The process of getting your H-1B visa can seem like an arduous task at times, even when you have all the right documents in hand and there are not too many steps involved.
But what most people do not realize is that it takes around eight to twelve months to get this important document. That’s a long time!
During this period, you will be waiting for USCIS to review and process your application. They may ask you to send them more information, or they may take their own additional time to assess things.
It is very common for employers to use the extra time to find reasons why you should be denied entry into the United States. This could include poor English being one of the main languages spoken in your country, or evidence showing that employees were dismissed due to poor performance or misconduct.
If such situations arise, then you would need to start the process over again from scratch which can cost you more than just money, but also valuable resources and energy. What if you ran out of both because of the delay?
This article will go into detail about how much time it typically takes for processing H-1Bs and some potential causes of slowdowns.
The next step in the process is to prepare your application. This includes completing all required forms, gathering necessary documents, and updating your personal profiles across social media, google, and other sites you use to connect with people.
It’s also important to remember that it can take several days to receive confirmation that your applications have been received.
So, be sure to keep an eye out for updates!
While there is no set time frame to wait for visa processing, our experienced team at Career Best Immigration has identified some common variables that could affect this.
These include day and night hours, weekends, federal holidays, and seasons (summer vs winter). We will update this article as needed to reflect these changes.
The process of getting your visa starts with having your documents ready. This includes proving who you are, proof of employment, and verification that you have enough money to come back home if needed.
Once this is all done, your employer needs to send in their paperwork as well! They must include a job offer letter, proof of payment (wages), and employee I-9 forms. These are usually self-explanatory so look those up first before completing them.
After everything has been submitted, the consulate will review it and make sure everything is in order. During this time, they may ask for an interview or additional documentation. Once again, be prepared and aware of what was asked during the initial application stage!
The process can take anywhere from a few days to weeks depending on how many people are being processed at once. Make sure you keep track of when your documents were sent off and when you heard back from the embassy.
The next step in the process is to get your visa approved. This happens when USCIS reviews your I-129 petition and other supporting documents, such as proof of employment or family ties.
It can take anywhere from a few days to weeks depending on how many employees are listed on the I-9 form and whether they have expired visas. Employees must include this information on their Form I-9, which requires them to verify that they have proper documentation before completing it.
This process also depends on where you live. Some countries require more time due to possible legal action. For example, if there has been fraud or misrepresentation of information, then extra steps will be taken.
In these cases, employers may be required to go back and reenter all of the information.
There is a six month expiration period for your H-1B visa, which means you have to reapply well before you need to go back home or stay in the US permanently! This can be very difficult as it takes time to process an H-1B visa again once it has expired.
It’s important to note that employers cannot use your old visa as proof of employment until it is reissued. So if you are looking for work soon after applying for the new one, this could pose a problem.
This also means that employees who worked while yours was still valid may not get paid unless theirs is renewed first, so make sure everyone knows their status!
There are several ways to renew your H-1B visa, but most require you to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of the country where you live.
The next step in applying for your H1B visa is to apply with an employer. This can be done through your current employer, or via hiring agency that will submit you as a candidate.
Most employers require two documents when submitting you as a candidate for employment. These are called the job offer letter and the Employment Certification Form (or I-9 form). Both of these must be notarized.
The job offer letter should state clearly what position you will hold, who your supervisor will be, and if there is anything else you should know about the company such as whether it goes through subcontractors.
This document does not need to be signed by both parties, but the person signing needs to verify all information under oath. Make sure to have this proof before going through the process.
After getting the job, the second piece of paperwork is the Employee I-9 form which has to do with nationalities and work authorization. This form is proof that you are legally working in America and that your stay here is legal.
Along with having enough proof of employment, education, and health insurance coverage, paying your visa processing fees is one of the biggest expenses in seeking a new life in America or any other country.
Most employers pay this expense for you, so it makes sense to look at doing it yourself first. Some countries have free visa services but that is very limited only to certain types of visas (like those for studying).
By looking into the costs before applying, you will know what things can be paid for you as part of the process and which ones you must do yourself. Most major consulates and embassy websites list their cost breakdowns, too.
General tips: remember, if there are no costs listed, then they are usually covered by being sponsored by an employer or being paid for through government programs such as F-visa.
Supporting documents are not proof of employment or citizenship, but they play an important role in proving your job position and/or residency. These documents must be official, clear, and verifiable to prove your claim!
Documents that show leadership positions you hold may also help your case as an employee. For example, if you are applying under the employer visa program, then having letters confirming your authority as an executive or manager will strengthen your case.
If possible, it is best to have one set of supporting documents that do not change from person to person, because these can sometimes be faked or copied and pasted from somewhere else. This could hurt your application.
