H-1B Specialty Occupation

PR pathway

United States · H-1B

Employer-sponsored visa for roles requiring a specialised bachelor's degree, subject to an annual cap filled by a wage-weighted selection since FY2027. A proclamation of 19 September 2025 set a USD 100,000 payment on new petitions for beneficiaries outside the US, but a federal court vacated the implementing guidance on 8 June 2026 (California v. Mullin) and the First Circuit refused a stay on 24 July 2026, so USCIS is not collecting it while that order stands. A proclamation of 18 September 2026 extends the policy to 21 September 2027 and is contested.

Job offer requiredDegree requiredSkills assessment
Check my fit for this routeOfficial guidance
12 wk - 36 wk
Processing time
typical decision
$4,500
Government fee
per applicant
$60,000
Minimum salary
per year
95/100
Popularity
route volume

Eligibility requirements

  • Job offer in a specialty occupation
  • Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent
  • Employer files the petition (USD 215 registration fee)
  • Prevailing-wage compliance
  • Registrations weighted by wage level since 27 February 2026
  • Optional premium processing USD 2,965 (from 1 March 2026)

Who this route suits

Software EngineerData ScientistFinancial AnalystArchitect

Document checklist (11)

0/11

Core

Professional

Background

See how you score on this route

The Migration Wizard checks your nationality, profession and profile against H-1B Specialty Occupation and every alternative, free, in about a minute.

Start the wizard