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What are the basic eligibility requirements for obtaining an H-1B visa?

H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements

Legal Advice on H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements

As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice on the basic eligibility requirements for obtaining an H-1B visa, based on current laws and legal precedents in the United States.

Requirements for Obtaining an H-1B Visa

To obtain an H-1B visa, a foreign worker must meet several eligibility requirements:

  1. Must have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation
  2. Must possess the required qualifications for the job, such as a degree or certification in the relevant field
  3. Must be able to demonstrate necessary work experience or training to perform job duties as specified in job offer
  4. Must be admissible to the United States and not have any criminal or immigration violations that could make them ineligible for the visa

Additionally, the U.S. employer must:

  • Be willing to sponsor the foreign worker's visa application
  • Agree to pay the foreign worker a prevailing wage for the position, determined by the U.S. Department of Labor

It's important to note that the H-1B visa program has a cap on the number of visas available each year. Currently, the annual cap is set at 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas available for foreign workers who have earned a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education.

It is essential to seek the advice of a licensed attorney to ensure that any specific circumstances or limitations are taken into account when applying for an H-1B visa.