Complete Guide To H1B Visa Requirements, Visa Process And Application

In this post, you will find the Complete guide to understanding/ obtaining an H1B visa, eligibility, requirements, and FAQs.

What Is H1B Visa?

The H1B visa is a temporary work visa that allows US employers to hire highly qualified foreign workers for specialty jobs. It is also referred to as Person in Specialty Occupation Visa.

How can I qualify/be eligible for a H1B Visa?

You qualify for the H1B visa if you are accepted in a specific job position by an US employer which has the following requirements:

• Possession of an advanced educational degree such as:
• A 4 four year Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent degrees)
• A Master’s or Doctoral Degree
• Advanced training or vocational skills (examples include fashion models)
• Qualify to work in research and development projects of the US Department of Defense or other government positions. Examples of job positions might be:
• IT specialists.
• Architects.
• Accountants.
• Professors.
• Doctors.
• Lawyers, etc.

US employers apply for H1B visas. The employer must have a job opening and cannot find a suitable American worker. This can be any job that requires a college degree or is too specialized for most individuals.

After receiving applications, the employer begins the US H1B visa process if a foreign applicant meets job qualifications.

A US employer is defined as a company or corporation which has an IRS (Internal Revenue Service) number.

Because the H1B visa procedure begins with a US employer, they must be able to meet certain conditions set by the country. The procedure is also known as H1B visa sponsorship.

How to Apply for the H1B Visa?

Here are the steps you need to go through in order to apply for the H1B visa:

• Make sure you qualify for the H1B visa.
• Find a petitioner by applying for a job opening in the United States.
• Have the petitioning initiated by your employer.
• Apply for the H1B visa at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate in your home country.

Steps to Apply for an H1B Visa

The H1B Application is filled by the applicant. In addition to the employers, employees or H1B applicants also have to complete these steps:

• Fill in Form DS-160. The DS-160 is the most important part of the application. You need to follow all instructions and provide accurate information on the form.
• Schedule an interview. Try to schedule the interview as early as possible. US Embassies take time to process each request, so the earlier you make the appointment, the better it will be for you.
• Pay the H1B visa fees. As of 2023, the H1B visa costs are $555 for the basic filing fee and $500 for the required anti-fraud fee.
• Submit required documents for H1B Visa.
• Attend the H1B interview. During the interview, you should have your documents and be prepared to answer extensive questions about your place of work and your specific job. If it is your first time applying, they will also take your fingerprints which will be saved in the US system.

Required Documents for an H1B Visa Application

After you have paid the H1B visa fees, you must submit the required documents for employees as listed below:

• Your current passport.
• Copy of your current passport pages.
• All previous passports.
• Receipts that prove you have paid your visa fees.
• A photograph which meets the Digital Image Requirements.
• Visa interview appointment letter (Original and 1 copy).
• Printed Form I-129 Receipt number and the original and 1 copy of Form I-129.
• Copy of Form I-797.
• Letter from your employer with your job description.
• Your qualifications (diplomas and certifications).

If you have worked before in the US, you also have to submit:

• Your tax return forms.
• Names and contact information of previous employers and supervisors.
• Resume or CV.
• Pay slips for the past 12 months.

If this is the first time you are applying, you should submit these additional documents:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Names and contact information of supervisors and managers of your current and previous jobs.
• Names and contact information of two co-workers of your current and previous jobs.
• A letter describing your job duties and responsibilities of the job you will have in the US.
• Photographs of your current and previous job locations.
• Photographs of the building where you will be working in the US (outside and inside), annual report, prospectus, any brochures.
• Bank statements.