H-1B Visa 101: A Comprehensive Guide

SeniSpeaks
5 min readSep 21, 2023
Photo by ConvertKit on Unsplash

Before we begin, very simply, H-1B is an employer-sponsored visa that can allow a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the US to work in a “speciality occupation” for up to six (6) years.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows US employers to employ foreign workers in “specialized occupations temporarily.” It is one of the most popular/sought-after visas for foreign professionals dreaming or planning to work in the US. Like many other immigration topics, things can be confusing and not straightforward, so here we go, breaking down H-1B so it’s easy to understand. We are about to go on a journey exploring different parts of this visa, from eligibility requirements, application process, important considerations and what to do if you are a student and don’t get it after your tries expire.

1. First, let’s discuss who can apply for the H-1B visa. To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Specialized Occupation: You might see “specialized occupation” a lot in this article. It means the job must be in a specialized field requiring specific skills or knowledge. A bachelor’s or higher degree (or the equivalent) is required as a minimum for these occupations. Common areas include technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, etc., H-1B3 is also available…

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SeniSpeaks

I write about Product Managment, Immigration, Career Building & Education