How to Apply for H-1B Visa in 2026? A Complete Guide

What is H-1B Visa?

If you are dreaming of working in the USA, then you need an H-1B Visa. It is usually a non-immigrant visa that enables companies to hire international employees in speciality vocations. It can be termed as the US work visa, offering temporary non-immigrant status to holders. More than a visa, it provides a substantial bridge, helping skilled employees to work in the country for a limited period.

The beneficiaries cannot apply for the visa directly. Hence, a valid U.S. employer is required for filing the H-1B application. The registration process for 2026 will start between 4 and 19 March for the financial year of 2027. Moreover, if your petition is selected in the lottery process, beneficiaries can file for the complete petition between 1 April and 30 June. But do you know what makes this visa unique yet important? Below are its key features, which show why it is crucial for international students and employees.

Key Features

Here are key details about the H-1B visa that applicants must be aware of before applying:

• Employer Specific – This visa must be sponsored and filed by a US employer for an international worker.
• Period – The H-1B visa validity period is generally up to 3 years, but holders can extend this period for 6 years.
• Dual Intent – It is considered a twofold visa, which indicates holders can apply for permanent residence legally while remaining temporary residents.
• Dependent Status – It allows spouses and children below the age of 21 to accompany the H-1B visa holder under the status of H-4.

Also Read: US F-1 Visa Interview Questions

How to Apply for the H-1B Visa?

Applying for a U.S. work visa requires professionals to find an employer who will sponsor them by filing an application with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). The H-1B visa process typically includes the following steps:

1. Find a Reliable Sponsor – To apply for this visa, start searching for a US sponsor. A company that will agree to offer you a job and file the application on your behalf. In addition, you need to find a recruiter with a strong history of compliance.
2. Electronic Registration – Employers will need to complete an online registration form with the US immigration method. It should be initiated during the H-1B lottery period. If the candidate gets selected in that lottery, the recruiter will be invited to complete the petition process.
3. Apply for Labour Condition Application (LCA) – The next step requires the employer to file an LCA with the Department of Labour. This work serves as confirmation that the beneficiary will receive a valuable wage.
4. File Form I-129 – The sponsor will file Form I-129, which is an application for a non-immigrant employee with USCIS. This document includes complete evidence about the employer, your qualifications and job role.
5. Visa Stamping -  Once your application is approved, you can start the process of visa stamping by submitting a petition to a US embassy. The process requires you to complete Form DS-160, attend an interview and pay the fees.

Individuals can start working in USA companies as a full-time employee from 1st October after receiving their work visa.

Documents Require to Apply for H-1B Visa

Students applying must ensure that they meet all H-1B visa rules by organising the following documents:

• Diploma and bachelor’s degree transcripts
• A license is required to work in the USA
• Resume or CV
• Labour Application
• Offer letter for full-time work in the USA
• Photocopy of H1B petition
• US immigration forms (including prior immigration forms like an F-1 student visa).
• SEVIS form DS-2019 if the recipient is a current J-1 or J-2 Visa dependent.
• Copy of your passport
• Form I-94 for showing arrival-departure dates if you are in the US already
• SEVIS form I-20 if the recipient is a current F-1 or F-2 Visa holder.
• Employer letter
• Attorney letter
• Representative letter
• Form I-907 (candidates eligible for premium processing)

Also Read: 10 Jobs in USA for Indians

Key Things to Bring for H-1B Interview

Applicants will attend a compulsory interview organised at a US embassy in their native country, after approval of their Form I-129 petition and submission of DS-160 application. This process usually takes up to 30 minutes, requiring you to bring the following documents:

• Your passport, which should be effective for six months from your entry date to the US
• Photocopy of approved L-129 petition
• Original L-797 approval notice
• Labour Condition Application
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Detailed educational records, resume and employer letter
• Application fees receipts as proof that you have already paid the fees
• A passport-size photo, which is aligned with the US State Department requirements

How Much H-1B Visa Costs?

Now that you are thinking of applying for the H-1B visa, you should learn about the cost of applying for an H-1B visa. The maximum expenses of this application are borne by the employer. However, there are a few costs which are paid by the employee. Here is a complete breakdown of the potential cost:

Expenses Paid by Employer

The table below shows details of the expenses that are paid by sponsors or employers when filing for the H-1B visa:

Expenses Paid by Employee

The H-1B visa cost in Indian rupees may range between INR 4,85,160 to INR 5,44,000, which excludes your premium processing charges.   

What are the Benefits of H-1B Visa? 

