H Visa
Temporary Worker Visa
For skilled professionals and temporary workers
Overview
H visas allow U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations and other capacities.
H Visa Categories
H-1B: Specialty Occupations
For professionals in specialty occupations requiring theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- Job offer from U.S. employer
- Position requires specialized knowledge
- Employer filed petition
Common Fields
- IT and Software Development
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Education
- Business and Finance
H-2A: Agricultural Workers
For temporary agricultural workers when U.S. workers are unavailable.
- Seasonal agricultural work
- Employer must demonstrate need
- Limited to specific duration
H-2B: Non-Agricultural Workers
For temporary non-agricultural workers in various industries.
Must be for temporary need
- One-time occurrence
- Seasonal need
- Peak load need
- Intermittent need
Examples: hospitality, landscaping, construction, seafood processing
H-3: Trainees
For training programs not available in trainee's home country.
- Training program approved
- Not for medical/graduate education
- Trainee returns home after
Application Process
1
Employer Files Petition
U.S. employer submits Form I-129 to USCIS
2
Petition Approval
Wait for USCIS approval notice
3
DS-160 Submission
Complete online visa application
4
Interview
Attend visa interview at U.S. embassy
Visa Duration
- H-1B: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years total
- H-2A/H-2B: Up to 1 year, extendable
- H-3: Up to 2 years