H-1B Visa Applications Open for 2024-25 - Start Process Now
The H-1B is a temporary (non-immigrant) visa category that allows employers to file petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent. The foreigner must specifically work in a field that requires specialised knowledge, for which the employer cannot find a US-based worker.
An H-1B petition is based on a professional job offer from a U.S employer for the employees. If the employee is outside the USA, then the employee should apply for the H1B visa. Before we get into who qualifies for an H1B visa and how to apply, however, it’s important to understand the H1B Visa lottery and H1B Visa caps.
H1B Visa Requirements
The US H1-B Visa is designed to be used for staff in specialty occupations. The job must meet one of the following criteria to qualify as a speciality occupation for H1B visa 2024-25:
- 1. An employee should hold a job offer from a US employer to work in a suitable position and should have at least one of the following conditions.
- 2. For specialty occupations, theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge is required.
- 3. For speciality occupations, A bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent or verifiable recognized education in the same field from an accredited college or university is the mandatory requirement.
- 4. Must have an unrestricted state license, which permits to work in the speciality occupation in the US.
- 5. Must have a good conduct certificate and genuine intentions on visiting the USA for work.
- 6. Have a minimum of 4-5 years of work experience in the relevant special occupation that the candidate has applied for.
- 7. Applicant must possess deep knowledge in the required field.
- 8. Professional Certifications in the required field of occupation is usually required.
H1B Visa Caps
For the H1B Visa Caps for respective Fiscal Year, the caps are:
- 1. 65,000 for the H1B regular pool.
- 2. 20,000 specifically for U.S. advanced degrees.
H1B Visa Lottery Key Dates
The registration process dates for an USA H1B Filing are as follows:
- 1. March 1– Petitioners (employers) can start creating an H1B registrant account at noon US Eastern time.
- 2. March 1 to March 18– H1B registration period. The registration period opens and closes at noon US Eastern time.
- 3. March 25– By this date, the USCIS will have notified the selected entrants.
- 4. April 1– if your employer’s petition was selected, this is the earliest date that you may submit an application for an H1B visa for respective Fiscal Year.
The above-mentioned fees and cost are correct as per January 2021 but they may change & should be verified before you start any application.
If you have any assistance related to H1B visa filing cost & fees, kindly reach us.
H1B Visa Application Process
Step by step process on how to apply H1B visa:
- 1. Finding an H1B Sponsor/Employer.
- 2. Electronic registration for H1B Lottery by Sponsor/Employer.
- 3. USCIS notifies employers regarding registration selection results – Lottery Selection Results.
- 4. Employer will file for Labour Conditions Approval (LCA) & submit Form I-129 – H1B Petition to USCIS.
- 5. USCIS will send the H1B Petition Approval notices.
- 6. H1B Applicants with approved petitions go for stamping as needed at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Supporting Documents for H1B Visa Filing
List of documents that are needed to state both employee & employer as recognized.
- 1. Education records like diplomas, degrees, training & other evidence for that specialty occupation.
- 2. Maintain the copies & documents which will be the proofs for the contract between the employer & employee.
- 3. Certificates or affidavits by the current & previous employers stating the employee recognition & ability for that occupation.
- 4. Proper documentation stating that the petitioner is a valid employer of the US.
- 5. Establishing proper documentation to have a clear employer-employee relationship.
- 6. Proper employment offer letter.
Gateway Visas will provide complete support and end to end assistance in documentation work & filing H1B visa.
H1B Visa Fees & Cost
There are a number of H1B visa costs and fees that will need to be covered as part of either an initial H1B registration or application, or when applying to extend of change status. Some of these costs are to be paid by the employer or sponsoring company, while premium processing fees is the responsibility of the employee.
- 1. $10 registration fee.
- 2. Basic filing fee $460 (I-129).
- 3. USCIS anti-fraud fee $500.
- 4. ACWIA Education and Training.
- a. Employers with 25 or fewer employees - $750.
- b. Employers with more than 25 employees - $1,500.
- 5. Premium Processing Fee is Optional $2500.
