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H-1B Visa — Specialty Occupation Work Visa for the United States
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Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Question 1 of 4 — Do you have a full-time job offer from a U.S. employer?
2Question 2 of 4 — Do you hold at least a bachelor’s degree related to your job field?
3Question 3 of 4 — Is your role considered a specialty occupation requiring specific expertise?
4Question 4 of 4 — Do you plan to bring your spouse or children under H-4 status?

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Typical timeline

6 months

Indicative end-to-end processing; varies by case.

Job offer

Requirement

Required

A qualifying offer is needed for this route.

Occupation lists

Eligible occupations(5/5)

  • 1Typical Eligible Occupations(5)
    Software engineers and IT professionalsMechanical, electrical, and civil engineersFinancial analysts and accountantsHealthcare and medical specialistsUniversity professors and researchers

Program overview

Overview

Eligibility

  • Valid job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation.
  • Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent in the specialty field.
  • Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor.
  • Employer must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to USCIS.
  • Proof of relevant work experience or academic credentials.

Key benefits

  • Work legally in the U.S. for up to six years (initial 3 years + extension).
  • Eligible for professionals in specialized fields.
  • Dual intent visa — allows transition to Green Card.
  • Spouse and children under 21 can apply under H-4 status.
  • Opportunity to gain international experience and career growth.
Checklist

Document checklist

9 total items

Documents vary by profile; we’ll tailor your list.

Personal and Identity Documents
3 items
  • Valid passport and previous U.S. visas (if applicable)
  • Passport-sized photographs per USCIS guidelines
  • Educational certificates and transcripts
Employment Documents
3 items
  • Offer letter and detailed job description from U.S. employer
  • Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval
  • Form I-129 filing receipt or approval notice
Supporting Evidence
3 items
  • Resume or CV with relevant experience
  • Professional licenses or certifications
  • Employer’s business registration and tax documents

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Employer Readiness

    The U.S. employer determines if the position qualifies as a specialty occupation and verifies your qualifications.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: H-1B Lottery Registration

    Employer submits your details for the annual USCIS H-1B lottery selection.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Labor Condition Application (LCA)

    Employer files LCA with the Department of Labor to certify wage and work conditions.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: Petition Filing (Form I-129)

    Employer files Form I-129 to USCIS for H-1B visa approval.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Visa Stamping / Status Change

    If approved, apply for visa stamping abroad or change status within the U.S.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Work and Extension

    Work in the U.S. for up to 3 years initially, with possible extensions up to 6 years.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Who this program is NOT for

  • Job not classified as a specialty occupation.
  • Lack of required degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Employer unable to meet wage or compliance requirements.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United States.

Frequently asked questions

The H-1B is a U.S. work visa that allows employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring specialized skills and a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Initially valid for three years, extendable up to six years under certain conditions.

Yes. You can transfer your H-1B to another employer after filing a new petition.

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you on H-4 visas.

Yes. The H-1B allows dual intent, meaning you can apply for permanent residency while working in the U.S.

Xiphias Immigration helps employers and professionals with registration, petition filing, documentation, and compliance throughout the H-1B process.

Client testimonials

“Seamless employer-sponsor coordination and PR plan.”
TL
Tech Lead, Toronto
1/2Auto

Why work with us

A private-client approach to second citizenship: transparent costs, rigorous compliance, and execution without friction.

  1. Dedicated due-diligence desk and source-of-funds guidance.
  2. Government-approved project vetting and exit planning.
  3. End-to-end execution: strategy, documentation, submission, oath & passports.
  4. Confidential handling and white-glove concierge for families.
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