H1B Visa: How to Get a US Temporary Work Visa?
H1B Visa: How to Get a US Temporary Work Visa?
Date: January 26, 2025 / Category: Blogs, H-1B Visa, TR
Author: Asım Kılınç, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm
Professionals can take their experience global with the H-1B visa, a temporary work visa in the US. Designed specifically for those working in specialized fields, this visa is easy to obtain with proper planning and documentation. In this article, I examine the following topics related to the H-1B visa:
- What is an H-1B Visa and Who is Eligible for It?
- How to Get an H1B Visa? Step by Step Process
- H-1B Visa Application Deadline and Quotas
- Special Documents Regarding the H-1B Visa
- What You Need to Know About Working with an H-1B Visa
If you have any questions beyond these topics, please contact me in the comments section of this blog or through CK Law Firm's official website. For more information on specific topics or my consulting services, please contact me on LinkedIn.
What is an H-1B Visa and Who is Eligible for It?
The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa granted to professionals who want to work in specialized occupations in the U.S. This visa typically targets individuals who work in occupations that require technical knowledge or expertise, such as software, engineering, medicine, and finance.
H-1B visa holders are initially granted a three-year work permit in the US. This period can be extended to six years without needing to reapply. To apply for an H-1B visa, you must have received a job offer from an American company and the company must agree to sponsor you.
How to Get an H1B Visa? Step by Step Process
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Get a Job Offer from an American Company and Apply for the Lottery
The first and most important step is to receive a job offer from an American company. After receiving the job offer, the company seeking to hire you will register you for the H1B lottery on your behalf. The 2025 H1B lottery will begin on March 7, 2025 and end on March 24, 2025.
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Approval of the Working Conditions Document (LCA)
The employer must obtain a Labor Conditions Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor to prove the job meets fair employment standards.
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Preparation of Form I-129
The employer submits Form I-129 to USCIS. This includes job details, required skills, and salary information. Accuracy is essential.
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Payment of Application Fees
- Application Fee: $460 or $780 (based on employer size)
- Anti-Fraud Fee: $500
- Training and Labor Fee: $750–$1,500
- Premium Processing Fee (optional): $2,805
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Consular Meeting
Attend an interview at the U.S. consulate with your documents prepared. You’ll be asked questions about your offer and purpose.
H-1B Visa Application Dates and Quotas
H-1B visa applications usually open in early April. The U.S. grants a total of 85,000 visas per year, split as follows:
- 65,000 visas: General cap
- 20,000 visas: Reserved for applicants with a U.S. master's degree or higher
Because quotas fill quickly, applicants should be ready well before deadlines.
Special Documents Regarding the H-1B Visa
The following documents are essential to a successful H-1B visa application. Incomplete or inaccurate documents can delay or jeopardize your application:
- Valid Passport
- Diplomas and Academic Transcripts
- Employer Offer Letter
- LCA (Labor Conditions Application)
- Form I-129
- Biometric Visa Photo
Note: Turkish applicants must submit notarized English translations of all documents. Documents in Turkish are not accepted.
What You Need to Know About Working with an H-1B Visa
With an H-1B visa, you can legally work in the United States and possibly convert your visa to a Green Card. Your spouse and children can also accompany you on an H-4 visa.
Additional rights and benefits include:
- Legal employee protections
- In some cases, the ability to switch employers
- Access to academic and professional development
The H-1B visa is a valuable opportunity for building a career in the United States. With the right preparation and support, you can successfully obtain this visa. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us in the blog comments or on our official website. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn or visit our Blogs page to explore more helpful content.