The H1 visa refers to a temporary work visa category that allows foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations in the United States. On the other hand, the H1B visa specifically applies to non-immigrant workers in specialty occupations, which requires a higher level of education or specialized skills.
Further information is provided below
The H1 visa and H1B visa are both temporary work visas that allow foreign nationals to work in specialty occupations in the United States. However, there are some important differences between these two visa categories.
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Definition and Eligibility:
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H1 Visa: The H1 visa, also known as the H1A visa, is a non-immigrant visa category that was created for registered nurses. It allows foreign nurses to work in the United States temporarily, usually for a period of up to three years. This visa is more specific to healthcare professionals in certain settings.
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H1B Visa: The H1B visa, on the other hand, is a non-immigrant visa that applies to a wider range of specialty occupations. It is available to foreign workers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and who are hired by U.S. employers to work in a specialized field.
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Duration of Stay:
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H1 Visa: An H1 visa is typically granted for an initial period of three years, but it can be extended for an additional three years, making a total of six years. After this period, the individual must leave the United States and remain outside for at least one year before being eligible to apply for another H1 visa.
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H1B Visa: The H1B visa is initially granted for a period of three years, with the possibility of extension for another three years, similar to the H1 visa. However, there are additional provisions that may allow certain H1B visa holders to extend their stay beyond the six-year limit.
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Quota and Application Process:
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H1 Visa: There is no specific annual cap or quota for H1 visa applications. The process involves the employer filing a petition on behalf of the foreign nurse, along with the necessary supporting documents.
- H1B Visa: The H1B visa program has an annual numerical cap on the number of visas issued, which is set by the U.S. government. Currently, the regular cap is set at 65,000 visas per fiscal year, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals who hold advanced degrees from U.S. universities. The application process for the H1B visa is more complex and involves a lottery system due to the high demand.
In summary, the H1 visa is a specific category for registered nurses, while the H1B visa is more broad and applicable to a variety of specialty occupations. The H1 visa has a maximum stay of six years, whereas the H1B visa also has a six-year limit but with certain provisions for extension. Understanding these differences is crucial for foreign nationals and U.S. employers seeking to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system.
Famous Quote:
“Immigration is the sincerest form of flattery.” – Jack Minguet
Interesting Facts:
- The H1B visa program is highly competitive, with the annual quota often being filled within days of the application window opening.
- The H1 visa was created in response to a shortage of registered nurses in the United States during the 1980s.
- Both the H1 visa and the H1B visa require the employer to attest that hiring the foreign worker will not negatively affect the wages or working conditions of U.S. workers.
- The H1B visa holders can bring their dependent family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to the United States under the H4 visa category.
- The H1B visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in the United States, also known as obtaining a green card, through their employment.
Answer to your inquiry in video form
The video compares the O-1 visa to the H-1B visa, emphasizing advantages of the O-1 such as no annual cap or salary requirement and indefinite extensions. It notes that while the O-1 visa has higher criteria to meet, 17,000 were issued in 2019, highlighting its popularity.
Further responses to your query
Every H1 visa issued today is an H1B. There have been H1A and H1C visas in the past, but both were special cases created to fight nursing shortages and both are now out of use. However, you can still get a special H1B1 if you’re a Chilean or Singapore national.