How to Get an H-1B Visa to Work in the United States?
The H-1B is a dual-intent visa: it allows you to work legally in the U.S. and subsequently apply for a Green Card without affecting your immigration status. We guide you through the entire process.
Is the H-1B Still a Random Lottery?
No. The H-1B no longer works as a random lottery. It is now governed by a weighted selection system where factors such as salary, seniority, and education determine the probability of selection.
Offered Salary Level
Higher wages receive more points in the weighted selection system
U.S. Master's or PhD
Advanced degrees from U.S. universities access 20,000 additional slots and higher scores
Job Specialty Alignment
Role must closely match the SOC and specialty occupation
Employer Compliance History
Clean immigration and payroll history strengthens the case
Change of Status (COS) in the U.S.
If you already have valid U.S. status, you avoid the $100,000 fee and consular processing risks.
H-1B Visas available per year
85,000
65,000 regular visas + 20,000 additional slots for holders of a U.S. Master's or PhD.
New points-based system
The new system replaces the random draw with a points-based model. This benefits professionals with competitive salaries and advanced degrees earned in the U.S.
We help you negotiate a competitive salary aligned with the prevailing wage level in your area to maximize your score.
When and How to Apply for an H-1B Visa?
Learn about the key stages of the process and the official USCIS registration dates.
H-1B Process Timeline
Official registration period
March 4 – 19
Electronic registration with USCIS takes place exclusively during this annual window. Outside this period, it is not possible to enter the H-1B lottery.
Dual-intent visa
The H-1B is a dual-intent visa: it allows you to work legally in the U.S. and subsequently apply for a Green Card without affecting your immigration status. We guide you through the entire process.
Registration closes March 19
Book your consultation before that date so we can help you with your H-1B process.
What Do You Need to Apply for an H-1B Visa?
Requirements, stages, and timelines from application to your consular appointment
Basic Requirements
- Job offer from a U.S. employer (sponsor)
- Professional degree (Bachelor's or higher) in the required specialty
- The position must qualify as a "specialty occupation" according to USCIS
Processing
Variable according to USCIS calendar.
With Premium Processing option: 15 business days.
Duration
Initial period of 3 years, renewable up to a maximum of 6 years.
Average times from the approval of the background information sent by the client until the documentation is ready for the Consular Appointment.
How Much Does the H-1B Visa Cost in 2026?
Breakdown of government fees required by USCIS for the H-1B petition
Already have valid U.S. immigration status?
If you currently hold a valid immigration status in the United States, you are not subject to the $100,000 Presidential Proclamation fee. This benefit applies to those filing a Change of Status (COS) from within the country.
Base Filing I-129 fee
Adjusted fee for H-1B (significant increase from $460 under the USCIS final fee rule effective Apr 1, 2024)
ACWIA Fee (Workforce Training Fee)
$750 for fewer than 25 employees, $1,500 for more than 25 employees. No change reported in 2026 schedule.
Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee
No change reported in 2026 schedule.
Asylum Program Fee
$300 for fewer than 25 employees, $600 for more than 25 employees. No change reported in 2026 schedule.
Public Law 114-113 fee (if applicable)
Applies to employers with 50+ U.S. employees where more than 50% are on H-1B/L-1 status; unchanged.
Premium Processing fee (optional)
New premium processing fee for petitions postmarked on or after March 1, 2026 (increased from $2,805)
Additional Presidential Proclamation Fee (new)
One-time fee of $100,000 imposed on new H-1B petitions filed after Sept 21, 2025. Does not apply if you already hold valid U.S. status and file a Change of Status.
Monitor your process in real time
Access an exclusive platform where you can stay updated on each step of the process.
Process visibility
You will find all your processes in one place, with summary, estimated date and more.
Additionally, you will be able to see the status of each process in real time, send us information we request, and access other features that will streamline your experience.
