The H-1B visa is a popular work visa allowing U.S. employers to bring foreign workers skilled in specialty occupations. The visa is very useful to professionals in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and scientific research. Nonetheless, the H-1B visa application process is complicated, and there are several steps involved, including registration, petitioning, and approval.
This step-by-step H-1B visa guide will guide you through the application process:
✔ Eligibility requirements
✔ Applying for an H-1B visa
✔ Required documents
✔ Costs and processing times for H-1B visas
✔ Checking H-1B case status
Let’s get started! 🚀
What is the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa that permits foreign professionals to work in the U.S. for a maximum period of six years. It also needs employer sponsorship, so an applicant cannot apply on her own. Instead, the worker must have an H-1B petition filed by a U.S. company on the worker’s behalf.
Key Features of the H-1B Visa
✔ 3 years to start, extendable to 6 years.
✔ Involves a U.S. employer as a sponsor
✔ Selected via lottery due to high demand.
✔ Dual intent permitted, meaning the visa holder can also apply for a Green Card whilst working
There are 85,000 H-1B visas awarded each year:
- 65,000 under the regular cap.
- 20,000 reserved for holders of U.S. master’s degrees or higher.
Because the number of applicants far exceeds the supply of available visas, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select applicants.
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Step 1: Check H-1B Visa Eligibility
These requirements include education, the job role, and employer sponsorship to achieve an H-1B visa.
H-1B Visa Requirements
✔ At least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience).
✔ The position must be a specialty occupation requiring specialised knowledge.
✔ The employer must pay not less than the applicable prevailing wage for that occupation.
✔ The worker must have an employer that files an H-1B petition on their behalf.
What is a Specialty Occupation?
A specialty occupation requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialised knowledge. Some common specialty occupations are:
- IT Specialists, Software Developers
- Engineers (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)
- Financial Accountants & Analysts
- Doctors, nurses, and therapists (Healthcare Professionals)
- Scientists & Researchers
If your job does not meet the specialty occupation requirements, your H-1B petition can be denied.
Step 2: Find an H-1B Sponsoring Employer
Since people can’t apply for an H-1B visa themselves, you’ll need to line up a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you.
How to Find H-1B Visa Sponsorship?
✔ Look up companies that have H-1B visa sponsorship (try H1BGrader or MyVisaJobs, or the USCIS database).
✔ Submit job applications to tech firms, finance companies, and healthcare providers.
✔ Network on LinkedIn, job fairs, and professional groups, and connect with H-1 B-friendly employers.
Some of the top H-1B sponsoring companies include:
- Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook (now Meta)
- Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant, Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Citibank
Step 3: Employer Registers for the H-1B Lottery
Due to demand for H-1B visas, however, which exceeds supply, USCIS runs a lottery system to choose successful applicants.
1. H-1B Registration Timeline
- March 2024: Employer files online H-1B registrations.
- April 2024: USCIS conducts the H-1B lottery and notifies selected applicants.
2. H-1B Registration Fee
✔ The Registration fee charged to employers is $215 per applicant (up from the previous $10).
📌 Tip: Employers can put in multiple registrations for different employees, but an employee can only have one per employer.
Step 4: Filing the H-1B Petition (Form I-129)
If picked in the H-1B lottery, the employer must submit an H-1B petition to USCIS.
1. File a Labour Condition Application (LCA)
✔ The employer files an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labour (DOL).
✔ The LCA verifies that the applicant is being paid the required wage.
✔ Processing Time for LCA: 7-10 Days
2. Submit Form I-129
✔ Employer submits Form I-129 (Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker) to USCIS
✔ Filing fees (ranging from $1,710 to $6,460 based on employer size).
