The H-1B lets U.S. employers hire professionals in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
Who This Is For
- Employers hiring degreed professionals
- F-1 students moving from OPT to work status
- H-1B workers changing employers (transfers)
What to Know
- New cap-subject petitions go through an annual electronic registration and selection in the spring.
- The annual cap is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 for holders of U.S. master's or higher degrees.
- Universities, affiliated nonprofits and government research organizations are cap-exempt.
- Status is granted in up to three-year periods, generally up to six years, with extensions possible during a pending green card.
Forms Usually Involved
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ETA-9035 | Labor Condition Application |
| I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker |
| I-907 | Request for Premium Processing |
H-1B Transfers
Already in H-1B status and changing employers? No cap, no lottery — a change of employer petition, and the worker can start on the filing receipt.
H-1B Lottery Registration
Cap-subject H-1B starts with the March registration lottery. Employers register beneficiaries; if selected, the petition follows in the filing window.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements and processing change; we confirm current rules for your case.