Featured News
10/11/2025
Chileans sought to work in agroindustry in Palm Beach: this is how they pay
Platform is recruiting engineers and technicians with experience to go with a visa to Florida
9/15/2025
Visability: the ally for Chileans who want to work in the United States
Working in the United States is a big project, but not impossible. With Visability you have comprehensive support from diagnosis to career development plan
9/10/2025
How to prepare for your consular interview at the U.S. Embassy in Chile
The consular interview may seem intimidating, but it's not if you arrive prepared. Don't risk losing your appointment due to an avoidable detail
9/1/2025
H-1B1 Visa: 4 professional areas where Chileans have high demand in the United States
The H-1B1 visa is today the most direct pathway for Chilean professionals in technology, engineering, health and finance to access job opportunities in the United States
8/15/2025
How U.S. companies can hire Chilean workers: benefits, visas and key steps
For U.S. companies, hiring Chilean workers means accessing quality talent, reducing costs and expanding their team with motivated professionals
7/20/2025
H-1B1 Visa: how the permit that opens 1,400 annual slots for Chileans in the U.S. works
A concrete opportunity to advance professionally. The H-1B1 visa not only opens exclusive slots for Chileans, but also represents a real opportunity for international professional growth
7/16/2025
Visability: the Chilean platform that simplifies work, study and investment visas for the U.S.
A reliable platform to project globally. Whether you want to work, study, invest or visit the U.S., Visability offers a clear, agile path backed by concrete results
5/29/2025
Why can my Visa Waiver be rejected?
The tightening of controls has reduced the advantages of the Waiver program. Today, more than ever, it is essential to review your history and be honest in your application
4/20/2025
How Visability is transforming the career path of Chileans toward the U.S.
The interview demonstrates that advancing professionally toward the United States is not just a dream: with the right tools, like those offered by Visability, that path can be efficient, well-accompanied, and within reach of those willing to prepare strategically
4/17/2025
How to get a work visa for the U.S.: the platform that's transforming the process for Chileans
If you're thinking about working or studying in the United States, Visability presents a comprehensive and accessible solution that reduces times and provides clarity throughout the entire migration process
4/10/2025
How Visability facilitates the H‑1B1 visa: keys for Chilean professionals who want to work in the U.S.
The interview on La Metro highlights that the H-1B1 visa is more than a curiosity: it's a concrete pathway for Chilean professionals to develop their careers in the United States
4/5/2025
How two Chilean engineers got jobs in the U.S. with the H-1B1 visa
The story published in LUN demonstrates that with preparation, strategy and the right visa, it's possible to make the international leap
3/29/2025
H-1B1 Visa: the fastest alternative for Chilean professionals who want to work in the U.S.
The H-1B1 Visa represents the most direct and fastest pathway for Chileans to work legally in the United States
3/29/2025
H‑1B1 Visa for Chileans: a clear and direct route to opportunities in the U.S.
The H‑1B1 visa represents a concrete and accessible opportunity for talented Chilean professionals who want to work legally in the United States
3/29/2025
H-1B1 Visa: the opportunity for Chilean professionals seeking to work in the United States
The H-1B1 Visa is the most direct gateway for Chilean professionals who want to work legally in the United States
3/27/2025
H1B1 Visa: Get to know the Visa that allows you to work abroad
With a technological and personalized focus, Visability offers strategic advice and accompaniment in each stage of the migration process
3/27/2025
H‑1B1 Visa: how Chilean professionals can work legally in the U.S. with expert support
The H‑1B1 Visa represents a real and accessible opportunity for Chileans who want to take their career abroad
2/22/2025
Requirements to request the Visa B1/B2/H1B1 for the United States
Due to the uncertainty about the Visa Waiver, CNN interviewed our CEO Pablo Navarrete to know the alternatives and their requirements
4/1/2024
Emol 'Lo Pensó/Lo Hizo' Features Visability
Emol interviews Pablo Navarrete about Visability, the platform that accelerates work visas abroad
3/5/2024
Visa for the United States: requirements that Chileans must meet to work legally
What are the requirements that Chileans must meet to work in the foreign country with the document
1/30/2024
More than 1,400 Chileans seek to work in the U.S.: visa application requirements
Growing interest in U.S. job opportunities among Chilean professionals
8/2/2023
H1B1 Visa Requirements and Benefits
T13 interviews our CEO Pablo Navarrete about the benefits and requirements of the H1B1 visa
Initial consultation free
We offer you a free consultation to evaluate your eligibility, without commitment or additional costs.