The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa for foreign professionals in specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent work experience). This visa is widely used in industries such as: 

• Information Technology (IT) 
• Engineering 
• Healthcare & Medical Fields 
• Finance & Business Management 
• Education & Research 

The H-1B visa is employer-sponsored, meaning a U.S. company must petition for the employee before they can begin work in the United States. 

Employers 

• Must offer a job that qualifies as a specialty occupation. 
• Must pay the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor (DOL). 
• Must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to ensure fair wages and working conditions. 

Employees 

• Must have a bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent work experience). 
• The degree must be directly related to the job. 

Cap-Exempt Employers 

Certain employers are not subject to the annual H-1B cap, including: 

• Universities & higher education institutions 
• Nonprofit research organizations 
• Government research entities 

This means cap-exempt employers can sponsor H-1B workers year-round without worrying about the lottery process. 

For Employers 

• Access to Specialized Talent – Fill critical positions with skilled professionals. 
• Competitive Edge – Leverage global expertise to drive innovation & growth. 
• Flexible Terms – H-1B visas are initially valid for 3 years and can be extended up to 6 years. 

For Employees 

• Work Authorization – Legally work in the U.S. for a sponsoring employer. 
• Dual Intent – The H-1B visa allows holders to apply for a green card without jeopardizing their status. 
• Family Inclusion – Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for H-4 visas. 

• Specialty Occupation – A job that requires highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher. 
• Prevailing Wage – The minimum salary set by the Department of Labor (DOL) for a specific job role and location. 
• H-1B Cap – A 65,000 annual limit on H-1B visas, with an additional 20,000 reserved for applicants with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. 
• Cap-Exempt Employers – Certain nonprofits and research institutions that can sponsor H-1B visas at any time. 

Mandatory Fees 

• H-1B Lottery Registration Fee: Starts at $215 
• USCIS Base Filing Fee: $460 
• ACWIA Fee: $750 (for small employers) or $1,500 (for larger employers) 
• Fraud Prevention & Detection Fee: $500 

Optional Fees 

• Premium Processing: $2,805 (15-day expedited processing) 

Attorney Fees 

• Contact us for a customized quote based on your company’s needs. 

At IBP Immigration Law, we provide transparent pricing and tailored payment plans for both employers and employees. 

Step 1: Determine Eligibility 

• We assess whether your job role and qualifications meet H-1B requirements. 

Step 2: Labor Condition Application (LCA) 

• The employer files an LCA with the Department of Labor, ensuring fair wages and working conditions. 

Step 3: File the H-1B Petition 

• We prepare and submit Form I-129 to USCIS with all required supporting documents. 

Step 4: Visa Approval & Entry to the U.S. 

• If approved, employees abroad can apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate. 
• If already in the U.S., the employee can begin working immediately after approval. 

• H-1B Lottery Registration Opens: Early March 
• H-1B Lottery Selection: Late March or Early April 
• Petition Filing Period: April – June (for cap-subject applicants) 
• Employment Start Date: October 1 (start of U.S. fiscal year) 

Cap-Exempt Employers can apply for H-1B visas any time of the year without waiting for the lottery. 

Missing these deadlines can result in delays. IBP Immigration Law ensures your applications are filed on time. 

• Regular Processing: 2-6 months 
• Premium Processing: 15 calendar days 

Processing times depend on USCIS caseloads, application volume, and individual case complexity.