Understanding H-1B Lottery Chances and Requirements
The H-1B visa program is a popular route for Indian IT professionals to work in the United States, offering promising opportunities across the tech sector. However, the odds of being selected in the lottery depend on several factors, the most critical being your employer's sponsorship and the job you are applying for. Approximately 65,000 H-1B visas are issued each year, leading to a highly competitive process. Without an employer sponsorship, the likelihood of being picked is exceedingly slim, if not non-existent.
Job Description and Sponsorship Impact
Your chances of being selected in the H-1B lottery hinge on the job description submitted by your prospective employer and their ability to meet the requirements for the H-1B petition. Not all jobs offered in the U.S. are eligible for H-1B sponsorship, and the clarity of job responsibilities is crucial. Without this information, your application might face rejection.
Lottery Selection Process Explained
Around 20 to 25% of the applications are selected in the lottery. This percentage is derived from a combination of the total number of applications submitted and the number of visas allocated. For instance, if there are 300,000 applications and 65,000 plus 20,000 applications are selected, in total 80,000 applications are chosen.
Good News for Indian IT Professionals: Premium Processing Introduction
A significant advantage for Indian IT professionals is the introduction of premium processing under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Premium processing allows for faster processing times with a guaranteed 15-day turnaround. This service is particularly valuable for professionals already in the U.S. on a student visa.
History and Suspension of Premium Processing
Previously, the USCIS suspended premium processing in April due to a surge in new petition filings. This suspension was to manage the backlog of petitions. It is not the first time the premium processing has been suspended; in the past, similar actions were taken to clear the backlog.
USCIS Resumes Premium Processing for Specific Categories
In September, the USCIS announced the resumption of premium processing for certain categories of H-1B petitions for the 2018 fiscal year. Additionally, premium processing was reinstated for the 20,000 additional H-1B visas for employees with a higher educational degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from U.S. educational institutions. However, the premium processing for extension of stays remains suspended for an uncertain period.
USCIS's 15-Day Refund Program
To ensure transparency, the USCIS has introduced a 15-day refund program. If the service fails to process an application within 15 calendar days, the applicant's processing fee will be refunded, and the application will be fast-tracked. However, this service is only available for pending petitions and not for new filings.
Professional Immigration Services for H-1B Petitions
For hassle-free and effective H-1B processing, professionals can seek assistance from leading immigration services providers like Trans National Legal Services (TNLS). With 14 years of experience, TNLS offers unparalleled user satisfaction through their highly qualified and experienced attorneys. To get in touch with them, visit their website or call 248-495-6971.
For more information on H-1B premiums, contact TNLS at TNLS or visit their website for further details.