What are the requirements for a visa under the H-1B program?

Under the H-1B visa program, individuals seeking temporary employment in the United States must meet certain requirements:

Qualifying for a Specialty Occupation

One of the key requirements for obtaining an H-1B visa is to have a job offer in a specialty occupation. This means the position requires a specialized body of knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.

Employer Sponsorship

Applicants must have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor them for an H-1B visa. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor and submit a petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the applicant.

Degree Requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor's degree or higher, or its equivalent in work experience. In some cases, a combination of education and work experience may be accepted.

Work Experience

If the applicant does not have a degree, they must have relevant work experience in the specialty occupation. Generally, three years of work experience is considered equivalent to one year of college education.

Overall, the H-1B visa program is designed to attract skilled workers to fill employment opportunities that require specialized knowledge. It provides a temporary visa for individuals to work in the U.S. and offers a pathway to potential permanent residency.