- Points Based
- Most people below the age of 51 years old, with an occupation (listed on each country’s list), 2+ years of work experience & good English / French are eligible for this
- It is the most popular way of settling overseas
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Apply for H-1B Visa to work in the USA. Get high-paying jobs, sponsor dependents, and access a direct pathway to U.S. Green Card for skilled professionals.
US H-1B Visa – Jobs, Eligibility & Process Guide
The H‑1B Visa is the leading option for skilled professionals to live and work in the United States in specialty occupations. It offers a pathway to exciting career opportunities and potential long-term U.S. residency.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, gain international experience, or explore permanent opportunities, understanding the H‑1B process is the first step toward making your U.S. career goals a reality.
Benefits of the H-1B Visa for Skilled Professionals
- The United States currently houses more than 400,000 H-1B visa holders who are employed within the country (USCIS, 2023).
- The H-1B visa cap system distributes 85,000 visas annually, including 65,000 under the regular cap and 20,000 for U.S. Master’s degree holders.
- Key sectors include IT, AI, cybersecurity, and finance offer average H-1B salaries exceeding $100,000 per year.
- H-1B employees in the United States work predominantly in technology, engineering, healthcare, and financial services.
- The USCIS 2023 report states that nearly 50% of H‑1B visa holders gain U.S. Green Cards through employer sponsorship within the initial six-year period.
- The demand for H-1B visas continues to rise due to labor shortages in tech and STEM fields, making it a preferred route for skilled professionals worldwide.
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H-1B Lottery: How It Works
- Registration: Employers register beneficiaries online during the annual registration window.
- Selection: USCIS randomly selects registrations and issues selection notices.
- Petition Filing: Selected employers file Form I-129 with all supporting evidence during the filing window.
- Adjudication: USCIS reviews the petition and issues an approval or denial.
- Visa Stamping & Entry: Approved beneficiaries apply for a visa (if abroad) and can begin work from October 1.
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H-1B Cap Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular Cap | 65,000 visas per fiscal year (with 6,800 reserved for Chile/Singapore H-1B1). |
| Master’s Cap | 20,000 additional visas for U.S. master’s degree holders. |
| Cap-Exempt Employers | Universities, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions can file year-round without lottery. |
H-1B Visa Overview – Key Facts and Process
- The visa category for non-immigrant workers is known as H-1B.
- An individual qualifies for this visa type only through a U.S. employer sponsorship that offers employment in specialized roles.
- The total visa allocation consists of 65,000 spots for general applicants and an additional 20,000 reserved for U.S. Master’s degree holders.
- The visa provides recipients with a 3-year period that can be extended to reach a maximum of 6 years.
- The visa allows spouses and dependent children under 21 years old to obtain H4 status.
- Employees under this visa status are eligible to pursue permanent residency in the United States.
- Each year during the month of March the government conducts a lottery to select applicants for the visa type subject to the annual cap.
The H 1B visa stands apart from other visas because it permits individuals to pursue permanent.
Documents Required for the H-1B Visa Application
An applicant must submit the following documents:
- A passport that is currently valid
- Official evidence of degrees along with academic records
- A complete work history through a detailed resume or curriculum vitae
- A certificate or document which shows special qualifications
- A complete employment offer letter or job agreement
- The applicant needs to provide wage statements together with prior tax records when previously working in the U.S.
The sponsor organization needs to prepare the following documents:
- A Labor Condition Application (LCA) which the U.S. Department of Labor has approved
- A Form I-129 petition that the employer submits for non-immigrant workers
- The company must provide its IRS Tax ID along with its business license
- The organization must demonstrate financial ability to pay the agreed-upon wage All submitted documents need to be precise and authentic to prevent rejection or RFE (Request for Evidence).
Employer Requirements for H-1B Sponsorship
The H-1B application process stands as a system with intense competition and intricate legal procedures. The main challenges in the process exist because of the following reasons:
- The selection process operates through a random lottery system due to the yearly surplus of applicants.
- The application process demands detailed documentation
- The system involves extensive time requirements combined with multiple processing delays The H-1B program sets annual limits on the number of applications which can be submitted.
- After arriving in the U.S., maintaining your visa status requires on-going compliance measures.
Both the Department of Labor and USCIS evaluate employers by demanding they demonstrate job legitimacy together with wage details and their need for international professionals.
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When is the best time to apply for H-1B Visa?
The H 1B lottery registration period begins in the month of March every year. To enhance your probability:
- Begin your preparations 6–8 months before the registration period
- Work together with your employer and legal representatives from December to January
- Get all your educational and work experience and employer paperwork ready for submission before February.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services make their selection of registrations by late March while expecting full petitions to be submitted by June. The visa stamping and entry process typically starts from October 1 for selected candidates.
