H-1B Specialty Occupation
- Max stay
- 1095days
- Processing
- 60–240days
- Fee
- $675.00
Difficulty1/10·Realism9/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Heavy paperworkLots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.
Why this score?
- —Embassy/consulate visa application
- +1Strong baseline access — visa-free tourism eases the application footprint
- -2Long processing time (up to 240 days)
- -0.5Biometrics appointment required
- -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)
- -1.5Sponsor licence required
- -1Confirmed job offer required
Approval realism
Approval is likelyMost applicants with the right paperwork get approved.
What drives this score?
- —Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
- +1.5Visa-free baseline access — approval rates are routinely high for this passport
- +0.5Once a sponsor + job offer are secured, visa approval is generally routine
Work visa details
- Sponsorship
- Required
- Sponsor type
- Licensed employer
- Job offer
- Required
- Permit length
- 1095 days
- Path to settlement
- No
Eligible occupations (sample)
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
390+ days beforeMost countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
374+ days beforeYou'll need: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation; Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer; Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage; Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS; and others (see full list above).
- 3
Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate (interview + fingerprints))
367+ days beforeBiometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.
- 4
Submit the application to the embassy or consulate
360+ days beforeIn person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.
- 5
Track the application; print the approval
7+ days beforeDecisions typically take 60–240 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.
- 6
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation
- Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer
- Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage
- Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS
- Selection via the H-1B cap lottery (regular and master's exemption pools)
- If outside US, consular processing at a US embassy after I-129 approval
Fee breakdown
- Form I-129 base filing fee$460.00
- MRV consular fee (visa stamping)$215.00
- Premium Processing (optional, 15-day adjudication) (optional)$2,805.00

