H-1B Visa Jobs: Which Are Approved Fastest?

By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

The H-1B visa is a gateway to opportunities for Turkish professionals aiming to build a career in the United States. However, there are specific considerations Turkish experts should keep in mind during this process. In this article, I will share insights into which occupations qualify for this visa and which are most quickly approved. Here are the topics I’ll be covering to help you successfully navigate your application:

• H-1B Visa: Your Key to Working in the U.S.
• Jobs You Can Work with an H-1B Visa
• H-1B Visa Basic Fees
• Working in the U.S. with an H-1B Visa: Advantages

I’ll address the above topics in detail, but if you have additional questions, feel free to ask in the comments section of this blog or reach out via our website. For inquiries on other topics, you can also connect with me directly on LinkedIn.

H-1B Visa: Your Key to Working in the U.S.

The H1B visa provides temporary work authorization for foreign professionals seeking employment in specialized fields in the United States. While it is most commonly associated with STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), it also offers opportunities in other sectors such as healthcare, finance, and academia.

How Long is the H-1B Visa Valid?

The question of how long the H-1B visa is valid is an important one, as it helps determine how long you can continue your career in the United States. Initially, the H-1B visa is issued for a period of three years. However, it can be extended up to six years when necessary. Additionally, you have the opportunity to transition your H-1B visa to a Green Card with the help of your sponsor, granting you permanent residency in the U.S.

Jobs You Can Work with an H-1B Visa

Knowing which professions qualify for the H-1B visa is crucial for navigating the application process effectively. Here are some of the key H-1B visa jobs:

1. Technology and Software Industry

One of the most in-demand fields in the U.S. is the technology sector. Key professions in this industry include:

• Software Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Artificial Intelligence Specialist
• Cybersecurity Analyst

Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft hire thousands of professionals in technology-related fields annually through the H-1B visa program. For experts in these areas, building strong connections with these companies can significantly streamline the application process.

2. Engineering Fields

The demand for engineering professionals in the U.S. has grown due to infrastructure projects and industrial development. This provides opportunities for experts in engineering to apply for the H-1B visa. Key specialties in this field include:

• Chemical Engineer
• Electrical Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Civil Engineer

3. Healthcare

The healthcare sector is one of the most critical industries in the U.S., as it is globally. This creates opportunities for healthcare professionals to apply for the H-1B visa. Key roles in this sector include:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Biomedical Researchers
• Medical Technology Specialists

4. Finance and Business

International companies in the U.S. place significant value on skilled professionals in finance and business. Experts in these fields can secure opportunities to work in the U.S. through the H-1B visa. Prominent roles in this sector include:

• Financial Analyst
• Accounting Specialist
• Business Strategist
• Project Manager

5. Academic Fields

The U.S. is a global hub for academic and research projects, offering significant opportunities to professionals in these areas through the H-1B visa. Individuals with the following titles are particularly sought after:

• University Professors
• Research Assistants
• Academic Advisors

Which Professions Get Approved Faster?

Certain H-1B visa occupations are prioritized and receive approvals more quickly. Here are the professions and the reasons they often experience expedited processing:

• Software Developers and Data Scientists: The technology sector leads in H-1B visa approvals due to high demand.
• Healthcare Professionals: Doctors and nurses are prioritized because of the critical healthcare needs in the U.S.
• Engineers: Electrical and civil engineers often have high approval rates due to their vital role in infrastructure and development projects.
• Researchers: Professionals working in universities and private research institutions frequently benefit from expedited processing due to their contributions to academia and innovation.

H-1B Visa Basic Fees

The H-1B visa fees are primarily the responsibility of the employer. While applicants are expected to cover personal expenses, the official procedural costs are borne by the sponsoring employer. These costs include:

• Application Fee: $460
• Anti-Fraud Fee: $500
• Education and Workforce Fee: $750–$1,500 (varies based on employer size)
• Premium Processing Fee: $2,500 (optional for expedited processing)

Employers are legally prohibited from passing these costs onto the employee. Regulations clearly state that sponsors must cover these expenses. For a more detailed breakdown of H-1B visa cost, refer to our article, “How Much Does H-1B Visa Cost? (Detailed Pricing).”

Working in the U.S. with an H-1B Visa: Advantages

Holding an H-1B visa offers several benefits for professionals working in the United States, including:

• International Career Opportunities: Access to unparalleled opportunities in the global job market of the U.S.
• Family Accompaniment: H-1B visa holders can have their spouses and children join them in the U.S. under the H-4 visa.
• Professional Development: Extensive opportunities for academic and career growth.

The advantages of the H-1B visa go beyond these. It also allows you to apply for a Green Card. With employer support, you can begin the process to secure permanent residency while working legally in the U.S. Once you obtain a Green Card, you gain permanent residency and the ability to apply for U.S. citizenship.

In this article, I have explored key professions eligible for the H-1B visa. If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to leave a comment on this blog or contact us through the official CK Law Firm website. For discussions on specific topics, you can also reach out to me directly on LinkedIn.