H-1B specialty occupation visa
The main US route for professional roles that require at least a bachelor's degree. It is capped at 85,000 places a year and allocated by lottery, so meeting every requirement does not guarantee selection. Cap-exempt employers such as universities and research hospitals hire outside the lottery entirely.
Processing time
3-6 months, tied to the annual cap cycle
Potential residence pathway
Potential employer-sponsored green card route
Employer sponsorship
Required
Job offer
Required
Salary threshold
Prevailing wage for the occupation and metro area
Cost
Employer pays filing fees, typically USD 3,000-6,000
Permit duration
3 years, extendable to 6
Criteria to verify
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in the specific field of the role.
- The role itself must genuinely require that degree level.
- Offer must meet or exceed the Department of Labor prevailing wage.
Indicative employer steps
- Register you in the March H-1B lottery.
- File a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor.
- File the I-129 petition after selection, for an October start.
Watch out for
- Missing the March registration window costs you a full year.
- H-4 dependants have restricted work rights.
- Losing the job starts a 60-day grace period to transfer sponsorship.
General educational information only, not immigration or legal advice or an eligibility assessment. Rules change. Confirm current criteria, thresholds, fees and outcomes with the relevant authority or an independent qualified adviser before you act.