📌 Form I-129 Processing Time: 2-6 months (or 15 days with Premium Processing)
Step 5: H-1B Visa Processing Time & Fees
H-1B Visa Fees (2024-2025)
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Who Pays? |
| Registration Fee for H-1B | $215 | The employer pays the fees. |
| Filing Fee for Form I-129 | $460 | Paid by Employer |
| Fee for ACWIA | $750 (small) / $1,500 (large) | The employer bears the cost. |
| Prevention Fee for Fraud | $500 | The Employer pays the fees. |
| Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,500 | Employer/Employee can pay directly. |
H-1B Processing Time (2024 Estimates)
| USCIS Processing Centre | Regular Processing | Premium Processing |
| California Service Centre | 4-6 months | 15 days |
| Nebraska Service Centre | 3-5 months | 15 days |
| Vermont Service Centre | 2-4 months | 15 days |
| Texas Service Centre | 3-6 months | 15 days |
H-1B Visa Fees (2024-2025)
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Who Pays? |
| Registration Fee for H-1B | $215 | The employer pays the fees. |
| Filing Fee for Form I-129 | $460 | Paid by Employer |
| Fee for ACWIA | $750 (small) / $1,500 (large) | The employer bears the cost. |
| Prevention Fee for Fraud | $500 | The Employer pays the fees. |
| Premium Processing (Optional) | $2,500 | Employer/Employee can pay directly. |
| USCIS Service Centre | Regular Processing Time | Premium Processing Time |
| California Service Centre | 4 to 6 months (approx. 120–180 days; may experience delays during high-volume periods) | 15 calendar days (approx. 2 weeks, including weekends and holidays) |
| Nebraska Service Centre | 3 to 5 months (approx. 90–150 days; typically faster for standard petitions) | 15 calendar days (approx. 2 weeks) |
| Vermont Service Centre | 2 to 4 months (approx. 60–120 days; among the fastest for transfers and renewals) | 15 calendar days (approx. 2 weeks) |
| Texas Service Centre | 3 to 6 months (approx. 90–180 days; timelines may fluctuate with petition volume) | 15 calendar days (approx. 2 weeks) |
📌 Tip: Premium Processing speeds up approval but does not increase selection chances.
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Step 6: H-1B Case Status & Petition Tracking
Upon filing, applicants can check their H-1B application status with the USCIS Case Status Tracker.
How to Check H-1B Case Status?
- Go to USCIS Case Status Online.
- Provide your H-1B receipt number (from Form I-797).
- Check for updates like:
✔ Case Approved – The petition is approved.
✔ Case Being Reviewed – USCIS is processing.
✔ Request for Evidence (RFE) – USCIS requires more documents.
Step 7: H-1B Visa Stamping & Interview Process
If the H-1B petition has been approved by USCIS, you must apply for H-1B visa stamping at the U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country.
How to Schedule an H-1B Visa Interview?
✔ Go to the U.S. Department of State website and sign up.
✔ Pick the closest U.S. embassy/consulate.
✔ Pay the visa issuance fee ($190 for most applicants).
✔ Make an appointment and fill out Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
H-1B Visa Interview Documents Checklist
✔ Original passport (at least 6 months ‘ validity).
✔ DS-160 confirmation page.
✔ Visa appointment confirmation letter.
✔ I-797 Approval Notice (USCIS approval of H-1B petition).
✔ Copy of Labour Condition Application (LCA).
✔ Employment offer letter from your sponsoring company
✔ Company Finances (if applicable)
✔ Educational certificates (degrees, diplomas, transcripts).
📌 Important Tips for the Visa Interview:
✔ Be confident and authentic about your job role and expertise.
✔ State clearly why your specialities are necessary for a specialty occupation.
✔ Do not provide vague or incorrect information – visa officers can liaise with the employer to verify details.
H-1B Visa Stamping Processing Time
✔Administrative processing (if needed) can take from a few days to several months
✔ If your visa gets approved, your passport with the H-1B visa stamp will be sent back in 5-10 working days.
Step 8: Travel to the U.S. & Start Work
After receiving the H-1B visa stamp, you may now travel to the U.S. for work.
Travel Guidelines for H-1B Holders:
✔ You can come to the U.S. as early as 10 days before your date of starting your job (as indicated on Form I-797).
✔ At the port of entry, you might be required to present:
- Valid H-1B visa stamp
- I-797 approval notice
- LCA and employment verification letter
✔ You will be issued a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) upon entering the United States.
📌 Important: If your visa is denied or delayed, consult an immigration attorney before making any additional travel plans.
Step 9: Checking H-1B Case Status & Petition Tracking
Keeping tabs on your H-1B visa status is essential to avoid surprises along the way.
How to Check Your H-1B Visa Status?
- USCIS Online Case Tracker:
- Visit USCIS Case Status Online.
- Input your receipt number (on Form I-797).
- Review the case status updates:
✔ Case Approved – Your H-1B petition has been approved.
✔ Case in Process – USCIS is processing your petition.
✔ RFE Issued – Request for Additional Documents by USCIS
- Check Visa Status on CEAC Website (For Stamping):
- Go to the U.S. Department of State Visa Status Tracker.
