If you are an individual seeking to work in the United States, you may be familiar with the H-1B and O-1 work visas. Both these visas offer opportunities to work in the US, but their eligibility requirements and application processes are quite different. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of the H-1B and O-1 visas, including their eligibility requirements and the application process.
H-1B Visa: Specialty Occupations
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Specialty occupations are those that require the application of highly specialized knowledge, such as in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). To be eligible for an H-1B visa, an individual must meet one of the following criteria:
- Possess a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty occupation from an accredited US college or university.
- Hold a foreign degree that is equivalent to a US bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty occupation.
- Have an unrestricted state license, certification, or registration that authorizes the individual to practice the specialty occupation in the state of intended employment.
- Have education, training, or progressive experience in the specialty occupation that is equivalent to the completion of such a degree and have recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions related to the specialty.
To apply for an H-1B visa, an individual must be at least 18 years old, and there is no upper age limit. The application process requires connecting with the Institute for Education, Research, and Scholarships (IFERS) on LinkedIn and emailing your LinkedIn URL and resume/CV to career@ifers.org. For more inquiries visit the official website
O-1 Visa: Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1 visa is for individuals who possess extraordinary ability or achievement in their field of expertise. The O-1 visa is not limited to STEM fields and can include any field of endeavor, such as arts, education, business, or athletics. The eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa are as follows:
- Demonstrated extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim.
- Coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.
Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor. In the field of arts, distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered.
To apply for an O-1 visa, an individual must be at least 18 years old, and there is no upper age limit. The application process requires connecting with IFERS on LinkedIn and emailing your LinkedIn URL and resume/CV to career@ifers.org. For more inquiries visit the official website .
Conclusion
The H-1B and O-1 visas offer opportunities for individuals to work in the United States in specialized fields. The eligibility requirements and application process for these visas can be complex, and it is essential to understand them before applying. By understanding the eligibility requirements and following the application process, individuals can increase their chances of successfully obtaining an H-1B or O-1 visa and pursuing their career goals in the United States.
