The H1-B visa
The H1-B visa
A visa is merely a stamp in the passport that given the holder authorization to enter the United States and is issued by the immigration and naturalization services. The H1-B visa is commonly called a work permit that is issued to an immigrant worker. An immigrant may not take up any kind of employment without a work permit being issued. The H1-B visa allows a foreign national to enter the United States and work on a temporary basis.
The United States government requires at least five of its agencies to certify the requirement of an H1-B holder in the country. Often a long process by itself, this has now been made even more arduous by a cut in funding to the State Economic Security Department. This cut in funding has had a grave impact on the states ability to recruit and retain foreign employees especially those with H1-B visa holders who have the expertise and qualifications.
The H1-B visa is issued to professionals in the following categories;
- People with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- Professionals with a bachelors degree
- Skilled workers and others
As a general case foreign workers must demonstrate that they hold a certain skill which cannot be filled by a US national and also have an employer who is willing to verify the same. It is also up to the applicant to show that they hold certain skills and qualification not available in the United States and prove the same by way of certification and testimonials provided by previous employers. Additionally the worker must be employed in a professional capacity which requires a qualification and is paid remuneration for the job carried out. The H1-B holder cannot be employed as a hobby or for religious purposes.
The H1-B visa is also sponsor specific and the worker is bound by law work for the sponsor. The visa may not be transferred and should the need arise; the worker will have to re-apply and re-qualify for the visa.
In the current work environment professionals in the fields of software development, healthcare and nursing are in high demand and the quota of the visas to be issued fast runs out. The application process for the H1-B visa begins in October and usually reaches an end before March every year.
