For specialty roles, but lottery and employer dependence make it uncertain; check cap rules, consular procedures, and the Visa Bulletin at the time of application.
Route overview
Employer sponsorship + lottery/cap
Typical timeline / duration: 6-12 months
Important notes
Have a qualifying U.S. job in a specialty occupation that normally requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a directly related field.
A U.S. employer or qualifying petitioner must file the required H-1B petition, with the certified labour-condition information and evidence that the role and beneficiary meet the specialty-occupation rules.
If the role is cap-subject, complete the applicable electronic registration and selection process before filing the full petition; cap-exempt cases follow different rules.
After petition approval, complete the visa or change-of-status process and work only in the approved employer, role, locations, and validity period unless a lawful portability or amended-petition rule applies.
H-1B is employer-sponsored and can be lottery-limited. A remote worker cannot use it as an open permit without a qualifying U.S. petitioner and role.
The exact cap, filing edition, fees, selection process, and adjudication policy can change by fiscal year, so confirm the current USCIS cap-season instructions before filing.
Preparation checklist
Save submitted files and track the next application, reporting, or renewal date.