H-1B Visa: The Complete Guide
The H-1B is the main work visa for professionals in specialty occupations. This guide covers eligibility, the lottery, timelines, transfers, and the road to a green card.
Eligibility basics
You need a job offer for a specialty occupation — one that normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field — and the degree (or equivalent experience) to match. The employer, not the worker, files the petition.
The employer must also file a Labor Condition Application committing to pay the prevailing wage for the role and location.
The lottery and timeline
Registration happens each March; selected registrations can file petitions from April 1, and employment starts October 1. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research organizations) can file year-round without the lottery.
Premium processing gets a decision in 15 business days. Regular processing runs 2–4 months depending on the service center.
Transfers, extensions, and the green card path
Once counted against the cap, you can change employers with a transfer petition and start working on filing receipt. The initial grant is up to 3 years, extendable to 6 — and beyond 6 if a green card process (PERM or I-140) is far enough along.
Most H-1B holders pursue permanent residence through EB-2 or EB-3: PERM labor certification, then I-140, then I-485 when the priority date is current.
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