USA: H-1B visa for skilled workers in specialty fields.

The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa category in the United States that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is commonly used by employers to hire skilled workers in fields such as information technology, engineering, mathematics, science, and other specialized areas where qualified U.S. workers may be in short supply.

Here are some key points about the H-1B visa:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for an H-1B visa, the foreign worker must:

o Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation.

o Possess the required education, qualifications, or experience relevant to the specialty occupation.

o The job offered must meet certain criteria, such as being in a specialized field that typically requires at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.

2. Employer Sponsorship: The H-1B visa is employer-sponsored, meaning that the U.S. employer must file a petition (Form I-129) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign worker. The employer must also obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor (DOL).

3. Duration: Initially, an H-1B visa is granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extension for up to six years total. Extensions beyond the six-year limit may be possible under certain circumstances, such as if the foreign worker has an approved employment-based immigrant visa petition (green card application) pending.

4. Dual Intent: The H-1B visa is considered a "dual intent" visa, which means that holders of H-1B visas are allowed to have immigrant intent and can pursue lawful permanent residence (green card) while in the U.S. on an H-1B visa.

5. Quota and Lottery System: There is an annual numerical cap (quota) on the number of new H-1B visas issued each fiscal year. As demand often exceeds the quota, USCIS conducts a lottery system to randomly select petitions for processing when the quota is reached.

6. Dependents: H-1B visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old to the U.S. as dependents on H-4 visas. Dependents may be eligible for certain benefits but are generally not authorized to work in the U.S. unless they obtain their own work authorization.

The H-1B visa program plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, particularly in industries requiring highly skilled professionals. However, it is subject to various regulations, eligibility criteria, and annual caps, which can impact its availability and utilization.