Unlike the ordinary USA student visa, an H-1B visa provides notable benefits for both the employers and employees. These benefits are as follows:

Advantages for Employers

• Access to International Employees – The H-1B work visa enables US employers to hire international professionals highly skilled in their fields. Instead of recruiting local talent only, they can bring in specialists and fresh talent. It helps firms maintain an upper hand in this vibrant business environment.
• Bridge Skill Gaps – The STEM sector lacks local talent, which leads to a resource shortage. However, with the help of an H-1B visa, employers can bridge this gap. It assists in ensuring business continuity and expansions.
• Workforce Retention – This visa is granted for a maximum of 3 years, and an H-1B visa renewal can help extend the period for 6 years. It helps in predicting workforce requirements. Owners benefit from limited turnover, as visa sponsorship leads to long-term commitment.
• Boost Innovation – A diverse team means a wide range of perspectives and opinions, leading to creativity. Firms get access to various cultural insights by hiring international employees. Moreover, global experts often bring technical specialities that help companies innovate better and faster.

Employees Benefits

• International Work Prospects – The visa allows students or employees to work in the US legally, which is the most dynamic and vast economy in the world. It unlocks opportunities for career growth and provides exposure to an international work environment.
• Competitive Salaries –  Employees holding H-1B status often get higher salaries than other employees working in the organisation. It helps in gaining financial stability while working in international companies. As a result, it enhances their resume by adding global work experience and competitive wages.
• Permanent Residency – H-1B visa primarily serves as a turning point for securing a Green Card. If employees work efficiently and add value to the organisation, then employers may provide visa assistance for obtaining permanent residency status.
• Global Exposure – Working in such an innovation-centric environment leads to career growth. Also, it provides key opportunities for employees to learn advanced technologies. They work with international teams and develop crucial skills, allowing them gain knowledge of international firms.

Key Updates for H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa has introduced a few prominent changes for the financial year 2026, which include:

1. New Lottery System – USCIS has substituted the random lottery system for registration in March 2026 with a weighted selection system based on the wage level offered to the employees.
2. Mandatory Supplemental Charge – It has introduced a supplemental fee of $100,000, which must be paid when applying for the full H-1B visa petition. However, international students who study in USA are exempt from this charge.
3. Employer Compliance -  Employers should adhere to this rule by submitting documents of payment before filing for the H-1B visa.

How These Changes in H-1B Visa Impact Students?

The above changes have a valuable impact on students who were planning to apply for an H-1B visa and international employees seeking work prospects in the USA. These include: 

• Fee Hike -The supplemental fees have increased the overall cost of sponsoring an international employee, which means companies will be highly selective from now onwards. It will lead to reduced opportunities for recent graduates to work in the US.
• Unfavourable for OPT students- Optional Practical Training (OPT) scholars who were planning to acquire an H-1B work visa by using this status will find it complex. It is because OPT roles are often low-paying, which means convincing employers to pay the supplemental fees will be challenging for them.
• H-1B Lottery Vagueness– The current transformation to a “weighted” system according to salaries offered rather than arbitrary selection is a vital limitation for students. It will lead to challenges for upcoming graduates to secure an H-1B visa.

Conclusion

To sum up, the recent shifts in the H-1B visa process have led to major challenges for employees or students seeking work prospects in the US. The changes resulted in higher application costs, entry restrictions and strict lottery rules. Due to this, applying for an H-1B may feel highly overwhelming, but with our study abroad consultants, you can secure a work visa for the US smoothly. We will help you plan your visa application process by keeping these updates in mind. However, you must focus on expanding your skills to show how you will add value in any organisation.

FAQs:

1. How Long Is the H-1B Visa Valid?

The H-1B visa is valid for 3 years, which can be renewed for another 3 years. It allows the visa holder to stay in the USA for 6 years.

2. Can H-1B Visa Holders Apply for A Green Card?

Yes, people holding an H-1B visa can easily apply for a Green Card while staying or working in the USA. It is a “dual-intent” visa that helps holders maintain their temporary status in the country while seeking permanent residency.

3. What Is the Difference Between OPT and H-1B Visa?

The H-1B visa is for professionals who desire to work in the USA and seek temporary residential status for a period of 3 to 6 years. OPT is for F-1 students who want to pursue a job in their relevant field for a period of 12 to 36 months.

4. What Happens If My H-1B Visa Petition Is Rejected?

If your H-1B visa petition is denied or rejected, you will lose non-immigrant status instantly and the right to work in the US. However, you will have a grace period of 60 days to change your status or depart. In addition, you can file the Form I-290 B with the USCIS and request reconsideration of the decision.

5. Is the H-1B Visa Only for STEM Students?

No, it is not limited to the STEM students, although they are the highest applicants for the H-1B visa. But any student with a Bachelor’s degree can apply for this visa to work in the US.