Understand the
H-1B Basics
The H-1B visa is one of the most popular and important U.S. visas. Learn about the H-1B, whether you may qualify, and how to apply
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On this page:
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An overview of the H-1B
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Discussion of the pages in the section, H-1B basics
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WHAT IS THE H-1B VISA ALL ABOUT?​
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In the thirty one years since its creation as part of the 1990 Immigration Act, the H-1B employment-based visa has: enabled U.S. companies to compete globally; provided opportunities for foreign workers; and has led to the creation of jobs for U.S. citizens at a rate of 1.83 jobs per approved visa (source). Learn more about the impact of H-1B workers.
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Simply put, the approval of your H-1B visa doesn't just help you - it leads to a cascade of benefits for your employer, social programs, employment in the U.S., and other economic and cultural benefits. That's something to feel good about!
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Among companies and job applicants, the H-1B visa is extremely popular. It is so popular in fact, that its statutory limit (the H-1B visa cap) is often met within a few days of when employers can petition for a visa. This is because the demand for H-1B visas exceeds the limit of 65,000 visas along with an additional 20,000 for foreign professionals who have a graduate degree from a U.S. institution of higher learning (8 U.S.C. §§ 1184(g)(1)(A)(vii) & (g)(5)(C)). In the history, definition, and stats section, we discuss how this cap works and what it means for a position to be cap-exempt.
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As of the USCIS's most recent public estimate (2019), there are approximately 583,420 workers currently authorized to work in the U.S. on H-1B visas (source). To become authorized to work in the U.S. a company (called a petitioner) must petition to hire an employee (a beneficiary) in a role that qualifies as a specialty occupation, or one of the other two categories aligned to the H-1B. Learn more about the H-1B registration and application process.
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Common job categories relate to STEM disciplines, business, or other areas that require a specialized bachelors degree as a minimum entry requirement. You can learn about some of the top employers, states, and industries of H-1B beneficiaries in our analysis of each of the approved H-1Bs approved in 2019 (2020 coming soon).
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In the pages of this section, we provide tools that can help you understand the H-1B at a general level and also as it relates to your path in applying for this visa.
Key topics in H-1B basics
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- History, definition, & statistics: Why was the H-1B formed, what are the general statistics of the H-1B, and how long can one stay within the U.S.
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Do I qualify?: H-1B visas are primarily for specialty occupations, which require a bachelor's degree or above. Based on your academic background, learn on what basis you may qualify and what to do if you don't qualify yet.
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Specialty Occupation Requirements. The H-1B is for specialty occupation roles. What does that mean?
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H-1B registration process. Understand the basic process of applying for an H-1B. Understand how the U.S. seeks to protect U.S. workers.