Can I do job hopping with an H-1B?

Yes, it is possible to change employers more than once on an H-1B, a practice sometimes called job hopping, but with some important caveats. The H-1B is tied to a specific employer, so each change requires the new employer to file a transfer petition with USCIS.

Under H-1B portability, you can generally begin working for the new employer as soon as the transfer petition is properly filed, without waiting for a final decision. This provides flexibility, but carries risk: if the petition is denied, your status may be interrupted, with potential complications for your stay in the country. For this reason, starting the process while your current status is in good standing is essential.

• Each job change requires a new transfer petition.
• Portability generally allows you to start once the petition is filed.
• A denial can interrupt your status, so caution is necessary.
• Keep your documentation current and your status always in good standing.

Since each transition carries its own risks, it is worth checking updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) and reviewing each change with a qualified professional before accepting a new offer.

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.