Temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree.
Estimated Cost
$2,995
Processing Time
~4 months
Validity
36 months
The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. A specialty occupation requires the application of specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher. This is the most common temporary work visa for skilled professionals, particularly in technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare sectors.
Average: 4 months
Path to Residency
Path to Citizenship
~11 years
Job offer*
Must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation position
Bachelor's degree or higher*
The position must require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field, and the applicant must possess that degree or equivalent
Labor Condition Application (LCA)*
Employer must obtain certified LCA from the Department of Labor, attesting to wage and working conditions
Valid passport*
Registration selection*
Must be selected in the H-1B lottery registration process to be eligible to file a petition
| Fee | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Registration Fee | $215 | One-time |
| Form I-129 Filing Fee | $780 | One-time |
| Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee | $500 | One-time |
| ACWIA Fee | $1,500 | One-time |
| Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907)(optional) | $2,965 | One-time |
| Legal/Attorney Fees(optional) | $3,500 | One-time |
| Estimated Total | $2,995 |