H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
The cornerstone U.S. work visa for professionals — now a wage-weighted competition where strategy determines selection.
Overview
The H-1B allows U.S. employers to sponsor foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Common fields include IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, biotech, and architecture. H-1B is dual-intent — you can pursue a green card while holding it.
Under the wage-weighted selection system, registrations offered higher DOL wage levels receive better lottery odds. Since 1999 our firm has handled over 75,000 H-1B approvals — cap cases, cap-exempt filings, transfers, amendments, extensions, and RFE defense.
Who May Qualify
- A U.S. employer with a specialty occupation position
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a directly related field
- A certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the proper wage level
- Maintained lawful status for change-of-status filings
- Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, research organizations) may file year-round
How We Help
- Cap registration strategy and wage-level mapping to maximize selection odds
- New petitions, transfers, amendments, and extensions including AC21 beyond 6 years
- Third-party placement documentation — client letters, SOWs, MSAs, employer-control evidence
- H-4 and H-4 EAD filings for spouses and children
- RFE, NOID, and denial responses; FDNS site-visit preparation
The Process
- Consultation — position, degree, wage level, and cap strategy
- Electronic registration and selection
- LCA preparation and certification
- I-129 petition drafting and filing (premium processing available)
- RFE response if issued; approval and visa stamping or COS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the wage-weighted lottery work?
Higher DOL wage levels get more entries — Level 3 and Level 4 positions have significantly better odds. We map the highest defensible wage level before registration.
Can I change employers after a layoff?
Yes — H-1B portability lets you begin work for a new employer once the transfer petition is filed. After a layoff you have a 60-day grace period.
Do I need a U.S. degree?
No. A foreign degree evaluated as equivalent qualifies, as does a combination of education and progressive experience under the three-for-one rule.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific — please consult a qualified immigration attorney about your individual situation.