A H1B visa (nonimmigrant visa) is the visa issued to persons with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to be in the U.S. on a temporary basis. In other words H1B visa is a work permit issued by a US Consulate/Embassy to an "alien"/foreign worker enabling him/her to work in the US temporarily. This is popularly called as "Non-Immigrant Visa" and lawful method to bring foreign-born professionals.

Foreign professionals with specialized knowledge, such as scientists, engineers, programmers, research analysts, management consultants, journalists, accountants, and others with Bachelor's or equivalent degree. Foreign nationals entering the U.S. to offer exceptional services relating to cooperative research and development projects administered by the U.S. department of defense. Professional Nurses entering the U.S. to perform complex job duties or supervise nursing operations. U.S. companies to bring in qualified foreign professionals for jobs that require a bachelors degree and specialized skills.

The H1B visa is tied to the employer. This means that you must have a job offer from a sponsoring employer, and the employer should file a petition with USCIS (U.S Citizenship and Immigration services) formerly called INS -Immigration and Naturalization Service that handles most matters involving h1b visas. USCIS will review your petition and try to see whether all condition for a H1-b holder are met and will send an approval notice I-797.

Immigrant Visa      H-1B Visa Sponsors