Page 9 - Passport Sized Visa Reference Guide

H-1B Professional Occupations Continued
• Visa is good for 3 years and renewable for 3 additional years, 6 years maximum
• Can extend beyond year 6 if employer has sponsored the person for permanent residency
• H-1B visa filings are subject to an annual quota of 85,000 visas, and the quota is quickly used up each year
• For the first H-1B petition for an individual, file on April 1 for a start date of October 1
Comment: Exemptions from quota include an H-1B extension with same company, a transfer to another company, and petitions filed by universities, nonprofit organizations affiliated with a university and non-profit research organizations
Comment: A company can sponsor one of its
major shareholders if the company has a Board of Directors with authority to terminate the shareholder’s employment
Comment: H-4 spouse cannot work unless employee sponsored for green card
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