H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

The most common work visa for skilled professionals in specialty occupations — software engineers, doctors, scientists, financial analysts. Requires a U.S. employer sponsor and a bachelor's degree (or equivalent).

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Requirements

What you need to qualify

01 Job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation
02 Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field
03 Selection in the annual H-1B lottery (cap-subject roles)
04 Employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA)
05 Employer must pay required prevailing wage

Use cases

Specific guides for your situation

Use case · H-1B + SF Startup

H-1B Visa for Software Engineers Joining SF Startups

A practical guide for engineers being hired by San Francisco startups via the H-1B program — lottery odds, cap-exempt routes, and what to do when your name isn't drawn.

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