Specialty Occupation: Requires the job to be in a 'specialty occupation,' meaning it generally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.

Employer Sponsorship: The visa must be sponsored by a U.S. employer, not the individual applicant.

Annual Cap: Subject to an annual numerical cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher (total 85,000).

Lottery System: Due to high demand, USCIS often conducts a lottery to select eligible petitions when the number of applications exceeds the annual cap.

Validity Period: Initially granted for up to three years, extendable to a maximum of six years. Extensions beyond six years are possible under certain circumstances, especially if a Green Card application is pending.

Dual Intent: H-1B is a 'dual intent' visa, meaning the holder can legally intend to seek permanent residency (Green Card) while holding the non-immigrant visa.

Wage Requirements: Employers must pay H-1B workers at least the prevailing wage for their occupation in the geographic area of employment, or the actual wage paid to other employees with similar experience and qualifications, whichever is higher.

Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B visa holders can apply for H-4 visas, with certain H-4 spouses eligible for work authorization.

Specialty Occupation: Requires the job to be in a 'specialty occupation,' meaning it generally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field.

Employer Sponsorship: The visa must be sponsored by a U.S. employer, not the individual applicant.

Annual Cap: Subject to an annual numerical cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for those with a U.S. master's degree or higher (total 85,000).

Lottery System: Due to high demand, USCIS often conducts a lottery to select eligible petitions when the number of applications exceeds the annual cap.

Validity Period: Initially granted for up to three years, extendable to a maximum of six years. Extensions beyond six years are possible under certain circumstances, especially if a Green Card application is pending.

Dual Intent: H-1B is a 'dual intent' visa, meaning the holder can legally intend to seek permanent residency (Green Card) while holding the non-immigrant visa.

Wage Requirements: Employers must pay H-1B workers at least the prevailing wage for their occupation in the geographic area of employment, or the actual wage paid to other employees with similar experience and qualifications, whichever is higher.

Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of H-1B visa holders can apply for H-4 visas, with certain H-4 spouses eligible for work authorization.