The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. These occupations require a bachelor’s or higher degree in a specific field, such as science, engineering, or computer programming.

There is a cap on the number of H-1B visas issued each year, which is currently set at 85,000. This includes 20,000 visas reserved for individuals who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. Because the number of applications typically exceeds the cap, USCIS uses a lottery system to randomly select the petitions that will be processed.

This Visa, in limited circumstances, grants the spouse of the beneficiary a work permit, during the validity of the Visa.