Immigration Law

H-1B visas are work visas that allow foreign nationals to temporarily work in the United States for a U.S. employer.  A U.S. employer may petition a foreign national under the H-1B classification that specifically applies to individuals in a "specialty occupation." A specialty occupation has three requirements. First, an individual must have a bachelor?s degree or higher degree or its equivalent for the particular position. Second, the degree is common in the industry among similar organizations. Third, the employer normally requires a degree or equivalent; or the nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with attainment of the degree. 

Individuals with H-1B visas are allowed to work in the United States for up to six years, but visas are granted in three year increments. In some cases, the H-1B visas may be extended for more than six years. If the individual is in the United States, a change of status to an H-1B is filed in the United States. If the individual is outside the United States, upon approval of the petition, the individual must apply for an H-1B visa at the U.S. consulate. There are only 65,000 H-1B visas issued per year. The fiscal year for 2008 reached its cap on the very first day cases were accepted for filing (April 1, 2007).

The beginning of the fiscal year for 2009 is October 1, 2008.  Employers may begin filing their petitions six months prior to the start date of employment but the individuals can not start their job until October 1.   

It is vital for those individuals wishing to work in the United States to begin preparing their H-1B paperwork before the cap is reached. Please call us at 214-999-9999 if you would like more information on beginning the H-1B process.