Those who think that only EB visas allow skilled professionals to work in the United States should know that another type of visa, the H-1B, is an excellent alternative, and the first quarter of the year is the time to apply for this type of visa.
“H-1B visas are among the most sought-after visas by foreigners, and it’s no different for Brazilians. It’s precisely at the beginning of the year that companies are opening their selection processes and subsequently selecting those professionals who have the profile to work in the USA”, says Wagner Pontes, founder of D4U Immigration, a consultancy specializing in immigration petitions for the USA. “Although the H-1B doesn’t grant permanent residency like the EB2-NIW, for example, the company hiring the professional can provide the necessary support for the professional to start that process later, if the work contract exceeds six years”, Pontes states.
In the last fiscal year, which began in October 2021 and ended in September 2022, about 85,000 people were approved by the American government to work professionally in the USA through the H-1B visa, with 1,986 being the number of Brazilians, placing Brazil in 8th place in the approval ranking. “It’s important to note that the application process for this type of visa begins in March and extends for about six months. So, the professional can enter the USA between September and October”, concludes the executive.
In the general scenario, the prospects for the American job market are optimistic. A survey conducted by D4U Immigration with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the economy is expected to add more than 8 million jobs between 2021 and 2031, with emphasis on healthcare, industry, services, and technology sectors.
Who is eligible for the H-1B visa
The H-1B is considered a non-immigrant visa, meaning it’s a temporary visa that can be extended for up to three years, not exceeding a total of six years of stay in American territory. This visa is granted to professionals who have at least a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience or specialization in a field such as Architecture, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine and Health, Education, Business Specialty, Accounting, Law, among others.
Every year, about 65,000 H-1B visas are made available to workers who have at least a bachelor’s degree, and another 20,000 are addressed to those who have a master’s or doctoral degree from a U.S. higher education institution, thus providing a double chance, as they can be selected for the bachelor’s or master’s/doctoral degree from an American educational institution. However, applying for the H-1B does not guarantee obtaining the visa for the worker, who will participate in a kind of lottery and may or may not be selected.
It’s important to emphasize that the company hiring is responsible for the worker’s electronic pre-registration and, if approved, for the petition before USCIS. The professional will be in charge of assisting the company in gathering and organizing all documentation and providing necessary clarifications.
About D4U Immigration
Founded in 2015, D4U Immigration has already benefited more than 6,000 people and records an approval rate of over 91% in petitions submitted to USCIS, the U.S. immigration department. In 2021 and 2022, it received the award for best immigration consultancy in the USA and Latin America by Legal Awards. D4U Immigration helps Brazilian families achieve permanent residency (Green Card) and has an extensive network of professionals and partners who offer complementary services and assist in identifying and choosing the best option for schools, houses, and all other procedures for the best stay in the United States. Last year, D4U entered the European market through a merger with one of the largest European immigration companies to provide clients who prefer the culture of the other continent with options.
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