🇺🇸 United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Also known as: H-1B, H1B visa
Last verified: October 1, 2026
What is the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa?
Employer-sponsored visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or higher. Subject to an annual March lottery ($215 registration); the employer files the petition and pays its fees, and your offered salary must meet the prevailing wage for the role and location. Indian nationals face multi-year green-card backlogs. The $100,000 payment from the Sept 2025 proclamation is not currently collected: a federal court vacated the guidance implementing it in June 2026, but the case is ongoing and DHS says it still plans to collect the payment if that order is lifted.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $215–$400 |
| Processing time | 12–32 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Required |
| Degree | Required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Canadians and Indians.
United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canadians | $215 | 26–30 weeks | — | — |
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $400 | 12–32 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
- Employer enters you in the H-1B lottery (March)
- If selected: employer files the LCA
- Employer files the I-129 petition
- Receive the I-797 approval notice
- Complete DS-160 and pay the $185 MRV fee
- Book VAC biometrics + consulate appointment
- Attend the appointment with your document file
- Collect your stamped passport & travel
- After arrival: SSN and onboarding
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- What are the requirements for the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa?
- The requirements we have on record are: a job offer from an employer in United States; a relevant degree. Amounts are USD equivalents verified for Canadians and Indians; the official source lists the full document set.
- How much does the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $215 for Canadians and $400 for Indians (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 26–30 weeks for Canadians and 12–32 weeks for Indians after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa?
- Yes. A job offer from an employer in United States is required before applying.
- Can family members join on the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa lead to permanent residency?
- Yes. It offers a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- Is the H-1B the same as the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa?
- Yes. H-1B and H1B visa are other names people use for the United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa.
United States H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa guides by nationality
Other United States visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government source: uscis.gov. This guide is general information, not legal advice.