cost of legal or consulting help
Dependent family members (H-4) may have limited work options
For Employers:
High legal and filing costs
Complex compliance regulations
Risk of audits and RFEs (Requests for Evidence)
Difficulty in retaining talent if visas are denied
How to Apply for H-1B Visa from India
Step-by-Step Process
Choose the correct visa type and understand your eligibility
Fill out Form DS-160 carefully online
Pay the visa application fee via the designated platform
Book appointments for the VAC (fingerprints/photo) and the visa interview
Attend VAC appointment with your documents
Appear for the US Embassy interview with original documents and job offer letter
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