The H-1B Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that enables U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign professionals in specialty occupations including IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and science. The USA H-1B Work Visa requires employer sponsorship and is typically granted to candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. The visa is initially issued up to three years and it can be extended to six years. It also offers a potential pathway to permanent residency. The H-1B Visa is subject to an annual cap and selection through a lottery system.
The H-1B Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require specific technical or academic expertise. These roles typically demand at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in fields such as IT, engineering, science, finance, or healthcare.
Many visas that applicants can seek on their own, H-1B visa sponsorship must come from a U.S. employer — meaning a company must file the petition on behalf of the worker.
Apply for a US H-1B visa to work legally in the United States.
This visa is ideal for professionals with a bachelor’s degree in fields like IT, finance, architecture, medicine, and science.
Earn a salary in US dollars, which is often much higher than salaries in India.
The H-1B visa offers a clear pathway to a US Green Card
You can move to the USA with your spouse and children and settle there.
The US H-1B Visa is one of the most popular ways for skilled professionals to work in the United States. This visa must be applied for by a U.S. employer on behalf of a specialized employee. Typically, H-1B applicants hold at least a bachelor’s degree and work in fields such as IT, Finance, Architecture, Medicine, or Science.
VISA to be eligible for an H-1B visa, candidates need to fulfil the requirements
The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
A U.S. employer must sponsor the applicant.
The employer must register the applicant in the H-1B lottery (ballot system) during the registration period.
The ballot selection is random and conducted by USCIS if applications exceed the annual limit.
The H-1B employer must file a Labour Condition Application (LCA).
The employer must pay the prevailing wage.
The applicant must be selected under the H-1B cap/lottery (if applicable).
The visa is granted for up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years.
Dual intent is allowed. – the applicant may apply for permanent residency (green card).
Companies and other employers in the United States can employ foreign workers in the H-1B program.
The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific specialty related to the job
The applicant should have theoretical and practical highly specialized knowledge.
The number of H-1B applicants is subject to an annual cap, which may change every year.
An electronic registration process is used to select applicants.
Applicants who have done U S Master’s degree are given preference.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts a lottery (ballot) to select candidates
You can file an H-1B petition six months before the employment start date requested for the employer.
Fill Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker
The H1-B Program is an U.S. employer sponsored work visa program. An employer must offer a job to apply for this visa. U S employer should apply for petition. Then get approved by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Then apply for Visa
Since the number of applicants exceeds the number of visas available each and every year, the U.S. government uses a Lottery System, also called the H-1B Ballot System, to randomly select eligible applicants.
H-1B Lottery / Ballot System Explained
The H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap, which is why the lottery system is required.
65,000 visas under the Regular H-1B cap
20,000 additional visas under the U.S. Master’s Cap
Applicants with a U.S. Master’s degree or higher are given preference and receive two chances in the lottery
Employers submit basic details about themselves and the employee during the registration period (usually in March).
USCIS first selects candidates with a U.S. master’s degree.
Remaining candidates are included in the regular quota.
USCIS selects applications randomly by computer.
Employers are informed of the results through the USCIS online system.
The H-1B Visa is one of the most competitive work visas in the United States due to the annual visa cap and high demand from U.S. employers. As it also offers a pathway to a U.S. Green Card, due to the annual cap and the large number of skilled professionals applying each year. Because demand exceeds supply, USCIS uses a lottery (ballot) system to randomly select eligible applicants.
Only candidates who meet specific eligibility requirements and are registered by a U.S. employer are allowed to participate in the H-1B lottery.
Live and work legally in the United States
Extend their stay based on employment and eligibility
Change employers while remaining on H-1B Visa status
Stay with their dependent spouse and children (under 21 years of age) in the US
Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer
Work in a specialty occupation
Hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Be sponsored by an employer willing to file the H-1B petition
If an applicant is not selected in the first ballot:
USCIS may conduct additional ballot rounds if visas remain unused
The employer can reapply in the next year’s lottery
Alternative U.S. work or study visa options may be explored
The H-1B ballot system ensures:
Fair and transparent selection
Equal opportunity for all eligible applicants
Despite the ballot lottery, the H-1B Visa remains one of the best pathways to work in the U.S. and move toward permanent residency (Green Card).
Degree certificates and transcripts.
Relevant experience documents.
While applying for a visa, submit a copy of the HIB petition and supporting
Include the Labour Condition Application (LCA) of the employer from the US Department of Labour while filing the H-1B petition.
Prospective employer must file for a Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, Form I-129
Get approved by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration services)
Apply for Temporary Worker Visa- at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160)
Navigating the H-1B journey can be complicated and time-sensitive. This is where professional guidance makes a powerful difference.
Why Choose Global Gateways? Get Expert Guidance
Personalized evaluation of your H-1B visa eligibility
Support with documentation
Filing the H-1B petition.
Expert assistance in understanding regulatory requirements
Preparation for interviews and embassy procedures
End-to-end guidance through every stage of the H-1B process
The H-1B Visa remains one of the most rewarding pathways for skilled professionals to work and grow in the United States by understanding the H-1B Visa Requirements, eligibility standards, estimated processing times, and associated costs — and by choosing expert support like Global Gateways — you can approach the process with clarity and confidence.
Applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
Yes, an H-1B Visa must be sponsored by a U.S. employer. Individuals cannot apply on their own.
The visa is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended to a maximum of six years.
Yes, H-1B holders can change employers, provided the new employer files a valid H-1B transfer petition
The H-1B ballot (lottery) happens once every year, usually in March.
Each year, 85,000 applicants are selected for the H-1B visa (65,000 under the regular cap and 20,000 under the U.S. master’s cap).
The H-1B ballot (lottery) system happens once every year.
Each year, U.S. employers register applicants online (usually in March). If registrations exceed the annual limit, USCIS conducts a random computer-based lottery, first selecting U.S. master’s degree holders and then the regular applicants. Selected employers can then file the full H-1B petition.
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