- Check visa stamping status using the DS-160 confirmation number.
📌 Common Status Updates & Their Meanings:
| Status | Meaning |
| Case Received | The H-1B petition is transferred to USCIS. |
| Case Approved | Your H-1B petition has been approved by USCIS. |
| Administrative Processing | Security measures must also be checked separately. |
| Visa Issued | Your visa is approved and will be stamped on your passport. |
| Refused/Denied | Your visa was not granted because there was not enough proof or due to other factors. |
Step 10: H-1B Extension & Transfer Process
If you wish to continue in the U.S. once your work has begun, you will need to extend your H-1B visa or transfer it to a new employer.
1. H-1B Visa Extension
The H-1B visa is initially granted for a duration of 3 years and can also be extended for up to 3 years, bringing the maximum stay to 6 years.
✔ The employer submits a new Form I-129 for an extension.
✔ Applications for a Green Card (I-140) can also allow for extension of H-1B beyond its customary 6 years.
📌 Processing Time for H-1B Extension:
- Regular Processing: 2-6 months
- Premium Processing: 15 days
2. H-1B Transfer (Changing Employers)
If you do find another job, you can move your H-1B visa over to your new employer without getting back into the lottery.
✔ The transfer is initiated by the new employer filing a new Form I-129.
✔ You are eligible to start working as soon as USCIS gets the transfer petition.
📌 H-1B Transfer Processing Time:
- Regular Processing: 2-4 months
- Premium Processing: 15 days
Step 11: Pathway from H-1B to Green Card (Permanent Residency)
Many H-1B visa holders go on to apply for a U.S. Green Card (permanent residency).
1. Green Card Options for H-1B Holders
✔ EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary abilities or multinational executives.
✔ EB-2: For professionals who have higher-level degrees or exceptional ability.
✔ EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
2. Steps to Apply for a Green Card from H-1B
✔ Step 1: The employer files the PERM Labour Certification with the Department of Labour.
✔ Step 2: The employer must file a Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).
✔ Step 3: Wait for your priority date to become current.
✔ Step 4: File Adjustment of Status (I-485) for your permanent resident card.
📌 Important Tip: Be sure to start the Green Card process before your 6 years on H-1B, or you will run into issues with visa expiration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About H-1B Visa Application
Q1. How do I apply for an H-1B visa?
Ans:- You cannot self-apply for an H-1B visa. A U.S. employer must sponsor you by filing an H-1B petition (Form I-129) with USCIS. After selection, you have to go through the visa stamping process.
Q2. How can I check my H-1B case status?
Ans:- You can review your H-1B visa status by visiting the USCIS Case Status Tracker with your receipt number (from Form I-797). If your case is under visa stamping, use CEAC Visa Tracker.
Q3. What is the processing time for an H-1B visa?
Ans:- Here is the processing time for an H-1B visa:
- H-1B Lottery & Selection: 4-6 weeks
- Petition Processing of USCIS: 2-6 months (Regular) / 15 days (Premium Processing)
- Visa Stamping: 2–4 weeks (of course, varies by consulate)
Q4. How much does it cost to file an H-1B visa?
Ans:- Most of the fees are covered by the employer, which range from $1,710 to $6,460 based on company size. The applicant pays the visa issuance fee ($190).
Q5. What happens if my H-1B visa is denied?
Ans:- If denied, you can:
✔ Request for reconsideration if USCIS made a mistake.
✔ Reapply next year, perhaps through a different employer.
✔ Look into other visa alternatives (L-1, O-1, TN etc.).
Q6. Can I transfer my H-1B visa to another employer?
Ans:- Yes! H-1B holders do not need to re-enter a lottery to transfer their visa to a new employer. Your new employer must submit Form I-129, and you can begin work as soon as USCIS has received it.
Q7. How can I transition from an H-1B to a Green Card?
Ans:- Your employer must sponsor you for an employment-based Green Card (EB-2 or EB-3). The process involves PERM labour certification, I-140 petition, and I-485 adjustment of status.
Conclusion for H-1B Visa Application
There are several stages to the H-1B visa process, but you can improve your chances for success through thorough preparation. Here’s a recap of important takeaways:
✔ Begin searching for an H-1B sponsoring employer early.
✔ Make sure your job is a specialty occupation.
✔ Check the status of your H-1B petition on a consistent basis.
✔ Prepare for H-1B visa interview and stamping.
✔ Prepare in advance for H-1B extensions, transfers