What is the H-1B Visa?
- 65,000 visas are selected in Round 1
- 20,000 visas are selected in Round 2, specifically for individuals with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions.
How to Qualify for the H-1B Visa
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree (BSC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) is required.
- Work Experience: For those without a university degree, work experience in a specialized field is crucial. Three years of work experience is considered equivalent to one year of university education, so if you don’t have a degree, you should have at least 10 years of relevant work experience.
- Employer Sponsorship: Your employer must file a petition for you with the U.S. government. This is a key part of the application process, as you cannot apply for the H-1B Visa without a sponsoring employer. If you don’t have one yet, there are ways to find employers who are willing to sponsor your visa.
The Application Process
- Check Eligibility: Make sure you have the necessary qualifications (degree or work experience) and have secured an employer who will file a petition on your behalf.
- Submit Application: The application period is from March 7th to March 24th. You need to submit your application through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
- Wait for Lottery Selection: Once you’ve applied, you will be entered into the lottery system. Remember, only 85,000 visas are granted, and there are thousands of applicants every year, so the chances of selection are random.
Additional Costs
- Legal fees for processing your application.
- Asylum costs
- Other fees, including those for moving your family and settling in the U.S. You should expect to pay around $5,000 – $8,000 which is (₦7-₦12m) in total to cover these expenses.
