United States
Work Visa
The U.S. work visa program offers international individuals the opportunity to legally work and contribute to the diverse American workforce. Designed to address specific needs and skills shortages, these visas provide a pathway for foreign professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs to engage in various industries across the nation. Typically, foreign applicants who wish to acquire a work visa must secure sponsorship from either a permanent resident or an employer.
To apply for a work visa in the US, the employer must submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Work visas in the US are categorized and granted based on the specific manner in which the applicant plans to work in the country. With different categories, the U.S. work visa system plays a vital role in fostering innovation and global collaboration while maintaining regulatory compliance.
H-1B Cap Lottery Filing Period Extended
USCIS has announced a second round of selections for the FY 2025 H-1B cap. If you were selected in this lottery, you have until November 7, 2024 to file your H-1B petition.
Don’t miss this opportunity!
Act now to secure your H-1B visa for the 2024-2025 business year.
The primary categories for United States Work visas is as follows:
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work permit visa granted to foreign workers employed by a US employer to work in the US under a specialty occupation. The visa is typically valid for a maximum of 6 years. It is important to note that an individual cannot directly apply for an H-1B visa; it must be petitioned by the US employer on behalf of the foreign worker.
Specialized occupations that may qualify for the H-1B visa include: Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Medicine and other specialty skills.
These occupations require a high level of expertise and typically involve specialized knowledge and skills. The H-1B visa program is designed to address skill shortages in these fields by allowing US employers to hire foreign workers who possess the necessary qualifications and expertise not readily available in the domestic workforce.
Eligibility
Employees in specialized job roles and the subsequent subcategories are as follows:
The H-1B Visa Caps for 2024 – 2025 Fiscal Year are as follows:
Key Dates for H-1B Visa Lottery
On July 30, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it would begin selecting additional random H-1B cap registrations from the regular cap to reach its fiscal year (FY) 2025 numerical quota.
The crucial dates for the H1B visa registration process in the USA are as follows:
Please note that the mentioned fees and costs are accurate as of January 2023 but are subject to change, and it’s advisable to verify them before commencing any application.
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 Labor 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 H-1B Visa Filing
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. Establishing proper documentation to have a clear employer-employee relationship.
5. Proper employment offer letter.
Visas Online Express 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.
Employer Fees
1. $10 registration fee.
2. Basic filing fee $460 (I-129).
3. USCIS anti-fraud fee $500.
4. ACWIA Education and Training.
5. Employers with 25 or fewer employees – $750.
6. Employers with more than 25 employees – $1,500.
Employee pays
1 Processing fee – 1,560
2 Consular fees (fee varies by embassy)
Financial requirements
When it comes to H-1B visa dependents, such as spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, it’s important to consider the financial aspect in a broader context. H-4 dependents (spouses and children) are allowed to accompany or join the H-1B visa holder in the U.S., but they are generally not permitted to work. The H-1B visa holder is expected to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents during their stay in the United States.
This includes covering living expenses, housing, education (if applicable), and other essential needs. While there may not be a specific requirement for proof of funds during the H-1B visa application process, consular officers or immigration officials may inquire about the ability of the H-1B visa holder to financially support their family members in the U.S. It’s advisable for H-1B visa holders to be prepared to provide information about their financial situation, including employment details, salary, and any additional sources of income. It’s recommended to consult with an immigration attorney for the latest information on this.
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – H1-B | $1,560 |
How Visas Online Express can assist with Your H1B Visa Filing:
Navigating the sponsorship and H-1B visa application process can be a complex endeavor that demands careful attention. It’s crucial to avoid any errors or missteps that could lead to a visa denial or delay. This is where the expertise of a skilled H-1B immigration consultant comes into play to help secure your visa.
Visas Online Express has established partnerships with reputable US-based IT firms and consulting companies to facilitate the filing of US H1B Visa petitions for the respective fiscal years. We will work to secure an offer letter tailored to your applicant profile from the most suitable sponsor for filing your U.S. H1B petition.
We are dedicated to ensuring the accurate and secure submission of your petition right up until it reaches the immigration officer’s desk.
Our experienced immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping you:
If your circumstances require a different type of visa, such as an H-2A visa or another category, we can also provide expert guidance and support.
