The H-1B visa is among several categories of visas available to U.S. employers who wish to temporarily employ foreign nationals in the U.S. H-1B professionals are classified as such by USCIS if they meet the statutory definition of a "specialty occupation". At the minimum, the H-1B beneficiary should have a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent*) and a valid job offer in the U.S. within the specialty field. The key issues for H-1B eligibility are: (a) whether the position is a specialty occupation, and (b) whether the beneficiary meets the requirements for the specialty occupation.

THE CRITERIA OF A SPECIALTY OCCUPATION

To establish a "specialty occupation", one or more of the following criteria must be met:

1. A bachelor's or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum entry requirement for the position being offered;
2. The degree requirement is common to the industry or, in the alternative, the position is so complex or unique that it can be performed only by an individual with a degree;
3. The employer normally requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent for the position; or
4. The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree.

Note: The required degree must be in a specialty field. Occupations staffed with personnel having degrees in a variety of liberal arts may be denied H-1B status. Similarly, positions normally staffed by persons with a degree in general field, such as bachelor of arts in general education or philosophy, may be challenged by the USCIS. The basic idea is that the focused curriculum of the degree should supply the knowledge and skill necessary to perform a specific job.

QUALIFYING FOR A SPECIALTY OCCUPATION

Generally, to satisfy the legal requirements of performing in a specialty occupation, the beneficiary will need:

1. Full state licensure, if required for practice in the state;
2. Completion of a U.S. bachelor's or (**) higher degree or its equivalent in the specific specialty or a related field; or
3. Education, training, or experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of such degree.

VALIDITY PERIODS

The H-1B is a temporary visa; thus, the activities to be performed must be temporary in nature. A schedule of events and/or employment agreement is often required. Generally, the initial H-1B status is granted for up to three years, followed by a three-year extension.

DEPENDENTS

Spouses and minor children of H-1B nonimmigrants can apply for H-4 status with the same period of admission as the H-1B holder. However, they may not work in the U.S. unless granted employment authorization through alternate means.

PROCESSING TIMES

Regular processing usually takes three to seven months depending where the petition is filed. However, USCIS offers a Premium Processing service (for an additional $1,000 fee) which ensures processing within 15 business days. If the H-1B beneficiary is residing abroad he or she will have to apply for the actual H-1B visa at the U.S. Consulate before being granted entry into the U.S. Thus, processing times may vary depending on the individual petition.

NUMERICAL LIMITATIONS

The new H-1B quotas are:

• 195,000 for the USCIS fiscal year 2002 and 195,000 for USCIS fiscal year 2003.

These numerical limitations do not apply to:

• H-1B workers employed by institutions of higher education;
• a related or affiliated nonprofit;
• a nonprofit research organization; or
• a government research organization.