H-1B visa program for foreign college graduates faces criticism for not effectively serving its purpose. It fails to reward top talent and may negatively impact American workers’ wages. Suggested reforms include raising salary thresholds and adopting a merit-based system. These changes aim to attract exceptional global talent to boost the US economy.
H-1B visa is a temporary work visa for foreign people issued by the American government. It is a visa designed for professionals in specialised fields. It is the employer’s responsibility to submit the visa application on the employee’s behalf.
US government offers temporary work permits for foreign nationals under the H-1B program. It’s a visa intended for experts working in specific industries. Employer bears the burden of submitting the employee’s visa application.
You May Read
Visa is granted with the understanding that the employee’s job will probably necessitate the theoretical and practical application of highly specialist knowledge. Engineering is one of the professions being evaluated, along with science and computer technology. Selection process for H-1B visas uses a lottery method.
H-1B Visa Lottery
Organisation in charge of issuing visas, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, updates the public on the status of the visa lottery on its website. Overall number of visas that can be granted each year is capped.
US Congress imposed this restriction, and it must be followed. Because the US gets a large number of H-1B visa petitions each year, a lottery system is utilised to determine which petitions are reviewed. US government issued 127,600 H1B visas for the year 2024.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the H-1B lottery, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Specialty Occupation: Job requiring specialized knowledge, typically necessitating a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
- Employer Sponsorship: Applicants must be sponsored by a U.S.-based employer.
- Education: A U.S. degree or equivalent foreign credentials is mandatory.
Steps to Apply for the H-1B Lottery
- Find a Sponsor: Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer willing to file your H-1B petition.
- Register Online: Employers must register electronically during the designated registration period. USCIS charges a $10 non-refundable fee per registration.
- Submit Petition: If selected in the lottery, the employer files a complete H-1B petition, including the Labor Condition Application (LCA) certified by the Department of Labor.
- Await Results: After the lottery, USCIS notifies employers whether their candidates were selected.
How to Check H-1B Lottery Results?
Employers and applicants can check their lottery status through the USCIS portal. If selected, the status updates to “Selected,” while unselected entries show “Submitted” until the fiscal year’s end.
H-1B lottery system is a crucial gateway for skilled professionals seeking to work in the U.S. By understanding the process, adhering to timelines, and ensuring thorough preparation, applicants can maximize their chances of success. Employer or a prospective employee, staying informed about the latest H-1B updates is essential for a smooth application journey.
What Happens After the Petitions have Been Received?
Department will not process any more petitions after the deadline for submission has passed. Others will be denied, and the applicants’ filing expenses will be refunded.
How to Apply for the H1B Visa?
- Step 1: Need to qualify for the H1B visa.
- Step 2: Find a petitioner by applying for a job opening in the United States.
- Step 3: Have a petition initiated by your employer.
- Step 4: Next, you need to apply for the H1B visa at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
FAQs on H1B Lottery
What does a H1B visa lottery mean?
There is a $10 entry fee to the H-1B lottery as the first step towards obtaining an H-1B visa. In the event that a candidate is selected, the sponsoring company must send $460 for Form I-129, which is the petition for a non-immigrant worker. Overall cost of obtaining an H-1B visa can differ greatly.
Who qualifies for an H1B visa?
Person who has been extended an offer by a U.S. business for a temporary professional position may be eligible for H-1B status. Minimum educational requirement for a position to be eligible for H-1B status is a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, and the H-1B employee must possess this degree (or higher).
How many times can one apply for H1B visa?
Number of times you can apply for a USA H1B visa is unlimited. But there are a few things to consider that can affect your chances of getting a visa accepted. First off, only a small number of H-1B visas are granted annually, making it a highly sought-after visa.
What is the H-1B wage cap?
Current yearly normal quota for the H-1B category is established by Congress at 65,000. There is an annual cap for H-1B non-immigrant visas, although not all of them are susceptible to status grants.
How long does it take to complete the H1B visa process?
It may take up to 4.5 months to complete the H1B visa process.
