Can I bring my nanny on an H-1B?

No. The H-1B is granted to a specialized professional to perform the approved role, and it does not serve to bring personal employees, such as a nanny. Even if a work contract with her exists in your home country, that relationship does not fit the purpose of this visa.

The H-1B was designed for U.S. employers to hire professionals in fields requiring high qualifications, such as technology, engineering, or healthcare. Domestic and personal care services fall outside that category, so it is not possible to include or transfer a nanny under your H-1B.

If the nanny wishes to work legally in the country, the path is to seek a visa category suited to her role. There are, for example, visas intended for personal employees who accompany their employer on trips, such as the B-1, but they carry specific rules and limitations and are not intended for permanent relocation.

Since each situation depends on the objective and the type of work, it is worth evaluating the alternatives through official sources and with an immigration specialist before making plans, avoiding shortcuts that could jeopardize your status and hers.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.