H1B Visa Validity
A valid H1B visa is for 3 years and can be extended for 3 more years, the overall validity of H1B visa is for a maximum of 6 years.
The individual visa holder can extend their H-1B visa validity by filing for an EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 before the fifth year ending. In this scenario, candidate should work & stay with the same company, if the candidate switches the company, then he has to restart the procedure again. Do you want to get more information on H1B visa validity & details please contact us now for the complete assistance. Start your H1B visa application processnow with Gateway Visas. We are the best H1b visa consultants with a decade of experience in filing h1b visa.
Specialty Occupations list for H1B Visa:
When petitioning for an employee H-1B visa, the employer must show that the relevant position in a “specialty occupation” in the U.S and that the beneficiary meets the requirements for the job.
Domains Required for Filing H1B Visa to USA for the Year 2024-25
OCCUPATIONS LIST | ||
---|---|---|
Java + Devops | Microsoft .NET + Devops | Python + Devops |
Data Warehousing | Data Engineering- Snowflake, Databricks | Machine Learning |
Data Science + AI | Full stack developer + GCP Experience | Full stack developer + AWS Experience |
Software Test Automation & QA | Technical Project Management | UI/UX, Product Designer |
Healthcare & Social sevices | Systems / Business Analyst | Mobile Application Development (iOS, Android, Flutter etc) |
Cloud Architects (Certified) - AWS, Azure, GCP | UI Developer - ReactJS & AngularJS | ERP - SAP and Oracle |
CRM - Salesforce | CRM - Pegasystems | API Integration Architects and Developers - Mulesoft |
Backend Developers - Python/Golang/NodeJS | Robotics - UiPath, AutomationAnywhere, Pega | Analytics - SaS, R |
RPA Developers | Systems Analyst/Business Systems Analyst/ERP Analysts | Tableau, Google Data Studio, PowerBI, Datawrapper, and Infogram |
Cyber Security/Information Systems Security | Microservices development | Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) / Infrastructure Engineering |
SAS Admin | SAS Developer | Coding Specialist |
Coding Coordinator | Payment Integrity Analyst | Medical coding |
Healthcare Writer | Quality Improvement Manager or Coordinator | Medical Secretary |
Medical Records & Health Information Manager | Medical Social Worker | Health Care Administrator |
How Gateway visas will work for your H1B visa filing:
Finding a sponsor & H-1B visa application process can be tedious and must be approached with care. It’s best to avoid any errors or pitfalls that could lead to a denial or delay of your petition. This is why you need the service of an expert H-1B immigration consultant who can help you to obtain your H-1B visa.
Gateway Visas has partnered with US Based IT firms and consulting firms for filing the US H1B Visa petitions for the respective fiscal Years. We shall source out an offer letter based on the applicant profile from the right sponsor for filling the U.S. H1B petition. Gateway Visas will insure that your petition is filled accurately and securely till it reaches to immigration officer’s desk.
Gateway Visas having nearly a decade of knowledge and experience in filing H1B visas has immensely committed to help our clients to get the best results in their journey. At Gateway visas we offer the best services with our experienced team and we thrive to give end to end assistance to our clients towards their immigration journey. With all these we turned as the best USA H1B visa consultants in India and having offices at 4 different major metro locations like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune.
FAQ's
H-1B visa process, which is pertinent to our on-going recruitment efforts for specialized positions. The H-1B is an employer-sponsored non-immigrant classification that allows individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. to work in a specialty occupation for up to six years, with very limited exceptions. Being 'employer-sponsored' means that we, as the employer, must apply for the H-1B on behalf of the prospective employee through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A 'specialty occupation' is a role that necessitates specialized knowledge and skills, and it typically requires at least a bachelor's degree in the relevant field. Additionally, we are required to pay the H-1B employee the prevailing wage or the actual wage for their position, whichever is higher. The prevailing wage is determined by the salary paid to workers in similar roles within the same geographic area, while the actual wage refers to what we pay our employees in comparable positions at our company. Given the complexity of the procedures and record-keeping required for the H-1B visa, it is often necessary to engage an attorney or another trained professional to ensure accurate completion of the necessary paperwork.
