Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

Can the H-1B be requested by a recruitment agency?

Recruitment agencies cannot apply for the H-1B visa; only the direct employer is responsible for the petition, making strict adherence to legal regulations essential.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on March 3, 2025
2 min read
Share

The H-1B visa is a category that allows foreign professionals to work in the United States in specialized positions. In the process of obtaining this visa, the role of the employer is fundamental, as it is they who must submit the petition to U.S. immigration authorities.

It is important to clarify that a recruitment agency cannot, by itself, be considered a sponsor for the H-1B. U.S. immigration law requires that a direct employer, that is, the company that will employ the professional, make the visa request. Although recruitment agencies may act as connectors between qualified candidates and employers, the legal responsibility for the H-1B petition lies with the employer who will offer an actual job position.

Furthermore, it is always advisable to strictly follow immigration regulations and seek specialized advice from trustworthy sources. There is much information and marketing campaigns out there promising ease or guaranteed results, but it is essential to be cautious to avoid scams or practices that do not comply with U.S. laws. The H-1B visa application process is complex and requires meeting several requirements; therefore, it is crucial to have clarity about the roles and responsibilities of each party involved.

Remember that a recruiter can assist in placing the candidate with a U.S. employer; however, the presentation of the case and the legal employment relationship must be established between the worker and the hiring company. Thus, any more specific questions should be directed to a duly qualified immigration consultant, who can provide updated and personalized information, always emphasizing the importance of strictly complying with U.S. immigration laws.

Learn more about H-1B Visa

Initial validity
3 years
Extension
Up to 6 years total
Annual cap
85,000 visas
Processing
6-12 months
All about H-1B Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Can the H-1B be requested by a recruitment agency?

Recruitment agencies cannot apply for the H-1B visa; only the direct employer is responsible for the petition, making strict adherence to legal regulations essential.

Recommended reading about H-1B

More content about H-1B