Step-by-Step H-1B Visa Application Process
The detailed procedure to apply H-1B Visa is given below:
Step 1 – Employer files the Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Employer files ETA-9035/9035E with the Department of Labor, confirming wages and conditions.
Step 2 – Employer submits Form I-129
Employer submits the H-1B petition with required fees, documents, and proof of eligibility.
Step 3 – Lottery selection (if cap-subject)
Registrations are entered into the annual lottery; selected employers proceed with filing.
Step 4 – Petition approval & visa stamping
If approved, beneficiaries outside the U.S. attend a consular interview for visa stamping.
Step 5 – Enter the U.S. and start employment
Employees may enter up to 10 days before the start date and begin working once the visa is valid.
What is H‑1B Visa Lottery and How Does It Work?
The H 1B lottery operates as a selection process based on random chance that USCIS employs to process extra applications. USCIS operates the lottery every year through the following process:
- The system allocates 65,000 positions in the regular cap
- The system reserves 20,000 slots for master’s degree holders in the United States
- Employers need to register electronically within the month of March
- USCIS implements a randomized selection process
- The process allows only successful candidates to file complete petitions for further evaluation
The lottery system maintains an equal selection process however the annual demand exceeds the cap limits so early and precise registration remains essential for success.
How to apply for H‑1B Visa lottery
The detailed procedure to apply for the H-1B is given below.
Step 1: Secure an employment offer from a United States-based employer is required.
Step 2: The employer is required to create a USCIS account and enter your information
Step 3: The registration process requires you to submit a payment of ten dollars.
Step 4: USCIS conducts the random selection process before the end of March 5. After selection, the employer prepares and submits the complete H 1B petition before the June deadline
Step 6: The USCIS approval notice must be awaited.
Step 7: The U.S. consulate requires you to make an appointment for a visa interview
Step 8: After October 1, you can receive your H 1B Visa to enter the United States
Duration, Extensions & Green Card Pathway
- Initial Validity: Up to 3 years
- Extensions: Renewable up to a maximum of 6 years in most cases.
- Beyond 6 Years: Extensions possible if a green card process (PERM or I-140) is underway.
- Green Card Transition: Many H-1B workers pursue permanent residency through employment-based green cards. This involves the PERM labor certification, I-140 petition, and adjustment of status or consular processing.
H‑1B Visa: Are You Eligible?
An H-1B Visa eligibility requires applicants to fulfill the following conditions:
- The candidate must possess a minimum of an undergraduate degree in a specialized field.
- Applicants need to secure an employment opportunity from an American organization.
- Candidates must be selected for a position which demands specific expertise.
- The candidate must present official documents that verify their educational background and professional history.
- Applicants need to fulfill potential licensing requirements that apply to their job role.
The U.S. government selects most actively from graduates with STEM backgrounds and professionals working in technology, finance and healthcare sectors.
For H‑1B Visa Applicants:
All applicants need to fulfill these requirements:
- Submit precise documents which include the degree certificate resume and passport
- Obtain an evaluation of your credentials in case they originate from a foreign institution in the United States
- Work together with your employer to meet the visa lottery and filing time limits
- Develop a strong job justification plan for the U.S. visa interview
- You must follow all legal requirements once you enter the United States Applicants should consult immigration attorneys or visa advisors before proceeding with their application.
For H‑1B Visa Sponsors (Employers):
Employers need to follow these requirements as standard practices:
- The business must officially register with the United States administration.
- Every employer filing for an H-1B visa must submit a valid Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- The job description that an employer provides must match the required wage and skill level.
- Employers need to follow all guidelines established by USCIS and the Department of Labor.
- Employers need to remit all necessary fees which include filing and fraud prevention charges.
Documentation validation and compliance lead to decreased possibilities of audits and denial. The filing process becomes more efficient when companies work with immigration professionals.
Why Choose Y-Axis for H-1B Visa Application?
- Trusted H-1B Visa Consultants with 25+ Years of Experience
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- Expert Guidance on H-1B Lottery, Process & PR Pathway
- Personalized Visa Counseling for UAE Professionals
- Thousands of Successful H-1B Visa Approvals Worldwide
- Real-Time Updates on H-1B Changes and Deadlines
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- Support for H-1B to Green Card Transition in the US
- Global Offices in Dubai, India, and Australia
Book your free H-1B visa consultation with Y-Axis today and start your journey to work in the USA.