Transform Your Future Expert H-1B Petition Success

The H-1B Petition Process: Key Steps

The process of securing an H-1B visa involves several crucial steps that demand careful attention. First, an employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor, certifying that they will pay the prevailing wage for the position. Once the LCA is approved, the employer can file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Timing is critical, as there is an annual cap of 65,000 H-1B visas available, with an additional 20,000 reserved for workers with a U.S. master's degree or higher. Employers often need to act quickly, as the application window typically opens on April 1st each year, and the cap is often reached within days.