Is the H-1B valid for work at any company in the U.S.?

No. The H-1B is not an open work visa: it authorizes you to work for the specific employer that sponsored your petition, in the role and under the conditions approved. It is not a general permit to work for any company in the United States.

This is because the H-1B originates from a petition filed by a U.S. company, with the involvement of the Department of Labor and USCIS. The tie to that employer is part of the visa’s own structure.

If you want to change jobs, the new employer typically needs to initiate a new process (a new petition or a transfer of your H-1B) and meet the legal requirements before you can start. Changing companies without this step can put your status at risk.

Since each situation has its own details, it is worth checking the updated rules at the official source and, if possible, reviewing your case with a specialist before making any change.

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.