Is working 15 hours per week valid under a part-time H-1B?

Yes. The H-1B allows part-time positions, not just full-time ones. A reduced schedule, such as 15 hours per week, can be valid as long as the arrangement is documented and authorized, accurately reflecting the reality of the employment.

What supports a part-time H-1B is not reaching a specific number of hours, but rather the consistency of the petition. The employer must precisely describe the hours, the proportional compensation, and the duties of the role, and these conditions must appear in the Labor Condition Application (LCA). Any discrepancy between what was petitioned and the work actually performed can create problems.

• The part-time schedule must be clearly stated in both the petition and the LCA.
• The position must still qualify as a specialty occupation.
• Compensation must be proportional to the declared hours.

Since the details vary depending on the role and the employer, it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS and a specialist before accepting a part-time offer under the H-1B.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.