H-1B

An H-1B visa is a temporary work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialized occupations. 

To be eligible for an H-1B visa, a foreign worker must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation, which typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

There is an annual cap of 85,000 visas available for H-1Bs, however some employers may meet an exception to this annual cap, such as universities and non-profit organizations, and those workers who were previously included in the H-1B cap.

H-1B visas are issued for an initial period of up to three years, and can be extended for up to a maximum of six years in most cases. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also accompany the visa holder to the U.S. on H-4 visas but spouses generally will not be authorized to work.

Do you want to know more information about the annual cap?  See our VIDEO

E-3

The E-3 visa offers an additional option for Australian nationals who meet the requirements above.  Unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual cap on the number of E-3 visas that can be issued, and spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also accompany the visa holder to the U.S. on E-3D visas.

In addition, E-3 visa holders can apply for work authorization for their spouse, which allows their spouse to work in the United States while they are on an E-3 visa.

H-1B1

An H-1B1 visa is a temporary work visa that allows citizens of Chile and Singapore to work in the United States in a specialty occupation. The visa is a subcategory of the H-1B visa, but it has certain requirements and limitations specific to citizens of Chile and Singapore.

The H-1B1 visa is issued for a period of up to 18 months, with the possibility of extensions for up to a total of three years. However, unlike the H-1B visa, there is no annual cap on the number of H-1B1 visas that can be issued.

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may also accompany the visa holder to the U.S. on H-4 visas, but they are not allowed to work in the United States.