Who the H-1B is for
#- Professionals with a U.S. job offer in a specialty occupation
- Applicants whose employer is prepared to file a USCIS petition
- Workers who can document education or experience that matches the role
Official guidance to review
#These sources explain specialty occupation criteria, employer obligations, and petition steps.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- U.S. employer petition filed with USCIS
- Role that meets specialty occupation criteria
- Applicant credentials that satisfy the role requirements
- Completed DS-160 for consular processing (if applying abroad)
Documents and evidence
#Employers provide petition materials to USCIS. Applicants should retain key evidence such as credentials, job offer details, and DS-160 confirmation for the interview step.
U.S. documents checklistH-1B document checklistReview Form I-129 guidanceStep-by-step overview
#- Employer files the H-1B petition with USCIS.
- If applying abroad, complete the DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
- Attend the interview with required documentation.
- Travel after visa issuance and follow entry guidance.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#H-1B fees include USCIS petition filing fees and Department of State visa application fees for consular processing. Always confirm the latest fee schedules.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#Processing time depends on USCIS petition timelines and consular appointment availability. Use official tools to check current ranges.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent DS-160 information
- Missing required supporting evidence for the role or credentials
- Waiting too long to schedule an interview
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Do I need a U.S. employer to file an H-1B petition?
Yes. The H-1B is employer-sponsored and requires a U.S. employer to file a petition with USCIS.
Where can I check USCIS processing times for the H-1B petition?
Use the official USCIS processing times tool for the latest petition timelines.
Is a consular interview required?
Applicants outside the U.S. generally complete the DS-160 and attend a consular interview after the petition is approved.
Does H-1B require lottery selection?
Most cap-subject H-1B petitions require lottery selection first. Certain employers (such as cap-exempt institutions) may file outside the lottery.
Is an LCA required for H-1B?
Yes. The employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor before submitting the H-1B petition.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- H-1B specialty occupations (USCIS)
- Working in the United States (USCIS)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- DS-160 online application (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- USCIS filing fees
- USCIS processing times tool
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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