For aspiring globetrotters and future professionals working abroad, a visa is a must to turn your dream into reality!
If you’re dreaming of working in the United States, the H-1B visa is your golden ticket. However, navigating the H-1B visa process can feel like a maze.
This blog will guide you with every step of the way. Also, it touches on the importance of securing travel insurance for a smooth transition to your new life in the U.S. Let’s dive in! See more : lithuanian passport
What is an H-1B Visa?
An H-1B visa is an employment-based, non-immigrant visa that enables U.S. employers to employ international employees in different occupations. To be eligible, you need a job offer from a U.S. company, and typically, the job must need a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field.
Why the H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is highly sought after for several reasons:
- Minimum Requirements: Only a bachelor’s degree and a job offer are needed.
- Portability: You can switch employers without losing your visa status.
- Family Benefits: You can bring your spouse and children on an H-4 visa.
- Path to Permanent Residency: It can be a steppingstone to obtaining a green card.
Step-by-Step H-1B Visa Process
Let’s break down the H-1B process step by step:
Step 1: Find a Sponsor
The H-1B process starts with finding a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. That means the employer will petition for your visa on your behalf. Suppose you’re in the U.S. on a different visa (like a student or visitor visa). In that case, you can begin searching for employers willing to sponsor your H-1B visa.
Step 2: Employer Files a Labour Condition Application (LCA)
Once you have a sponsor, the company must file an LCA with the Department of Labor (DOL). This document ensures that your employment won’t negatively affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers in similar positions.
Step 3: Determine the Prevailing Wage
Your employer must obtain a prevailing wage determination from the DOL. That is to ensure that you are paid fairly compared to U.S. workers in similar roles. The wage must meet or exceed the prevailing wage for that occupation in the specific geographic area.
Step 4: Employer Submits ETA-9035 Form
After determining the prevailing wage, your employer needs to submit the ETA-9035 form electronically through the Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. This form is part of the LCA process.
Step 5: Employer Files the Petition Using Form I-129
Once the LCA is certified, your employer files Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form includes your job description, qualifications, and terms of employment.
Step 6: Complete the H-1B Visa Application
After your Form I-129 is approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797). If you are outside the U.S., you must apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. You must complete Form DS-160 and schedule a visa interview. If you’re already in the U.S., the USCIS will update your status to H-1B.
Documents Required for H-1B Visa Application
Here’s a checklist of essential documents you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Educational documents (degree certificates, transcripts)
- Employment offer letter from your U.S. sponsor
- Previous employment letters and reference letters
- U.S. visa interview appointment letter
- Passport-size photographs (as per specifications)
- Confirmation page of DS-160 form
- Copy of Form I-797
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificates of dependent children (if any)
- Visa fee receipt
- International-style resume
- Job description from the sponsoring company
- Labour Certification Approval (LCA)
H-1B Visa Cost
The H-1B visa cost includes various fees paid by both the employer and the employee. Employers typically cover the petition filing fees, while employees may need to pay for visa application fees and other related expenses.
Importance of Travel Insurance
While preparing for your journey, don’t forget to secure travel insurance. Here’s why:
- Health Coverage: Healthcare in the U.S. is expensive. Travel insurance ensures you have coverage for medical emergencies.
- Trip Interruptions: In case of flight delays or cancellations, travel insurance can cover additional expenses.
- Lost Baggage: Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost or delayed baggage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Travel Insurance
Here’s how to get travel insurance to complement your H-1B journey:
Step 1: Research and Compare Plans
Look for international travel insurance plans that offer comprehensive coverage.
Step 2: Understand Coverage Options
Ensure the plan covers medical emergencies, trip delays, lost baggage, and other essentials.
Step 3: Get a Quote and Purchase
Use online tools to get a quote and purchase the plan that suits your needs.
Step 4: Keep Your Policy Handy
Keep a copy of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers with you during your travels.
Final Thought
Securing an H-1B visa and travel insurance is crucial for a smooth transition to your new life in the United States. One of the top choices for international travel insurance is Future Generali. They offer comprehensive plans that cover medical expenses, trip interruptions, lost baggage, and more. Their overseas travel insurance plans are designed to provide peace of mind as you embark on your new adventure.