Contact Us Today – to learn more about how Visas Online Express can assist you with your H-2B visa application.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee | $350 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Other petition fees to be paid by US employer | – |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
H-2B Visa Program: A Temporary Work Visa for Non-Agricultural Jobs
The H-2B visa program is a temporary work visa category that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States to perform temporary, non-agricultural labor on a one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent basis. This visa is designed to help U.S. employers fill seasonal or temporary labor shortages in specific industries.
Eligible Industries:
Requirements for Employers and Workers:
Both the U.S. employer and the foreign worker must meet specific requirements to apply for an H-2B visa. These requirements typically include:
Note: The H-2B visa is not intended for agricultural jobs. For agricultural work, you would need an H-2A visa.
A Guide to Changing Visa Status (From H-2B to H-1B)
Can an H-2B visa holder transition to an H-1B visa?
Yes, it’s possible for an H-2B visa holder to change their status to H-1B. However, this requires meeting specific criteria and following a careful process.
Key Requirements:
The Application Process:
If these conditions are met, the H-2B visa holder can file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change their status to H-1B. The application will require the H-2B visa holder to provide evidence of their eligibility, including:
Important Considerations:
By carefully considering these factors and following the necessary steps, an H-2B visa holder may be able to successfully transition to an H-1B visa and continue their employment in the United States.
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – H2-B | $1,560 |
Navigating the H-2B Visa Process: How we will assist you.
Applying for an H-2B visa can be daunting due to the extensive documentation and requirements involved. This can be frustrating for both employers and employees. However, with the right guidance, you can streamline the process and increase your chances of a successful application.
At VOE, we understand the challenges you may face. Our experienced immigration attorneys are dedicated to helping you:
If your circumstances require a different type of visa, such as an H-2A visa or another category, we can also provide expert guidance and support.
Contact Us Today – to learn more about how Visas Online Express can assist you with your H-2B visa application.
The H-2B visa is subject to a numerical cap, which can significantly impact processing times. While there’s no definitive timeline, the average wait for approval can take up to 5 months. This is due to the need to process applications received earlier.
To expedite the process, your employer can opt for premium processing, which costs $2,805. This service prioritizes your application, potentially reducing the processing time.
It’s important to note that even with premium processing, there may still be delays due to the overall volume of applications and the availability of visa numbers within the annual cap.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee | $350 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Other petition fees to be paid by US employer | – |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
Filing I-129 (H2B petition) with named workers Limited to 25 petitions | Small Employer or Nonprofit $540 Regular Petitioner $1,080 |
Filing I-129 with unnamed workers No limit to number of beneficiaries | Employer or Nonprofit $460 Regular Petitioner $580 |
Premium Processing (optional) | $2,805 |
The H1B1 visa is exclusively available to citizens of Chile and Singapore. Individuals from these countries who are looking for temporary work opportunities in the United States can apply for this visa category. Sponsorship by a U.S. employer is a prerequisite for obtaining this visa. It offers an initial validity of 18 months, with the option for extensions.
The H1B1 visa is specifically designed for individuals engaged in specialized fields and grants them the opportunity to work within the U.S. Some examples of these specialized occupations include:
Benefits include:
Eligibility criteria
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – H1-B1 | $1,560 |
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee | $350 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Other petition fees to be paid by US employer | – |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
The H1C visa is designated for qualified nurses pursuing nursing employment opportunities in the United States. Applicants for nursing positions in the U.S. must possess a valid nursing license. The H1C visa has a limited validity of 3 years and is not eligible for renewal. Annually, the U.S. government issues approximately 500 H1C visas.
To qualify for the H1C visa, the foreign national nurse must meet the following criteria:
The spouse and children of the H1C visa holder are permitted to enter the United States and enroll in universities or educational institutions. However, they are not allowed to seek employment without obtaining the necessary work authorization.
The O1 Visa is granted by the United States to individuals who possess exceptional talents and remarkable accomplishments in various domains such as sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, and more. This non-immigrant visa is specifically designed for individuals who have gained international recognition.
Requirements
Eligibility for the O1 visa is limited to those who have achieved a high level of expertise in their respective fields. The issuance of O1 visas is relatively rare, as they are exclusively awarded to individuals who have attained notable recognition due to their outstanding achievements.
