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Learn how to apply for the H-1B visa, who qualifies, the lottery system, fees, and processing timeline.

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What Is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant U.S. work visa that allows American companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. It is one of the most popular visa routes for international students and professionals seeking work in the U.S. after graduation.

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Key Facts About the H-1B Visa

• Who applies? U.S. employers file the H-1B petition for foreign candidates.
• Duration: Valid for 3 years, extendable to 6 years.
• Annual quota: 85,000 visas issued each year
  • 20,000 reserved for U.S. master’s/PhD graduates
  • 65,000 for all other applicants
• Lottery system: Applied when applications exceed quota.
• Dual-intent: You can apply for a Green Card while on an H-1B.
• Dependents: Spouse and children can join via the H-4 visa.

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H-1B vs. OPT vs. Green Card

Feature	OPT (F-1 Extension)	H-1B Visa	Green Card (PR)
Status	Student	Work	Permanent Resident
Sponsor required?	No (for OPT), Yes (for H-1B)	Yes	Yes
Duration	1–3 years	3–6 years	Indefinite
Path to Green Card	Optional	Yes	Already PR

H-1B Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Get a Job Offer with H-1B Sponsorship
Your employer must be willing to file the H-1B petition on your behalf.

Step 2: Labor Condition Application (LCA)
The employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor to confirm:

• Job title and responsibilities
• Salary meets prevailing wage
• Workplace location and conditions

Step 3: File Form I-129
Once the LCA is approved, your employer submits Form I-129 to the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services), starting April 1.

Step 4: H-1B Lottery Selection
If demand exceeds supply (as it usually does), USCIS runs a randomized lottery:

• First, selects 20,000 applicants from the U.S. master’s pool
• Then, remaining 65,000 from general pool

Step 5: USCIS Processing

• If selected, USCIS processes your case.
• You may choose Premium Processing for faster results (~15 days).
• If approved, attend visa interview at a U.S. consulate (if outside the U.S.).

Step 6: Begin Work
Start working from October 1 (start of the fiscal year). You may enter the U.S. up to 10 days prior.

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H-1B Visa Cost Breakdown (Estimated)

Fee Type	Cost
Registration Fee	$10
Basic Filing Fee	$460
Anti-Fraud Fee	$500
ACWIA Fee	$750 (for <25 employees) / $1,500 (for >25)
Public Law 114-113 Fee*	$4,000 (for large H-1B/L-1 employers)
Premium Processing (optional)	$2,500
Attorney Fees (optional)	Varies

Documents Required for H-1B Application

• Valid passport
• Updated resume or CV
• Academic transcripts and degrees (translated, if needed)
• Licenses/certifications for regulated professions
• Past and current U.S. visa documents (F-1, OPT, etc.)

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The H-1B Lottery Explained

• Why a lottery? Demand consistently exceeds 85,000 annual cap.
• How it works:
  1. Master’s cap (20,000) applicants selected first
  2. Remaining 65,000 spots drawn from the total pool
• Avoiding the lottery? Only possible for:
  • Citizens of Chile and Singapore (via H-1B1 visa)
  • Jobs at cap-exempt institutions like universities or nonprofits

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What If You Lose Your H-1B Job?

If you’re terminated or resign:

• You have a 60-day grace period to:
  • Find a new employer willing to transfer the H-1B
  • Apply for another visa
  • Leave the U.S.

New employers can file a new petition on your behalf without waiting for the next lottery, provided you’re still in status.

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Building Credit While on an H-1B Visa

U.S. credit history is critical for:

• Renting housing
• Buying a car
• Applying for loans or mortgages

Tips:

• Apply for a secured credit card
• Always pay bills on time
• Monitor your credit score regularly

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Planning Your H-1B Visa Strategy

• Start job search early — ideally in the fall of your final master’s year
• Choose employers who are H-1B sponsors
• Prepare for the April 1 submission deadline by completing the LCA in March

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Bonus: Is a U.S. Master’s Degree the First Step?

Yes — for many international students, completing a U.S. master’s opens doors to:
1. 3-year OPT for STEM degrees
2. Master’s cap advantage in H-1B lottery
3. Easier sponsorship by U.S. employers

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Final Thoughts

The H-1B visa is a stepping stone for many international professionals aiming to build careers in the U.S. While competitive and complex, planning ahead and understanding the process can dramatically increase your chances of success.

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