The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and skills. The H-1B visa program is commonly used by U.S. employers to recruit and hire foreign professionals in fields such as information technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, and other specialized fields.

Key features of the H-1B visa include:

• Specialty occupations: The H-1B visa is designed for individuals who will work in specialty occupations that require a minimum level of education, training, or expertise in a specific field. These occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field or equivalent work experience.

• Employer sponsorship: The H-1B visa requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer, who must file a petition on behalf of the foreign worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The employer must demonstrate that the job position meets the criteria for a specialty occupation and that the foreign worker meets the qualifications for the position.

• Labor condition application (LCA): Before filing an H-1B petition, employers are required to obtain a certified labor condition application (LCA) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The LCA certifies that the employer will pay the foreign worker the prevailing wage for the occupation and that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers.

• Duration of stay: H-1B visas are initially granted for a period of up to three years, with the possibility of extension for an additional three years, for a maximum total stay of six years. Certain exemptions and extensions may be available for H-1B workers who are pursuing permanent residency (green card) in the United States.

• Dual intent: Unlike some other non-immigrant visa categories, the H-1B visa allows foreign workers to have dual intent, meaning they can seek to remain in the United States temporarily on an H-1B visa while also pursuing permanent residency (green card) and eventual citizenship.

• Numerical cap: The H-1B visa program is subject to an annual numerical cap on the number of new H-1B visas that can be issued each fiscal year. The current annual cap is set at 85,000 visas, with a portion reserved for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. universities.

Overall, the H-1B visa program plays a critical role in addressing labor shortages in specialized fields and promoting innovation and competitiveness in the U.S. economy by allowing employers to recruit and hire foreign professionals with specialized skills and expertise.