Yes, it is possible to work on an H-1B for more than one employer at the same time, including on a part-time basis, but each employer must file its own petition. The H-1B is always tied to a specific employer, so there is no “floating” visa that you can freely use across different companies.
When you already have an active H-1B and a second opportunity comes along, the second employer must file a concurrent employment petition. Each petition is reviewed independently by USCIS, taking into account the role, compensation, and compatibility with the program. Once the concurrent petition is approved, you may maintain both positions simultaneously.
A few important points to avoid jeopardizing your status:
- Each company must file its own petition — there is no automatic transfer.
- Do not start with the second employer until proper authorization has been obtained.
- Keep your work consistent with what was described in each petition.
Because concurrent employment involves more than one position and specific status-maintenance rules, it is advisable to review the current guidelines with USCIS or an immigration specialist before accepting the second job, and to be cautious of offers that promise shortcuts without analyzing your specific situation.
Learn more about H-1B
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- Up to 6 years total
- Annual cap
- 85,000 visas
- Processing
- 6-12 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.