H1-B visas are one of the most popular ways employers sponsor foreign workers to work in the United States. However, the process can be long and unpredictable, leaving many applicants anxious and uncertain.
This blog post will give you an inside look at what happens during the H1-B visa process. From start to finish, we’ll provide tips and information to help you navigate the process successfully.
H1-B visas are for highly skilled workers who want to come to the US to work in a specialty occupation
With the H1-B Visa, organizations large and small have the opportunity to welcome highly skilled foreign workers into the United States labor force. A specialty occupation is any position that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in experience or education.
Qualifying jobs range from architecture and engineering to medicine and accounting and beyond. Congress created the H1-B visa program in 1990 with the intention of enhancing America’s competitiveness by allowing American employers access to a global pool of skilled workers.
Since then, it has become an important way for companies to support their growth, maintain a competitive edge, diversify their workforce and find employees who can provide special skills not readily available domestically.
The process starts with the employer filing a petition with the US government.
Securing a visa for an employee is no easy feat. The process begins with the employer filing a petition for the Visa of choice with the United States government. This petition includes paperwork detailing certain aspects of the applicant’s eligibility.
Once filed, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the application and decides if it meets all requirements to be approved. They ensure that an applicant studying or working within America is not taking away an opportunity from a US citizen and that he or she can financially support themselves without relying on governmental assistance.
The process can take months for visas such as the H-1B, known for its strict guidelines, but other less rigorous options, such as L-1 and O-1 visas, can be shorter. Employers then receive feedback through an approval, request for additional documentation, or denial letter, depending on how their petitioner fares in USCIS assessment processes.
The worker can apply for a visa if the petition is approved.
The petition process is an important step in the visa application journey. When an employer petitions a worker to receive a visa, they send the request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If approved, this grants the worker permission to apply for a specific immigrant or nonimmigrant visa.
While filing for the petition does not guarantee that it will be approved, it allows the individual to submit a full application for their desired visa type if it is accepted. Therefore, if USCIS accepts an applicant’s petition, they can complete their visa application.
Once the Visa is approved, the worker can come to the US and start working.
Once a temporary worker is granted a visa, entering the US and starting work can begin. Employment verification documents such as Form I-9 must be filled out to prove that the applicant is authorized to work in the US.
Additionally, visas come with certain restrictions regarding the type of job available, and workers should comply with their visa requirements. This will protect them from any legal action by immigration authorities that could lead to deportation.
Finally, because they’re coming from another country, most international workers will find assistance in adjusting to life in their new home invaluable, and it’s worth seeking organizations that assist when navigating local customs and culture. With a little background knowledge and preparation, those granted an approved visa can find success in their new home.
There are a lot of misconceptions about the H1-B process, but this is what happens.
It can be hard to track what’s true and what’s false regarding the H1-B visa process. However, learning about it is important for those considering taking advantage of the program. To set the record straight, knowing exactly what happens during the program is key.
Generally speaking, working with an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended as they can help guide a person through all the steps that go into applying for a visa under this program. A range of documents and paperwork must be completed, submitted, and approved before the filing begins.
After the application has been processed, applicants will receive notification whether or not their request has been approved or denied. Ultimately, it is extremely beneficial to have a clear picture of how the H1-B process works to make an informed decision when considering taking part in it.
Requirements for an H1-B Visa
There are a few important requirements to obtain an H1-B visa.
- You must have a job offer from a US employer approved by the US Department of Labor (DOL).
- Your skill must be classified as a “specialty occupation,” and the skills you possess must meet certain requirements set by the DOL.
- You must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in experience in the field related to the position.
- Your employer must submit an LCA form to the DOL to ensure that no US workers are displaced due to hiring a foreign worker for the position in question.
Call us for assistance with your H1-B Visa.
The process of obtaining an H1-B visa can be complicated, so it’s important to understand what is involved and has a reliable advocate helping you along the way. From the filing of the petition by the employer to the issuing of the Visa, there is a lot that needs to be done in a timely manner.
To ensure everything goes smoothly and quickly, it’s best to take advantage of assistance from professionals like Ruby Powers Law. Going through this process alone can be acutely overwhelming for any individual, let alone someone who has never applied for a work visa before.
Whatever your situation may be, Ruby Powers Law is here and ready to help with the complexities of US immigration law so that you can get back to focusing on what’s most important: living your dreams in America. So don’t wait any longer – call Ruby Powers Law today and embark on your journey toward securing your H1-B Visa.
