Glossary · Visa classifications
H-1B
Specialty-occupation work visa. Initial term 3 years, extendable to 6 (and beyond, with mature I-140).
H-1B is the workhorse US tech work visa. Subject to annual cap (85,000 total: 65,000 standard + 20,000 master's-cap), filled via lottery — except cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofit research orgs, governmental research orgs) who can file any day. Maximum standard duration: 6 years, extendable in 1- or 3-year increments past 6 with mature I-140 + AC21. Spouses get H-4. Layoff triggers a 60-day grace period under 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2).
Related terms
H-4
Dependent classification for spouse + unmarried children under 21 of an H-1B principal.
LCA (Labor Condition Application)
Form ETA-9035 the employer files with DOL before the I-129. Sets the wage and confirms the work-site location.
I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)
Filed by an employer to request, transfer, extend, or amend an H-1B (or other employment nonimmigrant) classification.
60-day grace period
8 CFR 214.1(l)(2): up to 60 days (or until I-94 expiry, whichever sooner) after your last day worked to file a transfer, change of status, or depart.
Cap-exempt employer
Universities, nonprofit research orgs, governmental research orgs, and affiliated nonprofits — file H-1B any day, no lottery, no $100K supplemental fee.
AC21 (American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act)
2000 statute that codified H-1B portability + 1- and 3-year extensions past the 6-year cap for green-card-pending workers.
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