The H-1B visa allows foreign workers to enter the US and work in a variety of fields ranging from architecture and engineering to health and medicine. The H-1B visa offers a wide range of employment possibilities and is a logical first step toward permanent immigration.

 
In order to qualify for H-1B classification, the applicant must have at least a US bachelors degree or its equivalent AND the job sought must require at least a bachelors degree or its equivalent. Because this is not a self-petitioning category, the applicant must have a sponsoring employer in the US.

The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 are allowed to accompany or join the H-1B worker as H-4 dependents. However, they cannot work unless they qualify for a work visa. H-4 dependents can enroll and attend schools in the US without obtaining a student visa.  

Step 
 
Because the H-1B visa requires a US sponsor, the applicant must seek a US employer who is willing to hire the applicant temporarily, pay the applicant the prevailing wage for the offered position and file the petition and supporting documents with Immigration.  
The petition process begins with the sponsoring employer filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. Upon obtaining an approved LCA the employer files the petition with Immigration. The petition must be filed with documentation that shows the job is a professional or specialty occupation and that the H-1B applicant is qualified for the position.  
The sponsoring employer must file Form I-129 (Petition for Non-immigrant worker) and H supplement with the Immigration office having jurisdiction over the place of employment. The filing fee for an H-1B petition is $185. All employers must complete and file Form I-129W with the Form I-129 petition.  
If either the employer or the applicant wishes to expedite the H-1B petition so an initial determination is made within 15 days of the filing, it may request premium processing for an additional fee of $1,000. The request is made by completing Form I-907.  
After approval, Immigration will send Form I-797 (Notice of Action) to the employer. The employer then notifies the applicant and sends all the required documents to the applicant who can then apply for his H-1B visa at the US consulate in his home country.  

Documents 
 
Both the applicant and the employer are required to submit documents for the H-1B visa.  
The applicant is required to submit the following documents when applying for an H-1B visa abroad:  
1. A completed visa application (Form DS 156) with one recent photograph, 1 inches square (37mm x 37mm), of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.  
2. A passport valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.  
3. Form I-797 (Notice of Action)  
4. Copy of the approved Labor Condition Application (LCA)  
5. Copy of the filed and approved I-129H petition and supporting documentation which should include: 
6. the applicants academic record,  
7. education evaluation verifying that the applicants foreign academic record is equivalent to a  
8. US bachelors degree,  
9. resume,  
10. recommendation letters from previous employers (if required),  
11. proof of any membership in relevant trade or professional organizations, and  
12. a letter from your employer detailing the job and its requirements.

Step 
 
The employer must file a petition with the USCIS Regional Service Center with jurisdiction over the location of the position. These documents should be photocopies of the originals. The USCIS will inform you of acceptance or denial of the petition within 30 days. Upon approval, the USCIS will forward the petition to the US Consulate nearest your place of residence for review. If you are not in the US when your petition is approved, you must get your visa stamped at the US consulate before being allowed to enter the US Your employer will recieve Form I-797. After receipt of the I-797, you must then file-in Form DS-156 at the Consulate. If your petition is not approved due to missing documents, USCIS will request further documentation. You will have 12 weeks to respond. If approved, your visa will be valid for 3 years. Blanket Petition: A blanket petition eases the process of gettign the L-1 visa. If a company has been defined as a blanket petition entity by USCIS, the company can directly authorize L-1 visas to eligible employees.  

Documents 
 
To apply for an L-1 Visa, you must supply the following documents: 
 
1. A filled-in visa application Form DS-156.  
2. One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.  
3. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.  
4. The employee copy of Form I-797. The Notice of Action, this petition is filed-in to the USCIS by your employer.  
5. USCIS Form I-129, and the L Supplement. 
 
Your petition should show that both the US and foreign-based company meet USCIS requirements for L-1 status. The US entity should be a branch office, subsidiary or affiliate of the foreign enterprise, and both companies should be actively engaged in business. The following documents may also be required:  
 
1. A letter from your prospective US employer on company letterhead detailing your position and the US operation's status.  
2. Letters proving that the US and foreign entities are engaged in business. These can be from attornies, bankers or accountants.  
3. Proof of the size and status of the US and foreign entities. 
4. Documents that detail the value of the applicant's skills in regards to the US entity. 
 
