H1B Visa Guide: Requirements, Process, Updates & Tips for Nigerian Professionals 🇳🇬💼 | US Work Visa Explained

 

H1b Visa 

The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in "specialty occupations". These jobs typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, such as technology, engineering, medicine, education, and other highly specialized fields. 

How it works

• Employer-sponsored: A U.S. employer must sponsor the foreign worker. The employer files the necessary petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Specialty occupations: The position must require specialized knowledge that is typically attained through a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): Before filing the petition with USCIS, the employer must submit an LCA to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This attests that the employment will not harm U.S. workers' wages and working conditions.
• Annual cap and lottery: There is an annual limit on the number of new H-1B visas issued. Because demand often exceeds the supply, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select which petitions will be processed.
• Duration: An initial H-1B visa is typically granted for three years and can be extended for up to a maximum of six years. 

Recent policy changes

As of September 2025, the U.S. government has announced a new set of fees and restrictions on the H-1B program. 

• New $100,000 fee: Employers now face a $100,000 fee for each H-1B petition.
• Higher wage standards: The DOL will revise wage rules to raise the required salaries for H-1B workers.
• Increased scrutiny: These changes are aimed at tightening program integrity, with a focus on companies that allegedly misuse the system. 

For candidates

To qualify, candidates must:

• Have a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent in the related specialty field.
• Possess a higher degree and/or equivalent work experience.
• Have received a temporary professional position offer from a U.S. employer. 

Next steps

If you are a potential candidate, the process begins when an eligible U.S. employer registers you for the H-1B lottery during the designated annual period. After a successful selection in the lottery, the employer proceeds with filing the formal petition with USCIS. 

The H-1B Visa, Explained - Boundless

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H-1B Program | U.S. Department of Labor

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