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.

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Attorney, CK Law Firm

Many foreign professionals with the goal of working in the US can achieve their work visa goal with the H1B visa. The H1B visa allows professionals who specialize in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics to start work after being offered jobs by US employers. In this guide, I answer the following questions about the H1B visa:

• H-1B Visa Occupations: Which Sectors Can You Apply?
• H-1B Visa Application Requirements: Who is Eligible?
• Documents Required for H-1B Visa
• H-1B Visa Fee: Detailed Analysis
• What is the H-1B Visa Quota?

If you have any other questions about the H1B visa, please feel free to contact us in the comments section of this blog or on the CK Law Firm Immigration Lawyer Webpage. You can also contact me on LinkedIn for private inquiries and consultations.

H-1B Visa Occupations: Which Sectors Can You Apply From?

H-1B visa occupations require specialization, especially in fields such as computer science, engineering and health sciences. This visa is also suitable for people of different nationalities working in positions that require a high level of education and expertise. Some sample professions for which you can apply for an H-1B visa are as follows:

• Computer systems analysts
• Biotechnology experts
• Architect
• Engineer
• Financial and investment analysts

H-1B Visa Application Requirements: Who is Eligible?

To be eligible to apply for an H1-B visa, candidates generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field or equivalent professional experience. Among the H1-B visa requirements, it is important for candidates to document that they have the necessary knowledge and skills for the job position they are applying for. People who have these competencies can apply for an H1-B temporary work visa.

What are the Documents Required for H-1B Visa?

We need to consider the documents required for the H-1B visa application in two separate categories. The documents that your employer, i.e. the sponsor, must provide and the documents that you, as the applicant, must provide are separate. First of all, the documents that the employer must provide are as follows:

• Approved and signed H visa request form
• A document containing the average salary of employees in similar positions in your region
• Document showing the salary paid by the employer to employees in similar positions
• Fee receipt paid to the US Department of Homeland Security (Paid by the employer)
• All offer letters explaining the terms and duration of employment
• If the employee will be working in more than one location, additional documentation listing the dates and address of the locations where the work will be performed
• Evidence that the employee has the degree required for the job, such as transcripts and diplomas.
• Translation of all documents not originally in English certified by a sworn translator
• Educational equivalency assessment for degrees from non-US universities
• Current CV
• Professional license (if required)
• Passport page with personal details and expiration date
• If the employee is in the US, the passport page showing the most recent visa stamp and documents showing the status of presence and entry and exit from the country

The documents that you, the people who will apply for the H-1B visa, should prepare are as follows:

• Passport
• Application fee receipt
• Photo
• Receipt number (can be found on form I-129)

H-1B Visa Fee: Detailed Cost Analysis

H-1B visa fees primarily include the H-1B registration fee. This registration fee is 215 dollars. The subsequent Form I-129 fee has two different pricing according to the size of the employer’s company. While this fee is 780 dollars for large companies, it is 460 dollars for small businesses.

Form I-129 is a form that employers in the United States submit to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States to apply for work authorization for non-immigrant workers. This form must be approved to apply for an American Temporary Work Visa.

In addition to these fees, there is also a Premium processing fee to ensure that your transaction is fast-tracked within 15 days. The fee for this process is 2,805 dollars. However, this does not speed up your consular visa process.

How to Get an H-1B Visa: Step-by-Step Application Guide

The answer to the question of how to get an H-1B visa may vary due to the fact that the process is completely personal. In this process, you must first find an employer who will offer you a job offer from your profession. Afterwards, your H-1B visa process starts with the employer registering online for you.

Once the registration is approved, your employer files a DOL (US Department of Labor) approved LCA (Labor Condition Application) and Form I-129 (Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). After all documents are submitted completely and accurately, USCIS evaluates the application and the H-1B visa allows you to start your US life.

What is an H-1B Visa Quota?

After finding answers to the questions of what is an H-1B visa, another most curious issue is the quota of the H-1B visa. As applications for H-1B visas have increased over time, a certain quota has been formed in this visa type and these applications have become received by lottery as many as the number determined in the quota. Previously, applications remained open for a long time to fill the quota, while today the quota is filled quickly.

This quota offers 85,000 positions. Of these, 65,000 are reserved for bachelor’s graduates or experienced people, while 20,000 are reserved for postgraduates or higher academic professionals.

If you would like support with your H1-B visa process, you can always contact us through the CK Law Firm Website or in the comments. You can also reach me on LinkedIn for private inquiries or consulting services.