H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker for United States. New $100,000 fee imposed September 2025 for most petitions; weighted selection process favoring higher wages effective FY2027; extensions possible beyond 6 years for those in green card process
Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications
Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications
FY2026: 85K cap (65K+20K masters), 35.3% lottery odds. FY2027 MAJOR: wage-weighted lottery (L1=1x, L4=4x entries), new $100K fee for offshore petitions. Registration Mar 4-19, 2026.
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18+ |
| Education Required | bachelor |
| Profession Required | No |
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| License / Recognition Required | No |
| Remote Income Allowed | No |
| Business Activity Required | No |
| Health Insurance Required | Yes |
| Proof of Funds Required | No |
| Can Apply From Abroad | Yes |
Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | €722 |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Allowed | Yes |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes |
| Children Allowed | Yes |
| Work Rights | full |
| Remote Work Rights | No |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Time to Permanent Residency | 5 years |
| Time to Citizenship | 5 years |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker?
H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker for United States. New $100,000 fee imposed September 2025 for most petitions; weighted selection process favoring higher wages effective FY2027; extensions possible beyond 6 years for those in green card process
Who is the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker best for?
This pathway is best suited for: Mid-career professionals with a job offer and relevant qualifications.
Who should not apply for the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker?
This pathway is not ideal for: Freelancers without employer sponsorship or those without recognised qualifications.
How long does it take to process the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker?
Processing typically takes 120 to 210 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.
Can I bring my family on the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker?
Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.
Can the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker lead to permanent residency or citizenship?
Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 5 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.
What are the known issues with the H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker?
Known issues and warnings: FY2026: 85K cap (65K+20K masters), 35.3% lottery odds. FY2027 MAJOR: wage-weighted lottery (L1=1x, L4=4x entries), new $100K fee for offshore petitions. Registration Mar 4-19, 2026.. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.
Are there alternative pathways to United States?
Yes. United States offers 15 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our United States country page.
What is the cost of living in United States?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: New York: €4,800/month; San Francisco: €4,400/month; Austin: €3,050/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
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Get Your Free VerdictOfficial source: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/h-1b-specia