H-1B1 Visa Immigration Services
The H-1B1 visa is similar to the corporate H-1B and is for immigrant or non-immigrant persons in “specialty occupations”. This new category was created by the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement and the U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.
In order to qualify for H-1B1 classification, US immigration law dictates that the applicant must have theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge and must have at least a US bachelor’s degree or its equivalent AND the job sought must require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Because this is not a self-petitioning category, the applicant must have a sponsoring employer in the US.
The spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 are allowed to accompany or join the H-1B1 worker as H-4 dependents. However, they cannot work unless they qualify for a work visa. H-4 dependents can enroll and attend schools in the U.S. without obtaining a student visa.
H-1B1 Visa Steps
Because the H-1B1 visa requires a U.S. sponsor in order to work in the US, the applicant must obtain a written job offer from a U.S.employer. Unlike the H-1B, there is no need for the employer to file an I-129 Petition with the USCIS in the U.S. However, like the H-1B, a prevailing wage needs to be obtained and a Labor Condition Attestation (LCA) needs to be filed.
Documents required for H-1B1 Visas
Both the applicant and the employer are required to submit supporting documents for the H-1B1 visa.
The applicant is required to submit the following documents when applying for an H-1B visa abroad:
- A completed visa application (Form DS 156) with one recent photograph, 1 inches square (37mm x 37mm), of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
- DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application is required of all men aged 16-45
- A passport valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.
- Proof of nonimmigrant intent
The employer needs to provide the following:
- Copy of the certified LCA
- Written offer of employment
For Corporate H-1B1 Visa assistance and all other immigration services, contact an experienced citizenship and immigration attorney at the Immigration Law Offices of Neelam Bhardwhaj