H-2B Visa
The H-1B visa is a popular non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. These roles typically require advanced knowledge and expertise in areas such as information technology, engineering, science, mathematics, and finance. To qualify, the foreign worker must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a field directly related to the job.
One of the defining features of the H-1B visa is that it requires employer sponsorship—meaning a U.S.-based company must petition for the visa on behalf of the foreign national. The visa is usually granted for an initial period of up to three years, with the possibility of extending it to a maximum of six years. Because it is a dual intent visa, H-1B holders are allowed to apply for permanent residency (a green card) while maintaining their non-immigrant status.
Each year, there is a cap on the number of new H-1B visas issued, which often makes the process highly competitive. Additionally, immediate family members—including spouses and unmarried children under 21—can accompany the H-1B visa holder to the United States by applying for the H-4 dependent visa.
The H-1B visa remains one of the most sought-after pathways for skilled foreign professionals aiming to build a career in the United States while offering employers access to global talent.