The primary qualifications for this visa category encompass:
The O1 visa is initially granted for a duration of 3 years, with the possibility of extensions.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee + Attorney fees | $450 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Document preparation | variable |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – 0-1 Visa | $1,440 |
The P1 visa, provided by the United States, is designed for internationally acclaimed foreign athletes and entertainers. It caters to athletes who are part of teams or groups aiming to engage in events within the U.S. This visa permits athletes to enter the U.S. for participation, while also allowing entertainers to showcase their talents in the country.
The events they are slated to perform in must hold a notable and recognized status.
The P1 visa authorizes the holder’s participation in events and competitions within the U.S.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee + Attorney fees | $450 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Document preparation | variable |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – P-1 Visa | $1,440 |
The L-1B nonimmigrant visa facilitates the transfer of a professional employee possessing specialized knowledge pertinent to the organization’s activities. This transfer occurs from an affiliated foreign office to a U.S.-based office of the same organization. Moreover, this classification allows a foreign company without an existing U.S. office to dispatch an employee with specialized knowledge to the United States for the purpose of aiding in its establishment.
To initiate this process, the employer is required to submit a petition for a Non-immigrant Worker on behalf of the employee.
To qualify for the L-1B visa, the employer must:
Additionally, the named employee must:
“Specialized knowledge” denotes distinct expertise possessed by an individual in the organization’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other areas and its application in international markets. This knowledge surpasses the ordinary and is not commonplace in the industry or the organization. In essence, the employee must possess expertise beyond mere familiarity.
For foreign employers aiming to send an employee with specialized knowledge to the U.S. for employment in a new qualifying office, the following additional requirements apply:
Moreover, L-1B visa applicants must meet specific health and character requirements.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee + Attorney fees | $450 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Document preparation | variable |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – L-1B | $1,440 |
The L-1A non-immigrant classification facilitates the transfer of an executive or manager from a U.S. employer’s affiliated foreign office to a U.S.-based office. Additionally, this classification allows a foreign company that lacks an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States for the purpose of establishing one.
To initiate this process, the employer must submit a petition for a Non-immigrant Worker on behalf of the employee.
To be eligible for the L-1A visa, the employer must:
Additionally, the named employee must:
For foreign employers seeking to send an employee to the U.S. to establish a new office, the following additional requirements must be met:
Adequate physical premises for the new office have been secured.
Furthermore, L-1A visa applicants must satisfy specific health and character requirements.
Consular Fees | Amount (USD) |
---|---|
Filing Fee + Attorney fees | $450 |
Premium application fee (Optional). This fee is not required but can significantly shorten the processing time | $2,500 |
Document preparation | variable |
Medical Examination: | The cost of the medical test and examination may vary depending on the specific requirements. This fee is payable for all applicants and must be paid directly to the doctor conducting your examination. |
Character Clearance (Police Check) | The fee for obtaining character clearance through a police check varies. Fee is payable by all applicants to the police authorities in the countries where you have lived for 12 months or more |
Certification/Translation of documents Variable Payable to the Translator | Varies and payable to the Translator |
Visa Online Express Processing fee | Total USD |
---|---|
US Work Visa – L-1A | $1,440 |
How Visas Online Express can assist with your H1-B Visa filing
Navigating the sponsorship and H-1B visa application process can be a complex endeavor that demands careful attention. It’s crucial to avoid any errors or missteps that could lead to a denial or delay in your petition. This is where the expertise of a skilled H-1B immigration consultant comes into play to help secure your H-1B visa.
With nearly a decade of experience in H1B visa filing, Visas Online Express has established partnerships with reputable US-based IT firms and consulting companies to facilitate the filing of US H1B Visa petitions for the respective fiscal years. We will work to secure an offer letter tailored to your applicant profile from the most suitable sponsor for filing your U.S. H1B petition. We are dedicated to ensuring the accurate and secure submission of your petition right up until it reaches the immigration officer’s desk.
If you decide to engage Visa Online Express services, a highly qualified Registered Migration Agent will carefully review your profile to determine your eligibility for a US Work Visa.
By choosing Visa Online Express, you will benefit from the best United States visa advice and comprehensive support throughout your visa application process, as we have a team of highly experienced United States visa and immigration experts at your disposal.
COME VISIT US AT OUR HQ.
Our headquarters are based in Chicago's Financial District.