What is an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa program has an important role in the country’s economy, as it allows American companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized occupations. Whether you are a foreigner looking for work in the United States, or you are an employer searching for top talent, it is critical that you understand the H-1B visa system. Below, our Tampa immigration attorney explains more about the program and the benefits it holds for both employers and employees.
Important Points About the H-1B Visa Program
H-1B visas are non-immigrant visas that allow employers within the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These occupations usually require a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a certain field. While these visas play a very important role in our economy, there are also important facts to know about them. These are as follows:
- Specialty occupation: To qualify for an H-1B visa, the employment position must require practical and theoretical applications of specialized knowledge. In most situations, this means the position must require at minimum, a bachelor’s degree.
- Sponsorship: An employer within the United States must sponsor a foreign worker and submit the necessary paperwork to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Annual limits: Each year there is a cap, or limit, placed on H-1B visas. If the demand is greater than the limit, a lottery system is used. The lottery system randomly selects how many petitions are processed.
- Duration: Initially, H-1B status is granted for three years, but the visas can be extended.
- Dual intent: When someone has H-1B status, they can still take steps to immigrate to the United States permanently. To do this, H-1B holders must go through a separate process to obtain a green card.
Benefits of the H-1B Visa Program for Employees
There are many notable benefits for employees who participate in the H-1B program. These include:
- Gain international work experience that is very valuable to employers abroad and in the United States
- Opportunity to work in the United States in their chosen field
- Possible pathway to obtaining a green card and permanent residency
Benefits of the H-1B Visa Program for Employers
While it is natural to first consider the benefits the H-1B visa program has for employees, it also has many benefits for those who hire them. These are as follows:
- Access to highly skilled talent found around the globe
- Remain competitive in the international marketplace
- Fill employment gaps in the workforce in the United States
Our Immigration Lawyers in Tampa Can Guide You Through the Process
If you are an employer who wants to explore the international marketplace and bring in skilled foreign workers into your workplace, our Tampa immigration lawyers can help you through the process. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our experienced attorneys can advise you of the requirements you must meet, assist with completing and submitting the necessary paperwork, and give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. Call us today at 1 (800) 990-7763 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.
Source:
dol.gov/agencies/whd/immigration/h1b
