H-1B1 Nonimmigrant Visa H-1B1 Nonimmigrant Visa

H-1B1 Nonimmigrant Visa

This article includes an overview of the H-1B1 visa and is intended for sponsored employees and employers to gain a better understanding of case processing. Envoy Global users can work with the legal team at Corporate Immigration Partners (CIP) in the Communication Center to learn more about this visa and open a case. 

Important Notice
This is a high level overview intended for employers and sponsored employees. Circumstances may vary from case to case and questions about cases opened in your Envoy Global account should be directed to the legal team at CIP in the Communication Center.

The H-1B1 nonimmigrant visa classification is designated for Chilean & Singaporean nationals in a specialty occupation which is defined as a position requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field related to the job, and that the employee being sponsored has at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in that specific or related field. The H-1B1 visa is specific to a position, location, and sponsoring employer, so you may see a case opened as one of the following variants:

H-1B1 Extensions are opened when a current H-1B status requires extension with minimal to no changes in the beneficiary’s previously approved status. Please note that USCIS only allows for an extension to be filed, at most, 6 months ahead of expiration. 

H-1B1 Transfers are opened when an H-1B visa status holder is seeking to change employers. Within the Envoy platform, this is often indicated as a simple “H-1B” case. 

H-1B1 Amendments (with or without Extension) are opened when there is a material change in terms and conditions of employment, most often with a significant change in location and sometimes in role or wages. Please notify your Envoy team of any potential changes in your position (promotions, worksite changes, etc.). 

While rarely met, there is a cap on the number of H-1B1 visas issued annually. Additionally, the H-1B1 is not a dual intent visa like the H-1B.

Validity Period

Validity Period/Max Length: 1-year initial stay; 1-year extensions; No max stay

Dependents

The dependent filing status associated with the H-1B is known as an H-4 filing. If you have family members who require H-4 status to join you in the United States, the legal team at CIP will assist with opening the necessary case(s) once the primary H-1B case is opened. 

Case Processing

Questionnaire & Initial Legal Review: Sponsored employees and their employer will complete a custom questionnaire enabling the legal team to begin case preparation. The legal team will review all the information provided and begin drafting the forms and letters for the case.
Read this article on completing the questionnaire  ⟶
Customer Action Needed: Additional information may be requested after the legal team completes their initial review. Once the forms and letters are fully drafted, employers will conduct a review of the information before finalizing the case.
Read this article on completing action items  ⟶
Labor Condition Application (LCA): The legal team may file an LCA with the Department of Labor (DOL). This is filed electronically, and the DOL generally takes 7 to 10 business days to certify the LCA.
Sent to Government: Once the case is sent to USCIS, the tracking number is linked to the case so employees and employers can track its delivery. The legal team will update the case with the receipt number once the receipt notice is received. This can take a few weeks to receive from USCIS.
USCIS Processing Estimates: 7-8+ months with standard processing; 15 business days with premium processing. These are general timelines and can vary greatly, so please check with the legal team at CIP for case specific questions.
Check current USCIS processing times  ⟶
Case Completed: The case will be updated to complete once the legal team receives the physical decision notice from the government.
Find case immigration documents  ⟶

Need additional support? 

For employers, contact your Account Management team. For sponsored employees, start a live chat with the Envoy Global Customer Experience team from your Envoy Global account. 

 

Related to:

Employee Employer Nonimmigrant Visa H-1B1

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