Work in the US with an H-1B Visa:
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The H-1B visa is a fundamental tool that makes it easier for employers in the United States to temporarily hire highly qualified foreign workers who are necessary to fill jobs in specialized jobs that require at least a college degree. The fundamental purpose of this program is to assist American companies that do not find enough qualified and available workers in the country to fill these roles. This visa is essential to meet the demand for human talent in areas such as technology, science, engineering and mathematics (STEM), as well as other disciplines that require specific skills and knowledge.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, the employer must first demonstrate that the job in question is a specialized occupation that requires a college degree or higher. Likewise, it must prove that the foreign worker has the necessary skills and qualifications, either through a degree or equivalent work experience that allows him or her to carry out job responsibilities adequately. Additionally, the employer is required to remunerate the H-1B worker with a salary that is in line with the standard in the geographic area where the work is located.
Do you have a job offer in the US, for a specialized occupation? Take advantage of our free exploratory consulting to learn about your options and take the first step towards your future career in this country of opportunities!
A relevant aspect to highlight about the H-1B visa is its temporary nature, this means that foreign workers will be able to remain in the United States for a maximum period of six years under this category. Once the period has ended, the person can opt for one of the immigrant visas that allows them to obtain permanent residence, as well as opt for another non-immigrant visa or, ultimately, leave the country.
STEM-related careers are the most favorable to obtain an H-1B visa in the US. A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Certification highlights that companies such as Amazon, Infosys Limited and Qualcomm Technologies, present greater demand for hiring of foreign workers in specialized areas.
What are the most in-demand areas?
Information Technology (IT):
Professionals in fields such as programming, software engineering, cybersecurity and database administration.
Medical and health sciences:
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals.
Marketing and publicity:
Marketing and advertising professionals with specialized skills can obtain H-1B visas to work in advertising and marketing agencies.
Education:
Teachers and education professionals, especially those with advanced degrees.
Architecture:
Professionals in this field can work in architecture and design companies.
Engineering:
Engineers from various disciplines, such as civil, mechanical, electrical and software engineering.
Sciences:
Scientists and researchers in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics and data science.
Consulting and management:
Management professionals often work in technology, business consulting firms, and other organizations.
Finance:
Financial analysts, accountants and auditors.
Telecommunications:
Network and telecommunications engineers.
Demand for H-1B visas is high in fields particularly in the STEM sector. The 10 most in-demand professions include:
- Application developers.
- Software system developers.
- Computer-related occupations.
- Computer systems analysts.
- Electronics engineers.
- Computer and information services managers.
- Operations research analysts.
- Business analysts.
- Architects of computer systems.
- Experts in statistics.
Find out how we can help you navigate the H-1B visa process. If you already have a job offer in a specialty occupation in the United States, don’t miss the opportunity to schedule an exploratory consultation with us.
The H-1B visa lottery
Due to the high demand for these visas, the program uses a lottery system to select beneficiaries. The annual visa limit is 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for workers with master’s degrees or higher from U.S. institutions.
Benefits of the H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa offers several benefits to both employers and foreign workers. For employers, it allows them to fill job vacancies with highly trained foreign professionals, which is especially important in fields with talent shortages.
For foreign workers, the H-1B visa offers the opportunity to work in the United States, gain valuable work experience in an international environment, and, in some cases, advance toward permanent residency. Additionally, the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of H-1B visa holders can benefit from the H-4 visa, which allows them to live in the United States, study and, in the case of the spouse, work.
If you have a job offer in a specialized position in the United States, make sure you are on the right path with Galer Law Firm. We are here to accompany you in every step of your immigration process from beginning to end.
