Visa Type

H-1B1 Specialty Occupation Visa Guide (U.S.)

United States • WORK visa pathway

Eligibility and planning checklist for H-1B1 (Chile/Singapore) applicants.

Last reviewed: 2026-01-29Official sources
Key takeaways
  • H-1B1 is for Chile and Singapore nationals in specialty occupations.
  • A certified LCA is required, similar to H-1B.
  • Many applicants apply directly at a U.S. consulate.

Who the H-1B1 is for

#
  • Chile or Singapore citizens with a specialty occupation offer
  • Professionals with degree-level credentials
  • Applicants with U.S. employers willing to file an LCA

Official guidance to review

#

Requirements checklist (high level)

#
  • Chile or Singapore citizenship
  • Specialty occupation job offer
  • Certified LCA from the Department of Labor
  • Relevant degree or equivalent experience
  • H-1B1 is limited to Chile and Singapore citizens.

Documents and evidence

#

Prepare credentials, job or program details, and evidence that matches your visa category. Consular posts may request additional documents based on your case.

  • Certified LCA and offer letter
  • Diplomas, transcripts, and credential evaluations
  • Resume and professional licenses (if required)
  • DS-160 confirmation and passport
U.S. documents checklistReview the DS-160 form guide

Step-by-step overview

#
  1. Employer obtains a certified LCA.
  2. Complete DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
  3. Attend interview with job and credential evidence.
  4. Enter the U.S. and maintain employment terms.

Fees (verify before you pay)

#

Verify Department of State visa fees and any USCIS filing fees that apply. Visa fees apply at the time of DS-160 submission.

Last verified: 2026-02-02 Visa fee schedule (Department of State)

Last verified: 2026-02-02 USCIS filing fees

Processing times

#

Timelines depend on USCIS petition steps (if required) and consular interview availability. Consular wait times vary by location.

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

#
  • Missing or outdated LCA
  • Insufficient evidence of specialty occupation credentials
  • Job duties mismatch with LCA

Next steps

#

Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.

FAQs

Who qualifies for H-1B1 status?

Only citizens of Chile or Singapore with specialty occupation job offers and a certified LCA qualify.

Do H-1B1 visas require the H-1B lottery?

No. H-1B1 has its own annual quota and does not use the H-1B lottery.

Can H-1B1 holders change employers?

Yes, but the new employer must obtain a certified LCA and the applicant must complete the visa process again.

Sources

Last reviewed: 2026-01-29

Important

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.

Next steps

Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.

Find my visa