Specialty Occupation
Job must require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
🇺🇸
H-1B Specialty Occupation
For professionals in specialty occupations.
The H-1B visa is the most common work visa for US employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations — roles that require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field. It is subject to annual caps and a lottery system.
3-6
Months processing
85,000
Annual cap
3
Years initial
Eligibility
Do you qualify?
Key requirements to apply for this program.
Degree
Bachelor's degree or higher in the relevant field (or equivalent work experience).
Employer Sponsor
A US employer willing to sponsor your visa and file the petition.
Prevailing Wage
Employer must pay the prevailing wage for the position in that location.
Labor Condition Application
Employer must file an LCA with the Department of Labor.
Lottery Selection
Registration opens in March for an October start date. Selection is by random lottery.
Documents
What you'll
What you'll
need to submit.
We prepare a personalized document checklist after your first consultation based on your exact profile.
- Passport
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Credential evaluation (for foreign degrees)
- Job offer letter
- Labor Condition Application (LCA)
- Form I-129 petition
- Resume and work experience letters
- Photographs
Process
Your step-by-step
Your step-by-step
journey.
01
Employer Registration
Employer registers you in the H-1B lottery in March.
March
02
Lottery Selection
If selected, employer files the full petition.
April-June
03
Petition Filing
Form I-129 submitted to USCIS with LCA.
2-3 months
04
Approval & Consulate
Visa interview at US consulate and stamping.
1-2 months
05
Entry in October
Enter the US and start working from October 1.
October
Fees
What it costs.
Transparent breakdown. No hidden charges.
USCIS filing fee
$460
ACWIA training fee
$750-1,500
Fraud prevention fee
$500
Consular processing
$205
Credential evaluation
$100-200
Questions
Common questions.
Registrations open in March. If more than 85,000 registrations are received, USCIS runs a random lottery. Indian nationals usually face the highest demand.
Yes. You can transfer your H-1B to a new employer who files a new petition. You can start work upon USCIS receipt of the transfer.
Yes. Your spouse and children get H-4 dependent visas. Spouses on H-4 can apply for work authorization (EAD) in certain cases.
Start your journey
Book your free
Book your free
consultation.
30 minutes with a licensed consultant. No obligation. No cost.