US Visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Work Visa
The most common US work visa for professionals in specialty occupations sponsored by a US employer.
What is it?
The H-1B is a nonimmigrant work visa for foreign nationals employed in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specific field. Employers file the petition on behalf of the worker. H-1B is subject to an annual cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders) with selection by lottery. Cap-exempt employers include universities, nonprofits, and government research organisations.
Who needs it?
Foreign nationals with a US employer sponsor who has a specialty occupation job offer requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Common fields include IT, engineering, finance, architecture, medicine, and academia. Cap-exempt workers include those employed at universities or research institutions.
Required Documents
- Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) — filed by employer
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by Department of Labor
- Employer support letter detailing job duties and qualifications required
- Employee's degree certificates and transcripts
- Credential evaluation (if degree is from outside the US)
- Resume/CV showing relevant work experience
- Copy of passport biographical page
- Previous visa and I-94 (if already in the US)
- DS-160 and visa application fee (for consular processing)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the H-1B lottery registration window (March each year)
- LCA wage level too low — must meet or exceed prevailing wage for the role and location
- Job duties don't qualify as a specialty occupation — must require a specific degree
- Degree field doesn't directly relate to the job offered
- Employer not registered for E-Verify (required for H-1B sponsors)
- Not filing premium processing when starting date is critical
Approval Tips
- Register in the lottery in March — selection is random so register as early as possible
- Use premium processing ($2,805 fee) for a 15-business-day decision guarantee
- Ensure the job description clearly maps to a specialty occupation with degree requirement
- STEM and IT roles have the highest approval rates — frame duties specifically
- Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) can file any time without the lottery