A broad range of professional occupations qualify for H-1B status, including but not limited to engineering, biological, physical, social sciences, mathematics, and business administration. As an applicant with your exceptional skills and qualifications, we believe you would be an excellent fit within our organization. As you may already know, a bachelor's degree is always the minimum requirement for an occupation to qualify for H-1B status. However, depending on the position, an advanced degree such as a Master's or Ph.D. may be required. After carefully reviewing your application and assessing your educational background, we are pleased to inform you that you have met the minimum requirement for H-1B eligibility. Your strong academic foundation and qualifications have positioned you as a competitive candidate for the position you have applied for. We understand that this is an exciting opportunity for you, and we assure you that we are equally excited to have you as part of our team. The H-1B status will not only allow you to work legally in the United States but will also provide you with a platform to showcase your skills and expertise.
A bachelor's degree or higher in a related area is the minimum educational level required, and your qualifications align perfectly with this criterion. To proceed with the H-1B visa application process, we kindly request that you provide us with the necessary documentation, including your educational transcripts, copies of any relevant certifications, and a copy of your passport. This will enable us to initiate the necessary procedures to secure your employment for a position to qualify for H-1B status, and the H-1B employee must have this degree (or higher).
As you may already know, the H-1B visa is granted to individuals who are employed in a specialized field and possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree or higher. This requirement is set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is applicable to all H-1B applicants.
As you may be aware, obtaining H-1B status can be particularly challenging for certain job roles. Sales positions, in particular, can present some difficulties if they do not require specialized training or education. The immigration authorities place a strong emphasis on ensuring that H-1B visas are granted to individuals with specialized skills or knowledge that are not readily available in the domestic job market. However, please note that this does not mean that it is impossible to obtain H-1B status for sales positions. It simply means that the burden of proof is higher, and the applicant must demonstrate that their skills and qualifications are indeed unique and essential for the role. I understand that some positions in the computer industry, particularly computer programming, can be challenging due to the lack of well-established minimum requirements. While specific technical skills are important like problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning. Engaging with an attorney will provide you with the necessary support and expertise to increase the likelihood of a successful H-1B visa application.
Yes, the employer hiring an H-1B worker must have documentation to prove, and then must certify to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that it will pay the H-1B employee the predominant wage or the actual wage, whichever is higher. The prevailing wage is the salary paid to workers in similar occupations in the geographic area of the intended employment. The actual wage is the wage that the employer pays employees in similar occupations at the location of the intended employment. The employer must also certify that it is not displacing any U.S. workers to hire the H-1B applicant, and that there are no strikes or other work stoppages in the occupation in which the H-1B applicant will be employed. The employer makes these declarations, under penalty of perjury, by submitting to DOL for certification a form called a "Labor Condition Application" (LCA).
Once the certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) is received from the DOL, the employer will proceed to submit a petition (application) to the USCIS along with the necessary supporting documentation. It is important to note that there is a USCIS filing fee for all H-1B petitions and additional fees may apply to certain H-1B petitions. We kindly advise referring to the USCIS website for detailed information on these fees.
The amount of time it takes to obtain H-1B status can vary depending on the circumstances at the employer, the Department of Labor (DOL), and the USCIS. The entire process, including prevailing wage determination (if needed)/LCA at the DOL and processing at the USCIS, can take up to six to seven months or sometimes even longer. The processing times at the USCIS service centres can also vary, but you can find more information about their specific processing times on the USCIS website.
Some information regarding the cap on H-1B visas allowed per federal fiscal year (FY). The cap refers to the limit set by current regulations, which is currently at 65,000 H-1B visas for the entire country. It is important to note that a fiscal year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year. To stay updated with the latest cap count, I encourage you to visit the USCIS website. This will ensure that you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Firstly, I wanted to highlight that universities, non-profit entities, non-profit research organizations, and government research organizations are exempt from the cap. This means that these employers can submit an H-1B application to the USCIS at any time during the year, without being limited by the fiscal year cap. It is indeed a great opportunity for these organizations to bring in talented individuals without any concerns. However, it is important to note that if an individual who is employed by an H-1B cap-exempt employer decides to change jobs and join an employer that is not exempt, they may become subject to the H-1B cap. This is a crucial consideration to keep in mind when contemplating a job transition. Additionally, there is also an exemption from the annual cap for the first 20,000 new H-1B beneficiaries who have earned a Master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. This exemption presents an advantageous opportunity for those who have pursued advanced education in the United States.
