The H-1B Visa has been overwhelmingly popular for years. Since it was first offered, it has been a popular option for businesses large and small who need to be able to bring in the talent needed to get the job done. The problem, however, is that there is a limited supply of these visas available, so employers need to know how to get their applications in on time and without errors to have the best chance of getting approved for the number of visas they need. Here are some important H-1B numbers you need to know.
65,000 Visas Issued
Each year the federal government only approves 65,000 visas. The majority of the applications are for IT related jobs, but there are many others as well.
233,000 Visa Applications
While there are just 65,000 visas available (plus another 20,000 for individuals holding U.S.-based master degrees (or higher)) the number of applications last year was 233,000. This means well over half of all applications will get denied simply because there aren’t enough of them to go around. The visas are awarded in a random lottery system every fiscal year, which begins on October 1st.
73% of H-1B Visa Applications are for IT Jobs
The vast majority of these visas are going to go to IT related jobs, such as computer systems analysts, computer programmers, software developers, and other related positions. This is because these jobs are in such high demand, but can’t always be filled by local talent.
300,000 Applications Anticipated in 2015
This year it is expected that the total number of applications for the H-1B visa will pass 300,000. The number of approved applications, however, will not likely change. This means that there is going to be a lot of competition for every approved visa.
As an employer it is absolutely essential to ensure everything is completed properly when it comes to your applications. Even small errors can result in your application being disqualified. The best way to ensure you don’t run into trouble is to have an experienced business immigration attorney help you with the application process. Please contact me today to learn more!
