Several types of visas in the United States, and some of them are very popular. In this sense, the H1B Work Visa is a temporary work visa for foreign workers to work in the United States. It allows US employers to hire a qualified and competent foreign who is the most fit person for the job. 

Interestingly, the US company will sponsor this visa from the initial to the final issuance process. In such a case, the US sponsor will file a petition on your behalf. One must have a bachelor\\\'s degree or equivalent in any occupation.

The H1B Visa is a sponsored program where your company will cover the costs of the Visa Fee, Petition Fee, and the Department of Labor Fee. The H1B Visa is typically valid for three years. 

Additionally, there is an annual cap on the number of H1B Visas issued, with 85,000 issued annually. 20,000 are reserved for U.S. graduates, while 65,000 are available to graduates from any country. Below, you will find more details about the US H1B Visa, including requirements, the visa cap, and the application process.

Eligibility Criteria for H1B Visa Program

To qualify for the US H1B Visa, an applicant must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent experience in the relevant field.
• Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer.
• Understanding the H1B Visa Cap
• The H-1B visa cap refers to the annual limit on the number of H-1B visas that can be issued. Currently, the cap is set at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign nationals holding a U.S. master’s degree or higher, totalling 85,000 H1B visas issued each year.

H1B Cap Exempt

Certain U.S. employers are exempt from this annual cap and can file a petition any time of the year without participating in the lottery process.

Understand the US H1B Visa Lottery

Due to the high demand for H-1B Visas, many U.S. employers file petitions to hire foreign workers. In March, USCIS conducts a random yearly lottery and selects 85,000 applicants. You can apply for the US H1B Visa online or at the US Embassy/consulate if selected.

US H1B Visa Requirements

• Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer/company.
• Your employer will file a petition on your behalf, as the H1B Visa is initiated by the employer. You cannot directly apply for the H1B Visa at the US Embassy.
• If selected in the H1B lottery, you are pre-approved to apply for an H1B visa.
• You can then apply for the US H1B Visa at the U.S. embassy.

How to Apply for a US H1B Visa

As an applicant, you need to follow these steps:

• Fill in Form DS-160: This is the most crucial application part.
• Schedule an interview: Make an appointment at the nearest US Embassy in your country.
• Pay the H1B visa fees: Your employer will cover the Visa fee.
• Submit the required documents: Academic proofs, degrees, work experience (if any), job contract, etc.
• Attend the H1B interview: You will receive the decision about your Visa during the interview.

Duration of H1B Visa

The Visa is valid for three years and can be extended for another three years, allowing a total stay of six years in the U.S. After six years, you may apply for an Employment-Based Green Card (conditions apply).

Costs Covered by the US Employer for H1B Visa

• Visa Fee
• H1B Petition Fee
• Department of Labor Fee