What is an H-1B Visa?
An H-1B is a visa that entitles a foreign citizen to work for a US employer for three years. It is renewable for an additional three years after which employees who wish to remain and work in the United States would have to apply for and obtain permanent residency (a Green Card) to remain in the USA.
An H1-B is a non-immigrant visa which allows temporary employment in the United States. This is one of the few visas that are allowed to be "dual-intent". An H1-B visa is a "dual intent" visa since it allows an employee to enter the U.S. as a nonimmigrant, even if s/he has filed, or intends to file for permanent residence. This is not allowed in other nonimmigrant categories.
The H-1B visa program allows American companies and universities to hire foreign employees with advanced degrees and specializations to work for a limited period of time in the United States The H-1B program gives employers to diversify and their employees by hiring foreign employees to fill highly specialized posts. Many U.S. employers actively recruit worldwide for professional talent in fields ranging from Information Technology (IT) specialists, accountants, and market research analysts, to professors and scientists.
The H1B Visa (Professional in a Specialty Occupation) allows a U.S. employer to fill a position requiring the minimum of a baccalaureate in the particular field with a qualified worker from abroad. The foreign worker must possess that U.S. degree or an acceptable foreign alternative. In some cases, a combination of studies and relevant experience may substitute for the degree if it is determined by a credentials expert to qualify the foreign professional. A foreign worker with an advanced degree such as a masters or equivalent or a PhD or equivalent, may qualify for other visas in addition to the H1-B.