It is important to note that the earliest an H-1B application can be submitted is six months prior to the selected H-1B start date. In order to ensure a smoother process, especially for employers who are subject to the cap, it is advisable to submit the H-1B application in April. This will allow for a start date on October 1, coinciding with the beginning of the new fiscal year when a fresh batch of 65,000 H-1B visas become available.
Firstly, it is crucial for employers to understand that the H-1B visa is employer-sponsored, which means that they have the responsibility of submitting the petition to the USCIS. However, if you are unfamiliar with the H-1B status and/or application procedures, I strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney who can guide you through the process. They will ensure that everything is done correctly and smoothly. Furthermore, as a prospective employee, it might be beneficial for me to consult with an immigration attorney prior to the job interview. This will enable me to be well-prepared and address any potential questions you may have regarding my work eligibility.
That may not always be the case. However, it is often beneficial for F-1 or J-1 students to pursue Practical Training or Academic Training in order to start working as soon as they receive a job offer. This is because employment subject to the cap may not begin until October 1st, and obtaining H-1B employment may be challenging due to the cap.
There might be a Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement for certain J-1 Exchange Visitors. It is important to note that this requirement needs to be satisfied or waived by the USCIS, based on a recommendation from the U.S. Department of State, before being eligible for the H-1B status. However, if this requirement does not apply to you, you may still be eligible for the H-1B status as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. In case you are not sure whether this requirement applies to you, I highly recommend consulting with a Gateway Visas Advisor. We will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and assistance.
The possibility of your employer applying for the H-1B visa on your behalf while you are residing outside of the U.S. I am pleased to inform you that this is indeed possible. Once your application is approved, you will be able to obtain the H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, which will allow you to enter the U.S. in the H-1B status.
It is crucial to understand that an H-1B approval is specific to your current employer, allowing you to work solely for them. However, if you are considering changing employers, it is necessary for the new employer to file a new H-1B petition on your behalf. In the event that you are planning to terminate your employment or have been informed of a termination, I strongly recommend consulting with an immigration attorney. They will be able to guide you through the necessary steps and provide you with the best advice for your particular situation. Additionally, please note that the H-1B status is also specific to your current position. If your employer intends to make significant changes to your job duties or other employment conditions after your H-1B petition has been approved, they are required to submit an amended petition to the USCIS. I would like to inform you that, under certain conditions, you may be eligible to receive payment in your new position once your employer has received the USCIS receipt notice for the H-1B petition. This is commonly referred to as "H-1B portability."
There are other non-immigrant (temporary) status options available which may enable you to work in the United States. These include the treaty/trader investment classifications, TN status for Canadian or Mexican citizens, J-1 exchange visitor status, E-3 status for Australian citizens, or the O-1 category. It would be beneficial for you to consult with an immigration attorney who can provide you with advice regarding the eligibility requirements for these immigration classifications.
Working with an attorney can greatly benefit both you and the employer in presenting the strongest case for the approval of your H-1B application. It is important to note, however, that while an attorney can provide valuable guidance and support, they cannot guarantee the success of an H-1B application. Additionally, it is crucial to understand that an attorney cannot obtain an H-1B for an individual who does not meet the necessary qualifications. Nevertheless, in many instances, an attorney has the expertise to assess in advance whether your position and credentials would meet the criteria for an H-1B. This preliminary evaluation can provide valuable insights and help determine the best course of action.
Dependents of H-1B status holders, which include legal spouses and children under the age of 21, have the opportunity to apply for H-4 status. However, it's important to note that H-4 status holders have limited options when it comes to employment. If you require additional information, I encourage you to visit the USCIS website, which provides comprehensive details on this matter.