Who can apply for the H-1B?

The H-1B is designed for foreign professionals who will fill specialty occupation roles, meaning positions that require specialized knowledge and, generally, a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in the relevant field. It is not a visa a person applies for independently: it requires an employer sponsor.

In practice, the starting point is having a job offer from a U.S. company willing to sponsor the professional. The company files the petition with immigration authorities and takes on the obligations tied to the position and working conditions.

Generally speaking, the eligible profile includes:

• a job offer for a position requiring specialized qualifications;
• a sponsoring employer in the United States;
• education or experience compatible with the specialty of the role.

Since requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on the position, it is worth confirming updated requirements with USCIS and evaluating how your profile fits with a specialist.

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.