H-1B Visa Questionnaire
H-1B classification applies to persons in a specialty occupation which requires the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge requiring completion of a specific course of higher education. This classification requires a labor attestation issued by the Secretary of Labor (65,000). This classification also applies to Government-to-Government research and development, or co-production projects administered by the Department of Defense (100)
Labor Condition Application (LCA)
The first step to hiring most H-1B workers from outside the U.S. is for the employer to file a labor condition application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL). Then the employer is required to file the LCA approval notice with the I-129 petition.
Some terms and conditions of the H-1B classification:
-
Work authorization for H-1B foreign specialty workers is employer-specific (i.e. limited to employment with the approved employer/petitioner).
-
A change of employer requires a new H-1B petition; under some circumstances, a nonimmigrant who was previously issued an H1-B visa or provided H1-B nonimmigrant status may begin working for a new H1-B employer as soon as the new employer files a “nonfrivolous” H1-B petition for the nonimmigrant.
-
Multiple employers require multiple H-1B petitions.
-
The employer is responsible for return transportation costs for an employee terminated prior to the end of the approved period of employment.
-
H-1B foreign specialty workers are not required to maintain foreign residence and may seek permanent residence in the U.S.
Dependents
Dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of H-1B workers are entitled to H-4 status with the same restrictions as the principal. Dependents may not be employed under the H-4 classification.
Document Requirements for H-1B Classification Petition
The petition (Form I-129) should be filed by the U.S. employer with:
-
A certified labor condition application from the Department of Labor;
-
Copies of evidence that the proposed employment qualifies as a specialty occupation;
-
Evidence the alien has the required degree by submitting either:
-
A copy of the person's U.S. baccalaureate or higher degree which is required by the specialty occupation;
-
A copy of a foreign degree determined to be equivalent to the U.S. degree; or
-
Copies of evidence of education and experience which is equivalent to the required U.S. degree;
-
A copy of any required license or other official permission to practice the occupation in the state of intended employment; and
-
A copy of any written contract between the employer and the alien or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which the alien will be employed.
Documents From U.S. Employer
Please provide the following documents:
-
Copy of Articles of Incorporation or similar depending on organizational form;
-
Copy of business license, if applicable;
-
Evidence of continuing existence and viability of the business (please include as many of the following as may be accessible):
-
Advertising material and brochures;
-
Certified copy of lease of premises or title deed to fixed property;
-
Latest financial statements (Balance Sheets, Statements of Income and Expenses, etc.) showing the foreign entity’s financial position;
-
Business bank statements for the last twelve (12) months;
-
Invoices to customers and from suppliers and/or contracts showing ongoing trading;
-
Pictures of products, premises, staff and equipment (in duplicate), where applicable;
-
Submit a list of all employees including names and job titles for the last three (3) of years;
-
Copies of business tax returns;
-
Copies of the company’s Payroll Summary evidencing wages paid to employees;
-
Detailed description of the business including nature of business, number of employees and gross annual income
Documents from Foreign National
Please provide the following documents when you submit your completed questionnaire:
-
Copies of all educational degrees and transcripts;
-
Up-to-date curriculum vitae (resume);
-
Copy of your passport (all pages) and passports of all accompanying family members;
-
Copy of I-94 card (front and back side) and all accompanying family members ;
-
Copies of all previous visa approval notices (e.g. H-1B, L-1, J-1, EAD, etc.);
-
Most recent pay stubs from your employer;
-
Copy of marriage certificate; and
-
Copy of your birth certificate and all accompanying family members.
Nonimmigrant Visa Questionnaire
Please provide the following information for each family member traveling to the United States with the principal applicant. Please note that you must complete all information in order to submit the form. If a question is not applicable, simply input "N/A." If you do not yet have the required information such as your U.S. address, input "Unknown." As soon as you have more information, such as your new address, please provide it to us immediately. If you fail to provide complete answers to any of these questions, processing your application or petition will take significantly longer than we anticipated.