H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa Checklist
🇺🇸 United States
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher.
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Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent
MandatoryA U.S. bachelor's degree or higher in a field related to the position, or equivalent experience (3 years of specialized experience = 1 year of education).
The position requires a bachelor's degree or higher, and you must have that degree or its equivalent.
Funds
Prevailing wage
InfoThe employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for the position in the area of employment.
Your employer must pay you at least the prevailing wage for the position.
Job Offer
Employer petition
MandatoryA U.S. employer must file an I-129 petition on your behalf for a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Your employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on your behalf.
Annual cap and lottery
ConditionalSubject to an annual cap of 65,000 (+20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders); registration lottery in March.
The H-1B program is subject to an annual numerical cap, and a registration selection process is used when demand exceeds the cap.
Documents
Labor Condition Application
MandatoryThe employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor before filing the I-129.
Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor.
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