How Long Does an H1B Visa Take? (How to get H1B Visa)

By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

The H1-B visa is a type of visa that allows foreign professionals to obtain a temporary work permit in the US. With the H1-B visa, professionals get the chance to work and reside in the US for 3 years. They also have the chance to take their families with them. In this article, I am addressing the following topics with the question of how to get H1B visa:

• H1-B Visa Processing Times: How Long Should You Wait?
• 2025 H1-B Visa Application Period: When and How to Apply?
• H1-B Application Process: Basic Steps
• USCIS’ H1-B Visa Evaluation Criteria: What You Need to Know

If you have any questions beyond these topics, you can reach us in the comments of this blog or on the CK Law Firm Official Website. You can also reach me on LinkedIn for your private inquiries and consultancy services.

H1-B Visa Processing Times: How Long Should You Wait?

How many days does it take to get an H1B visa? This can vary depending on the current workload of USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) and the complexity of the application. But generally, applicants should be prepared for a processing time that can take several months. Here are some key points to better understand this process:

Standard Processing Time

Usually H1B visa applications are processed within 3 to 6 months. However, complete and accurate preparation of the application may affect this time. A timely and accurate Labor Condition Application (LCA) submitted by your employer can also shorten the processing time.

Premium Processing Option

For those who want a faster result, there is a premium processing option available for an additional fee. With this service, applications are processed within 15 working days. This option can be ideal, especially for applicants close to their start date.

Other Factors Affecting the Processing Time

In some cases, processing times may vary. This can be due to the volume of applications, seasonal fluctuations, and federal holidays. In addition, USCIS may request additional information due to missing documents or information, which may extend your process.

Tips to Optimize Processing Time

Here are tips to make the processing time more effective:

• Apply Early: Be prepared for the H1B visa application, which opens in early April every year.
• Prepare Your Documents in Advance: Gather and organize all the necessary documents.
• Use the Right Forms: Make sure that the Form I-129 (Application for U.S. Nonimmigrant Work Authorization) and the current LCA (Labor Condition Application) required for the H1B visa are used correctly.

2025 H1-B Visa Application Period: When and How to Apply?

The timing and requirements of the process for the US H1B visa application are determined and announced by USCIS at certain periods each year. Here is what you need to know about 2025 H1B visa application dates:

• H1B applications usually start in the first week of April each year. However, the electronic registration process usually starts in February or March. The exact dates for 2025 have not yet been announced. Therefore, it is very important to follow USCIS’ announcements regularly.
• Starting in 2021, the application process for the H1B visa is governed by a system that requires candidates to register electronically. This process involves registering the names of the candidates and completing the selection process. Selected candidates receive an invitation to submit their formal application. This system is designed to make the process more efficient and fair.

H1-B Application Process: Basic Steps

The H1B visa application is a complex process that follows specific steps. Candidates need to be careful and attentive at every stage for successful completion. Here are the basic steps of the application process for US H1B visa and the documents required for H1B visa:

Step 1: Agreement with the Employer

The H1B visa appointment begins when an employer in the US commits to hiring a foreign employee for a specialized position. This position must be in a specialized field of knowledge that requires theoretical and practical application. The employer must make a job offer to the candidate and prepare a job offer letter detailing that offer.

Step 2: Preparation and Approval of the Labor Condition Application (LCA)

As the next step in the America H1B visa application process, the employer must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the US Department of Labor (DOL). The LCA certifies that the employer complies with certain working conditions and wage standards. Approval of the LCA is an important part of the visa application and must be approved before continuing with the application process.

Step 3: Completing and Submitting Form I-129

Once the LCA is approved, the employer files Form I-129, Application for a US Non-Temporary Work Visa, with USCIS. This form forms the basis of the application and contains detailed information regarding the employer’s requirements for employing the candidate. Form I-129 must be carefully completed by the employer and submitted with all required supporting documents.

Step 4: USCIS Review and Approval

After USCIS evaluates the Form I-129 and other supporting documents, it either approves the application or may request additional information (RFE). The request for additional information may prolong the application process. Therefore, it is important for the employer to prepare the application completely and accurately from the beginning. The approval process may vary depending on the volume of applications and the current workload.

Step 5: Visa Application and Entry Permit

Once Form I-129 is approved, Turkish employees may need to file an individual H1B visa application at a U.S. consulate. This process typically includes an interview, the collection of biometric data, and the payment of required visa fees. After the visa is approved, the Turkish employee can enter the United States.

These steps form the foundation of the H1B visa application process. Each step is critical to ensuring the application is successfully completed. For more details and updates, it is highly recommended to regularly visit the official website of USCIS. Additionally, should any challenges arise at any stage of the process, you can contact us through the CK Law Firm Website for professional legal assistance.

USCIS H1-B Visa Evaluation Criteria: What You Need to Know

The H1B visa is a type of visa that allows Turkish professionals to work in the United States in occupations requiring specialized skills and knowledge. USCIS evaluates applications for this visa based on specific criteria. Here are the H1B visa requirements and key evaluation factors:

1. Occupational Qualifications

For an H1B visa application, the position must fall under the category of a “specialty occupation“. This typically includes roles requiring a high level of theoretical and practical expertise. Fields such as engineering, science, law, technology, mathematics, and finance are common examples. It is the employer’s responsibility to demonstrate that the position meets these criteria.

2. Educational Requirements

Foreign professionals applying for an H1B visa are typically required to hold at least a bachelor’s degree or possess equivalent education or experience. The candidate’s educational background should be directly related to the specialized knowledge or expertise required for the position they are applying for.

3. Employer’s Needs

USCIS evaluates whether the employer genuinely requires an H1B visa employee for the position. The employer must demonstrate that the role is so specialized that it cannot be filled by the existing workforce and that the foreign worker’s skills and knowledge are critical to the business.

4. Salary and Working Conditions

For H1B visa applications, employers must show that the offered salary aligns with the prevailing wage or industry standards in the region. Additionally, the working conditions for the foreign employee must be equal to or better than those of American workers in similar roles.

5. Labor Condition Application (LCA)

As part of the application, the employer must submit an approved LCA. This document certifies to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that the foreign worker’s wage will not fall below the region’s prevailing wage and that the working conditions will not create unfair competition in the job market.

These evaluation criteria are designed to ensure that H1B visa applications are reviewed objectively and fairly. Paying close attention to these criteria during the preparation and application process can significantly improve the chances of success. For more information, feel free to contact us through the CK Law Firm Website. Additionally, if you have questions beyond “How long does it take to get an H1B visa?” or need assistance with other matters, you can also reach out to me via LinkedIn.