H-1B Visa Application Process: Tips to Get a US Job

Have you heard about the H-1B visa? The visa is often the most sought-after visa when a foreign worker is looking forward to working in the country. The H-1B visa permits a foreign worker to enter the country to work and live there. In this article, we will explore all the information and special tips you will need to apply for the H-1B visa.

What’s H-1B Visa?

An H-1B visa is the type of US visa that permits a US employer to initiate the entry of a foreign worker into the country to work. Although this visa is specifically designed for individuals in fields such as healthcare, technology, engineering, education, etc. An H-1B visa requires a profession with a theoretical and practical application of a study of specialized knowledge and qualification rank of a bachelor’s or master’s degree. You should also know that the annual available opportunity for this visa is 20,000 for master’s degree holders and 65,000 for bachelor’s degree holders.

How does the H-1B Visa System work?

The H-1B visa is a US visa but the application may seem different from other types of US visa. The application process is strictly online and overseered by your US employer who has shown interest in hiring you into their establishment. Your US employer will go ahead to submit a petition on your behalf and perform other important tasks to be outlined below in this article. The process is not a tough one as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and requirements.

The Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for a H-!B visa

To successfully apply for an H-1B visa in the US, you must meet the eligibility criteria and requirements of the visa. These requirements are listed below: 

General requirements

1. Language skills: This involves being proficient in speaking, understanding, and writing English. You may have to submit a language exam or test result to prove your language proficiency.
2. Age: You must be at least 18 years old and above to work in the US.
3. Medical examination: You must be medically and physically fit to work in the US. It is required that you submit a medical certificate.
4. Criminal history: You must not be involved in any crimes or be in jail during your application process.

Specific requirements

Employer Requirements

• Labour Condition Application (LCA): The US employer must file an LCA with the US Department of Labor. This document ensures that the interest of the US citizen or permanent resident in a particular job is safe and no one is displaced by foreign workers. It is also to ensure that the US employers employing foreign workers are financially capable of paying their wages.
• The US Employer: The employer must be a US-based company.
• The prevailing wage: The US employer must also be willing to pay the prevailing wage for foreign workers.

Employee Requirements

• Specialty Occupation: The choice of profession must be among the eligible occupations for an H-1B visa.
• Education: You must have at least a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in the field or profession.
• Work experience: You must have years of work experience in the occupation you are applying for.
• Qualifications: You must meet other requirements of the job like licensing and certifications required by the profession.

Examples of Documents needed for the H-1B application

Below is the list of documents needed for your application:

• Education transcripts: You will need to get your transcript from your school to prove your certificate degree.
• ID passport: You will need to get your valid ID passport which must be at least 6 months valid from the current date.
• Petition forms: You must have a copy of the petition forms received from your US employer.

USA Visa Application Program – The requirements & Eligibility Criteria

How to find a US Job for H-1B visa Application

When you are applying for an H-1B visa, you will need a job offer from a US employer. Below are the steps involved to get a job from a US employer:

1. Job search: You can use different job platforms where job vacancies are posted daily. These jobs cut across various sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing, healthcare, engineering, construction and mining, technology, etc. Examples of job platforms for US jobs are: Jooble, Indeed, Zip recruiter, Myvisajobs etc.
2. Look for the special Occupations: You must narrow down your search to the eligible occupations and fields required by the H-1B visa, which include healthcare,  engineering, technology, and education professions. You can use search filters like job preferences, location, salary/wage structure, etc.
3. Companies website: Some companies have their own careers website where they post available job vacancies in their companies.
4. Networking: This includes attending job fairs, conferences, seminars, etc. You can attend these events to increase your chances of getting a US job.
5. Recruitment Agencies: You can use specialized recruitment agencies that are well-known in the eligible industries.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Getting Selected

You should know that you are competing with thousands of applicants around the world who are also looking forward to working in the country. To be ahead of others, you can use the tips below:

1. Customize your resume and cover letter: You must construct your resume and cover letter to suit the job references. In your resume, ensure that you include all the relevant information and certificates that will be needed during your application process. Your cover letter must have the same information as in your resume or complement the information provided.
2. Shift your focus to high-demand skills: It is better when you focus on sectors where there are more job opportunities and are eligible for an H-1B visa. Examples are data science, DevOps, cybersecurity, etc.
3. Get a US-recognized Certificate: When you have a US-recognized certificate, it will increase your chances of success in the application process.
4. State your preferences: You do not have to wait till the interview period before you make it known to your US employer and include it in your job search filters that you are seeking a visa sponsorship job.
5. Follow up on your application: It is important that you follow up on your job application after you have applied. This will make your interest known to your employer and show your compassion and determination to the job.

How to Apply for an H-1B US Visa?

To apply for an H-1B US visa, below are the steps involved in the application process:

Step 1: Find a US Employer

• The search for a US employer begins with a job search i.e. searching for a US job from the aforementioned job platforms.
• Ensure that the job offer from the job portal is offered by a US citizen or permanent resident.

Step 2: The Labour Condition Application (LCA)

• Your US employer must go ahead to file an LCA to the US Department of Labour to verify the eligibility of the employer and to protect the interest of the US citizen or permanent resident.
• Your US employer will receive the LCA document issued by the US employer.

Step 3: File Petition

• Your US employer will file a petition form (form I-29) with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) on your behalf.
• Provide all the requested information and documents to your US employer for proper documentation and application.

Step 4: Visa Application

• If your application is approved, you can go ahead with your visa application for an H-1 B visa at a US embassy.
• You will need to submit the required documents, such as an ID passport, a copy of the petition form, education transcripts, and proof of qualifications.

Step 5: Visa Interview

• It may be required that you attend a job interview at the US embassy.
• Ensure that you practice all the common interview questions and answers.

Step 6: Visa Approval

• If your application is approved, you will receive a notification message and the H-1B visa.

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The Benefits of an H-1B Visa

Below are the benefits of an H-1B visa:

For Foreign Workers

• Career Opportunities: Foreign workers have access to various career advancement programs and on-the-job training programs that are aimed to increase and update the skills and knowledge of the workers.
• Higher Salary: Foreign workers are paid higher salaries and wages. Most jobs in these fields, engineering, education, and healthcare, receive other compensation packages such as medical insurance, annual leave, etc.
• Tourism: Foreign workers in the US enjoy the beautiful sceneries, top places, and natural scenes, in the country
• Cultural Experience: Living in the US will provide the opportunity to explore different cultures and norms of the people in the country, including other foreign countries.
• Quality Life: The US government has established a system that allows every resident of the country irrespective of their status to live a comfortable life i.e. the provision of basic amenities, light, safety and security, job availability, etc.
• Road to Permanent Residency: An H-1B visa can lead to permanent residency after a couple of years and work experience in the country.

For US Employers

• Accessibility to Global work talent: You will get to select from the list of extraordinarily talented people around the world who can improve your company.
• New Innovations and ideas: US employers are able to get skilled and talented foreign workers who can contribute effectively to their companies with new ideas and innovations that can improve the company’s standard.