H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa allowing American companies to temporarily hire foreign professionals for "specialty occupations" requiring high technical skill and at least a bachelor's degree, common in IT, engineering, medicine, and research. It's employer-sponsored, subject to annual limits (caps), and typically allows a stay of up to six years, facilitating careers for international graduates in fields like tech and science. 

Key Aspects of the H-1B Visa:

• Specialty Occupation: The job must demand theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge, like a degree in computer science, engineering, or finance. 
• Employer-Sponsored: A U.S. employer must petition for the foreign worker, proving a need for their specialized skills. 
• Annual Cap: There's a limit (currently 85,000 visas annually, including a master's exemption) on new H-1B visas issued each year, making it competitive. 
• Duration: Initial validity is usually three years, extendable up to a total of six years. 
• Wage Requirement: The employer must pay the H-1B worker the prevailing wage for that role in the area. 
• Fields: Popular in tech (software developers), healthcare, education, and architecture.