You, the employee, should provide the following documents: 
 
1. A resume or curriculum vitae.  
2. Copies of passports for family members joining you.  
3. Proof of education: degrees, transcripts, etc.  
4. Reference letters from former employers.  
5. Professional licenses, if applicable. 
 
If you are coming to the US to start a new office, you should also provide the following documents: 
 
1. Proof of a building or location for the new office. A lease will work for this. 
2. Proof of your relationship with the foreign entity.  
3. Proof of financial resoluteness. You must show that you can pay your US employees and handle any other business costs.

Step 
 
You should apply for a J-1 Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence. While you may apply at any US consular office abroad, it is advised you apply within your jurisdiction. Participants in the J exchange program should present a Form IAP-66, prepared by a designated sponsoring organization.  

Documents 
 
The following documents are required for the J-1 Visa: 
 
1. A filled-in visa application Form DS-156.  
2. One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.  
3. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.  
4. A completed form, IAP-66, prepared by a designated sponsoring organization.  
 
A completed form, IAP-66, prepared by a designated sponsoring organization. You must also demonstrate the that you have binding ties to a residence in a foreign country which you have no intention of abandoning, and that you are coming to the United States for a temporary period of time.

Step 
 
You may apply for a B-1 visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in your region or nation. We recommend you do not apply at a US Consular Office outside of your permanent residence, since that process is more difficult. You can apply at the Consular Office of the Embassy or Consulate General nearest your residence, or use one of the following options:  
Authorized travel agencies: Travel agencies approved by the US Embassy in your region or nation may submit visa applications for you.  
The VIP Business Program: Your enterprise can register with the VIP Business Program if it repeatedly sends employees to the US Your appearance may be waived, if your application was submitted by an approved business.  
By drop box: Individuals who travel extensively, or have recently received a validated visa, may use the drop box in the embassy or consulate. Applications at drop boxes should be completed before traveling.  
You may still need to apply in person. Further, there may be delays in this process due to cross-checking information at the Washington, D.C. database.  

Documents 
 
To apply for a B-1 Visa, you must provide the following documents: 
 
1. A filled-in visa application Form DS-156. Separate applications for each person are required.  
2. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.  
3. Two recent photographs 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering. 
 
You may also be asked to provide the following documents: 
 
1. Evidence backing up the purpose of your trip. You may show a letter sent by the company explaining the purpose and length of the trip.  
2. Specific and realistic plans describing why you wish to visit the US A copy of a tour itinerary is usually acceptable.  
3. Information about the company, like a company brochure or catalog.  
4. Demonstration of non-immigrant intent. A good example of this is round-trip air tickets.  
5. A letter which states that either the firm intends to pay for all cost, or that you have other funds for this trip.

Step 
 
You may apply for a B-2 visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in your region or nation. We recommend you do not apply at a US Consular Office outside of your permanent residence, since that process is more difficult. You can apply at the Consular Office of the Embassy or Consulate General nearest your residence, or use one of the following options:  
1. Authorized travel agencies: Travel agencies approved by the US Embassy in your region or nation may submit visa applications for you.  
2. The VIP Business Program: Your enterprise can register with the VIP Business Program if it repeatedly sends employees to the US Your appearance may be waived, if your application was submitted by an approved business.  
3. By drop box: Individuals who travel extensively, or have recently received a validated visa, may use the drop box in the embassy or consulate. Applications at drop boxes should be completed before traveling.  
 
You may still need to apply in person. Further, there may be delays in this process due to cross-checking information at the Washington, D.C. database.  

Documents 
 
To apply for a B-2 Visa, you must supply the following documents: 
 
1. A filled-in visa application Form DS-156.  
2. Two recent photographs 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.  
3. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit. 
 
You may also be asked to provide the following documents: 
 
1. Evidence showing the purpose of your trip. You may show a letter sent by the company explaining the purpose and length of the trip. You may also show letters from relatives or friends that you intend to visit. 
2. If you are traveling to the US for medical purposes, you should have a statement from a doctor or medical institution about your treatment.  
3. A copy of a tour itinerary.  
4. Proof of your intention to leave the US after a temporary visit. Round-trip air tickets will show intent to return to your home country.  
5. Proof that arrangement has been made to cover the cost of your trip. An affidavit of support may be required for children who are traveling. 
6. If you do not have enough funds to support yourself while in the US, you must provide evidence that an interested person will provide support. You may also provide evidence that establishes your ties with the sponsor.