What is an H1B Visa and How to Get It?

FRONTFEBRUARY 20, 2025 / IN BLOGS, H-1B VISA, TR

Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

How to obtain an H1B visa? It's a work visa designed for professionals who want to work temporarily in the United States. It's particularly suitable for individuals working in fields such as technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare. This visa makes it easier for US employers to recruit talented employees from Turkey.

An H1B visa application is made with the support of an employer operating in the US. This means this visa is not open to individual applications. The employer submits a petition to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the applicant's behalf. Once approved, the applicant can enter the US with a work permit. If you want to pursue a career in the US, it is crucial to have detailed information about the H1B visa and develop a sound strategy. In this article, I address the following topics regarding the H1B visa:

• What is an H1B Visa?
• How to Get an H1B Visa?
• H1B Visa Application Requirements and Dates
• H1B Visa Prices: What Are the Current Costs?
• H1B Visa and Benefits of Working in the USA
• H1B Visa Ekşi Reviews: Real Experiences and Opinions

If you have any questions about the H1B visa or any other topics, please don't forget to let me know in the comments section below this article, by sending me a message directly on LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration law firm of which I am a founding partner!

What is an H1B Visa?

The H1B work permit is an immigration program that allows qualified individuals to work in the United States for specific periods of time. It is also typically aimed at Turkish professionals working in specialized sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance.

The H1B visa makes it easier for US employers to hire qualified and talented workers from abroad. The H1B work permit, which cannot be applied for without employer sponsorship, is initially valid for three years and can be extended under certain conditions.

For Turkish citizens seeking a career in the US, the H1B work permit can expand their work experience to a global level and create long-term residency opportunities. Applicants must also have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field or have equivalent professional experience.

How to Get an H1B Visa?

There are specific requirements for obtaining an H1B visa. Complying with these requirements increases your chances of success. The process progresses in two ways for both the employer and the employee.

Employer Steps:

• Employer Sponsorship: The first step in applying is to sponsor an American employer. The employer submits documentation to USCIS demonstrating your qualifications and the requirements of the position.
• Labor Conditions Application (LCA): The employer must submit the LCA to the U.S. Department of Labor, along with documentation confirming that you are a suitable candidate for the job and that the job is suitable.
• Petition for Foreign Worker (Form I-129): The employer files an H1B petition on your behalf. This petition is required to prove the employer needs a foreign worker for the position.

Employee Steps:

• Educational Qualifications: You must provide a bachelor's degree demonstrating that you are skilled and qualified for the position offered.
• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialized occupation.
• Work Experience: You must prepare documents to prove your experience that proves you are competent in your profession.

Once USCIS reviews and approves your application, the next steps of your process begin. The consular interview is a crucial part of the H1B visa process. During this interview, your documents supporting your work permit are reviewed, and if deemed appropriate, your visa is approved.

H1B Visa Application Requirements and Dates

H1B visa requirements include educational attainment, professional expertise, and employer support. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree, and the position must require specialized expertise. The employer must demonstrate that the position is unfilled within the US workforce. Salaries and working conditions must also meet industry standards.

The application period for the US H-1B visa typically begins in April each year and continues until the quota determined by USCIS is met. The annual quota is typically limited to 85,000 applicants, so applications are processed within a few days. If the number of applicants exceeds the limit, applicants may be randomly selected through a lottery system.

H1B Visa Prices: What Are the Current Costs?

H1B visa costs are a significant cost for both applicants and employers. As of 2024, the application fee will change for both employees and employers. With fees changing annually, it's crucial to accurately track your application amount.

For example, while the employee had to pay $10 for the H1B visa in 2023, this amount increased to $215 in 2024. The employer had to pay $2,500 in 2023, but this amount increased to $2,805 in 2024. In this case, the total payment for the H1B visa in 2024 was $3,020.

H1B Visa and Benefits of Working in the USA

The H1B visa offers many advantages to international workers. First, holders of this visa can legally work in the United States for three years. Under certain circumstances, employees can also extend this period if they wish. The visa holder's family can also accompany them by obtaining an H-4 visa. H-4 visa holders can study in the US and, in some cases, obtain work permits.

The H1B visa provides a strong foundation for achieving your career goals. It's a unique opportunity for those looking to work in the US, gain international experience, and expand their future career opportunities.

H1B Visa Ekşi Reviews: Real Experiences and Opinions

Ekşi Sözlük is a good resource for learning about the experiences and process of applicants seeking the H1B visa. By identifying commonalities among applicants, you can better adapt to the process.

"It's a non-immigrant American work visa, sir. It's issued to technology experts and models(?). Frankly, I had a hard time getting one myself because you can't find much information about it in Turkey." – Hayatseninceguzel

"This is the type of visa I just learned I won. Is something like this even possible? 🙂 🙂 I was expecting the visa to be announced on April 1st, but it was surprisingly announced just two days ago. It's the visa type that will add another six years to my five-year American adventure, hopefully. Oh, how happy I am! Edit: Let me give an update on the situation. The lawyer sent the documents. I won a lot. 🙂 I think that disbelief was due to shock. Good luck to everyone who wants the same.” – nice nicknames have been taken

"A six-year work permit in the US, 3+3. Because the sponsoring employer must provide your three-year salary as collateral, many companies are reluctant to accept it. Furthermore, they must declare that you are not an American citizen and that you are the perfect candidate for the job. After this visa, you are expected to apply for a green card. The USCIS opens a quota of 85,000 people annually. 65,000 of these are for undergraduates and 20,000 for graduates. The number of applications is three to four times the number of available quotas. Tech giants like Intel, Microsoft, and Google, as well as academic institutions, are the ones who most often apply for this type of visa." – Minta Minta

Among the positive reviews, the career opportunities and cultural experiences offered by working in the US on an H1B visa are highlighted. However, the difficulty of the process and bureaucratic hurdles are also frequently mentioned.

If you're planning to apply for an H1B visa, you can contact us to discuss the process. Feel free to share any questions you may have with me in the comments section below this article, by sending me a message directly on LinkedIn, or through the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration law firm I co-founded!