Why in news
Recent data reveals that over 78% of the highest-paid H-1B visa applicants (with proposed salaries above $1 million) are from India.
Among these high-paid applicants, more than 25% are women.
A significant portion of these high-salary H-1B applicants are sponsored by smaller U.S. companies.
What is H-1B visa
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialty occupations that require technical or theoretical expertise.
A specialty occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Eligibility Requirements:
A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a role requiring specialized knowledge.
Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in the relevant field.
Employer must prove there are no qualified U.S. workers available for the position.
Visa Cap:
85,000 visas are available annually:
65,000 regular H-1B visas.
20,000 visas for applicants with advanced degrees (master’s or higher).
Exceptions exist for roles in higher education or non-profit research.
Applicants are selected randomly through a lottery for visa processing.
Visa Duration: Initially valid for 3 years.
Can be extended for another 3 years, totaling a maximum of 6 years.
H-1B holders can apply for Green Card (permanent residency) for themselves and their families.
If switching employers, the worker must reapply for a new H-1B visa.
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