H-1B Temporary Worker
Q: What is an H-1B? How can I apply for an H-1B?
A: The H-1B is a nonimmigrant classification granted to a foreign worker who is employed temporarily in a specialty occupation, or a fashion model of distinguished merit and ability.
Q: What is a specialty occupation?
A: A specialty occupation requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent for entry into the occupation in the U.S. Examples of specialty occupation include, but are not limited to, architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts, etc.
Q: How does the USCIS determine whether a job is a "specialty occupation" for H-1B purposes?
A: When determining whether a specific position is a "specialty occupation," the USCIS will look into the job title, the job duties to be performed by the foreign worker, and the complexity of the business, etc. For more information regarding the standards to determine specialty occupation, please read our special section on Standards to Determine Specialty Occupation.
Q: How does the USCIS determine whether a baccalaureate degree is the minimum requirement for a specific occupation?
A: It is not enough that an employer requires a bachelor's degree for a specific position. Pertinent laws set some objective standards for determining whether a specific occupation requires a bachelor's degree for entry into the occupation. For more information regarding the standards to determine the requirement of a bachelor's degree, please read our special section on Standards to Determine Specialty Occupation.
Q: How do I know whether my job is a "specialty occupation"?
A: While some occupations are clearly "specialty occupations" as defined by laws and regulations, others are not so clear and the USCIS will make a decision on a case-by-case basis. For some professions such as computer programmer, general manager, librarian, consultant, designer, etc., determination of "specialty occupation" is an extremely complicated process and many factors should be considered. We suggest that H-1B petitioners or beneficiaries consult with an experienced immigration attorney regarding their specific cases.
Q: How many new cap-subject H-1B visas are available each fiscal year?
A: The new H-1B visas available for each fiscal year are 65,000. In addition, 20,000 foreign workers who obtained an advanced degree in the U.S. are exempted from the 65,000 cap.
Q: I obtained a master's degree from a Canadian university. Can I use the additional 20,000 H-1B visas for advanced-degreed professionals?
A: No. The additional 20,000 H-1B visas are only granted to foreign workers who obtained their advanced degree in the U.S.
Q: I obtained a master's degree from a U.S. university, but my graduate school major was not related to the job offer. My employer will file an H-1B petition based on my bachelor's degree major. Can I use the additional 20,000 H-1B visas for advanced-degreed professionals?
A: Yes. As long as you have obtained an advanced degree in the U.S., you can use the additional 20,000 H-1B visas for advanced-degreed professionals.
Q: When can cap-subject U.S. employers file new H-1B petitions each fiscal year?
A: The USCIS opens up H-1B registration around March 1st of each year. If a case is selected in the registration, then the earliest date for U.S. employers to file new H-1B petitions is April 1st of each year.
Q: I am currently in H-1B status working in a company. Am I subject to the annual cap if I change employment and my new employer files an H-1B petition in my behalf?
A: No, current H-1B workers who have used the H-1B quota are not subject to the annual cap.
Q: I was in H-1B status working in a company for a few months 3 years ago, and then I changed my status from H-1B to F-1 student. Now I have found a job and my employer is willing to file H-1B for me. Am I subject to the annual cap?
A: No, a foreign worker is not subject to the annual cap if he/she used the H-1B quota in the past 6 years.
Q: Who can file H-1B petition for a foreign worker?
A: H-1B petition must be filed by a U.S. employer. The U.S. branch or subsidiary of a foreign company is considered a "U.S. employer" for H-1B purposes if its U.S. entity meets the following requirements: 1) it engages a person to work within the U.S.; 2) it has the authority to hire, pay, fire, and supervise employees; and 3) it has an IRS Tax ID Number, also known as Employer ID Number (EIN).
Q: What is the Labor Condition Application (LCA)?
A: An H-1B petitioning employer is required to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL) attesting to a number of items, including payment of prevailing wages for the position and the working conditions offered. The LCA must be certified by DOL before the H-1B petition is filed with the USCIS.
Q: How long can a foreign worker be in H-1B status?
A: Under current law, a foreign worker can be in H-1B status for a maximum period of six (6) years at a time. After being on H-1B for six years, the foreign worker must remain outside the United States for at least one year before another H-1B petition can be approved. There are, however, a few exceptions to the six-year limit, which allow a foreign worker to extend their H-1B status beyond six years.
