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The H1B is a non-immigrant visa for specialty occupation workers (typically requiring a bachelor's degree or higher). It allows US employers to hire foreign workers in fields like IT, engineering, finance, accounting, architecture, and medicine.

USCIS receives far more petitions than the 85,000 annual cap. When demand exceeds supply (every year since 2014), USCIS runs a random computer-generated lottery. First, 20,000 petitions are selected from US master's degree holders. Then the remaining 65,000 are selected from the general pool (which includes master's degree holders not selected in the first round).

Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government research institutions are exempt from the H1B cap. They can hire H1B workers at any time of year without going through the lottery. This is a significant advantage for job seekers who don't want to risk the lottery.

Yes. You can change employers while on H1B through H1B transfer (portability). Your new employer files a new I-129 petition. You can typically start working for the new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed (not approved) if you've maintained valid H1B status.

H1B1 is a variant specifically for citizens of Chile and Singapore under Free Trade Agreements. It has a separate cap of 6,800 visas. H1B1 does not require a job offer to be approved before the visa is issued, unlike the standard H1B.

The initial H1B is granted for 3 years, extendable to a total of 6 years. If an I-140 immigrant petition has been approved or has been pending for 365 days, you may be eligible for extensions beyond 6 years in 1 or 3-year increments until your green card is processed.

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come on H4 dependent visas. H4 holders can obtain a driver's license, open bank accounts, and attend school. H4 spouses may be eligible for an H4 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition.

EB-2 requires an advanced degree (master's or higher) or exceptional ability. EB-3 is for skilled workers with a bachelor's degree. EB-2 generally has shorter waits outside India/China. Indian nationals sometimes "port" from EB-2 to EB-3 when EB-3 dates are more current.

Yes, under AC-21 portability. If your I-140 is approved and I-485 has been pending for 180+ days, you can switch to a "same or similar" job without jeopardizing your green card. This is one of the most important protections for workers in the backlog.

NIW allows EB-2 applicants to self-petition (no employer required) if their work is in the national interest. Common for researchers, engineers, and scientists. You must show substantial merit, national importance, and that it benefits the US to waive the job offer requirement.

Your I-140 priority date is portable even if you leave the employer. You retain your priority date at a new employer under AC-21 for "same or similar" roles. However, the new employer must start a fresh PERM process and file a new I-140 (unless porting an approved I-140 after 180 days of I-485 pending).