Chicago H-1B1 Visa Lawyers

The H-1B1 visa is a special variation of the H-1B visa, specifically designed for citizens of Singapore and Chile under trade agreements between those countries and the United States. Like the H-1B visa, the H-1B1 allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. However, the H-1B1 is distinct in that it is limited to nationals of Singapore and Chile, and it has some differences in terms of application procedures and requirements.

The H-1B1 visa is employer-sponsored, meaning that a U.S. employer must submit a petition on behalf of the applicant. Unlike the standard H-1B visa, the H-1B1 does not require the employer to submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the Department of Labor. Additionally, the H-1B1 visa does not have a cap for each country, though there are annual limits for the total number of H-1B1 visas issued.

The H-1B1 visa is typically granted for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension in one-year increments. The visa holder is allowed to work for the sponsoring employer in a specific role, and if they wish to change employers, they must go through the visa transfer process.

While the H-1B1 visa is generally similar to the H-1B visa, it has some notable differences, including no path to permanent residency or a green card directly through the visa. Additionally, family members of H-1B1 visa holders (spouses and children) can accompany them to the U.S. under the H-4 visa classification, but the spouses are not automatically eligible to work unless they apply for specific work authorization.

Overall, the H-1B1 visa offers a temporary and specialized work opportunity for professionals from Singapore and Chile, providing a pathway for skilled workers in certain occupations to live and work in the United States.