Top 5 H1B Visa Experiences That Every Applicant Should Know
The H1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to foreign workers who have specialized skills and knowledge in a specific field. The visa enables these workers to work legally in the United States for a period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. As a top choice for applicants seeking work in the US, the H1B visa has gained a considerable amount of popularity over the years. However, applying for an H1B visa can be quite challenging and confusing for applicants. Therefore, to help you better understand the H1B visa process, we have compiled a list of the top five H1B visa experiences that every applicant should know.
1. Understand Your Eligibility
One of the most important things that H1B applicants should know is their eligibility for the visa. To be eligible for the H1B visa, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in their field of specialization. Additionally, applicants should also have a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor their visa application. Apart from this, the US employer must also prove that the applicant’s skills and knowledge are unique and that they cannot find an American citizen to fill the job position.
2. Apply in Advance
The H1B visa application process can take a considerable amount of time, and applicants are advised to begin the process well in advance. The USCIS begins accepting H1B visa applications on the 1st of April every year, and the cap gets filled up quickly. As a result, it’s essential to apply as early as possible to avoid missing out on the opportunity. Moreover, starting early can also give you enough time to organize the necessary documentation and paperwork required for the application.
3. Understand your Employer’s Obligations
Employers who sponsor H1B visa applicants have certain obligations that they must fulfill. For instance, they must pay the applicant the prevailing wage for the job position, which means that they cannot underpay the applicant. Additionally, the employer must also provide the applicant with basic working conditions and benefits, which are similar to that offered to American workers. As an applicant, you need to know about your employer’s obligations to ensure that your rights are protected.
4. Know about the Visa Cap
The H1B visa program has a cap of 85,000 visas per year. This cap includes 65,000 general visas and an additional 20,000 visas for applicants who have a master’s degree or higher from a US university. As mentioned earlier, the cap fills up quickly, and as a result, there is a lottery system in place for the selection of visa applicants. Therefore, understanding the visa cap is crucial to know your chances of receiving a visa.
5. Be Prepared for an RFE
An RFE or Request for Evidence is a common part of the H1B visa application process. It’s a request sent by the USCIS to applicants who need to provide additional information or documentation to support their application. Applicants should be prepared for an RFE and ensure that they have all the necessary documentation ready to respond promptly to the request. A delayed or incomplete response to an RFE could result in the application being denied.
In Conclusion
Applying for an H1B visa can be intimidating, especially for first-time applicants. However, with the right information and preparation, you can make the process smoother. The above-listed experiences cover some of the most crucial aspects that applicants should know about before applying for an H1B visa. Remember, it’s essential to do your research, understand the requirements, and be prepared to increase your chances of success.
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