Q: Who can extend H-1B status beyond the six-year maximum period?
A: A foreign worker can obtain an extension of H-1B status beyond the 6-year maximum period if he or she meets one of the following conditions:
- 365 days or more have passed since the filing of a Labor Certification (Form ETA-9089), or an employment-based immigrant petition (Form I-140) if Labor Certification is not required; or
- An employment-based immigrant petition (Form I-140) has been approved but due to the retrogression of priority date, the foreign worker is unable to obtain green card.
Q: How can I extend H-1B status for one (1) year at a time beyond the six-year maximum period?
A: You will be able to extend H-1B status in one-year increments beyond the six-year limit if your Labor Certification application (Form ETA-9089) or your employment-based immigrant petition (Form I-140) has been pending for 365 days or more. Therefore, to be eligible for the one-year extension at a time, a Labor Certification application or I-140 petition must be filed before the H-1B reaches the 6th year.
Q: How can I extend H-1B status for three (3) years at a time beyond the six-year maximum period?
A: You will be eligible to extend H-1B status in three-year increments beyond the six-year limit if your I-140 petition has been approved but you are unable to obtain green card due to the retrogression of priority date.
Q: Can an H-1B employee work for more than one employer?
A: Yes, H-1B workers may work for more than one U.S. employer, but each employer involved must file an H-1B petition and the petition must be approved.
Q: Can I change H-1B employers?
A: Yes, you may change H-1B employers and at the same time keep your H-1B status, but the new H-1B employer must file a new H-1B petition for you properly before you begin working for the new employer.
Q: I am currently in H-1B status and will change employers. When can I work for the new employer?
A: According to the H-1B portability rule, you can start to work for the new employer after your new employer properly files the H-1B petition on your behalf. You do not need to wait until the new H-1B approval to change your employment. For more information about H-1B portability, please read our special section on H-1B Portability Issues Related to Change of Employer.
Q: What is H-1B visa's "dual intent"?
A: Unlike other non-immigrant visas such as F and J that do not allow immigrant intent, H-1B visa has dual intent, which among other things, allows filing of immigrant applications without affecting their non-immigrant status.
Q: I am in F-1 status and have filed an immigrant petition. Can I change status to H-1B?
A: Yes, you may change status to H-1B even after you have filed an immigrant petition. Although H-1B is a non-immigrant visa, it allows immigrant intent and an H-1B petition cannot be denied on the immigrant intent basis.
Q: Must I work at all times to keep my H-1B status?
A: As long as the employer/employee relationship exists in compliance with the H-1B requirements, you are in valid status. Just like other workers, you may be on vacation, sick/maternity/paternity leave, on strike, or otherwise inactive without affecting your status.
Q: Is a part-time worker eligible for H-1B?
A: Yes, a foreign H-1B worker can work part-time, but the work hours must be specified in the H-1B petition.
Q: How are H-1B cases handled by your law firm?
A: H-1B cases, like other types of cases, are professionally handled by an experienced attorney in our law firm. At each step of the process, employers and beneficiaries will be contacted and advised by an experienced attorney, NOT a paralegal, law clerk, or legal assistant. For more details, please contact us for a free evaluation: evaluation@niwus.com.
Q: My employer plans to file an H-1B petition for me, but we do not know if I am qualified. How can you help us evaluate the chance of success?
A: If you are interested in filing H-1B and want to know your qualifications, please complete a brief H-1B Evaluation Questionnaire and e-mail it with your resume to evaluation@niwus.com for a free evaluation.
Q: How does the H-1B lottery work?
A: Each year, there is a cap or limit on the number of H-1B filings accepted by the USCIS. USCIS opens a registration period in early March for employers to submit a registration application for each beneficiary. This registration period usually lasts about two weeks. If USCIS receives more than 65,000 H-1B Regular Cap and 20,000 U.S. Master's Cap petitions, then the USCIS will run a "lottery" to randomly select cases for H-1B petition processing. If a registration is selected in the lottery, then the H-1B petition must be filed within 90 days (usually between April 1st and June 30th).
Q: My case was selected in the lottery, and I requested premium processing. When will I receive a decision?
A: USCIS announces when premium processing begins. Once premium processing starts, USCIS will approve, deny, or issue Request for Evidence within 15 calendar days. USCIS may issue an update after the lottery is completed. Our firm will let clients known as soon as we receive more information.
