Are you considering applying for an H1B visa? If so, you’ve likely heard a lot of misinformation about the process.  

It’s important to separate fact from fiction regarding this complex process!

In this blog, we will look at 12 common myths and realities surrounding H1B Visas to help separate fact from fiction. From understanding the application process to knowing the implications of being an H1B holder, read on to get a better idea of the truth behind H1B Visas! 

What are H1B Visas?

H1B visas are non-immigrant visas that allow foreign workers from countries outside of the U.S. to come to the U.S. and temporarily work in specialty occupations. 

These visas are usually granted to individuals in professional or technical fields such as medicine, engineering, finance, accounting, information technology, and architecture. 

While the H1B work visa usa is a great way for many foreign professionals to gain access to American jobs, there are often misconceptions and misunderstandings about the program. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 common myths and realities about H1B visas so you can decide if you’re considering applying for an H1B visa.

Common Myths And Realities of H1B Visas

Myth 1: The H-1B Visas can be obtained throughout the year

Reality: This is a common misconception about H-1B visas. H-1B visas are only available for a limited period each year, usually from April 1st to October 1st. The USCIS only approves a limited number of H-1B visas yearly, 65,000 visas, plus 20,000 extra visas. Once the allotted time frame is over, no new H-1B visa applications will be accepted until the next year.

Myth 2: Once my H-1B visa is approved, I can begin working for an American employer

Reality: The H-1B us visa application process is lengthy and may require several months before you can officially begin working in the US. The initial application must be filed with the US Department of Labor. Then the employer must file a petition with the USCIS. Once the request is approved, the employee must obtain a visa stamp from a US consulate in their home country. Only then the employee officially began working in the US. This process can take several months, depending on the individual circumstances.

Myth 3: The H-1B program invites workers to enter the labor market at a lower cost.

Reality: The reality is that the H-1B program does not invite workers to enter the labor market at a lower cost. Instead, the program requires employers to pay the higher of the actual wage paid to other similarly situated workers or the prevailing wage for the position. Furthermore, employers must also pay a one-time filing fee to the Department of Labor for each H-1B us visa application.

Myth 4: Visas like H-1B cause a decrease in job availability for American workers.

Reality: The reality is that this visa is not taking away American workers’ jobs. Studies have found that H-1B visas create jobs by increasing wages and spurring innovation. The presence of skilled foreign workers is often a key factor that creates new jobs. Companies and organizations use the H-1B program to fill critical knowledge and skills gaps in their workforce, allowing them to remain competitive in the global market.

Myth 5: All immigrant workers with an H-1B visa are included in the H-1B cap.

Reality: The H-1B cap does not include all immigrant workers on the visa H-1B usa. Certain categories of workers are exempt from the H-1B cap, such as those who have previously held H-1B status, have earned a US master’s degree or higher, are employed by an institute of higher learning, are employed at a non-profit affiliated with an institute of higher learning,\, or are employed by a non-profit research organization.

Myth 6: Visa (H-1B) does not permit dual intent

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, the visa H-1B allows dual intent. This means an individual can apply for an H-1B work visa while they have a permanent residency in the United States. This is particularly helpful for individuals who need to work in the United States but may not want to commit to living here long-term.

Myth 7: Only a few H-1B workers can be hired by US employers.

Reality: The reality is that there is no limit on the number of H-1B workers that a US employer can hire. Employers subject to the H-1B cap are limited to the number of new H-1B petitions they can file, but there is no limit on the number of H-1B workers they can employ.

Myth 8: You cannot start a business while on H-1B visa.

Reality: Contrary to the popular myth, starting a business while on a visa (H-1B) is possible. No specific regulations are preventing visa, i.e., H-1B holders, from owning a business.

Myth 9: A person with an H-1B visa cannot go abroad while they own the H-1B.

Reality: H-1B holders can go outside the US while holding an H-1B visa. However, the H-1B holder must carry a valid passport, a valid H-1B visa, and an H-1B approval notice when returning to the US.

Myth 10: An H-1B worker can work in any occupation.

Reality: The reality is that workers with H-1B visas are limited to the specific position for which the employer needs to obtain certification from the US Department of Labor. The position must also meet certain requirements, including being a specialty occupation, requiring a minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and paying a prevailing wage.

Myth 11: If in case my visa remains valid, my employment under the H-1B cannot end.

Reality: Your H-1B job can be terminated anytime, regardless of your visa status. Your employer is not obligated to keep you employed until your us immigration visa status expires. However, it is important to note that your employer has the right to terminate your employment.

Myth 12: Visa H-1B is the sole opportunity for foreign experts to obtain employment in the United States

Reality: This visa is not the only option for foreign experts seeking a job in the US. In addition to the H-1B, other visa options are available to foreign professionals, such as the L-1 visa, the O-1 visa, and more. Each visa has distinct requirements and advantages, so it is important to understand their differences and determine the best fit for the individual’s circumstances. 

Get Advice From Experts!

Are you confused about the H1B us visa process? You’re not alone. 

With expert help, you’ll have the information you need to make a smart and informed decision about your visa application. 

Don’t let confusion stand between you and the opportunity of a lifetime – get the facts and make an informed choice today.

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There are various fees and costs associated with the immigration process, from us visa application fees to travel expenses to much more! 

This blog will discuss the costs of immigrating to the United States and the best ways to budget for a successful immigration process. 

By understanding all the expenses associated with immigration, you can better prepare for your journey to the United States.

What Is Immigrating To The United States Stand For?

Immigrating to the United States is the process of becoming a resident of the United States. 

It symbolizes the hope and possibility that the United States has to offer those seeking a better life. 

Immigrants come to the United States for various reasons, including family reunification, economic opportunities, and educational advancement. 

It is also a representation of the strength and resilience of immigrants who, despite the odds and hardships, are determined to make a new home and a better future in the United States.

This typically involves obtaining a visa usa, which allows an individual to stay in the country for a certain time, and then applying for either a green card or some other form of permanent residency. 

Depending on the individual’s circumstances, the process can take several years and involve many steps.

Costs Involved In Immigrating To The United States

Form Fees (USCIS)

When applying to the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), the cost of the US visa application depends on the type of residency being applied for. Non-immigrant status applications are cheaper than immigrant petitions.

For instance, a non-immigrant worker petition is $460 in 2021, while an immigrant petition costs $700.

Petition Fee

The petition fee you must pay varies depending on the type of application. Asylum seekers do not have to pay a fee, but there is a fixed fee for all other petitions. 

To get more information about the fee structure, you should look up “USCIS Revises Fees, Effective from October 2” and “Refund and Cancellation” to get a clearer idea.

Legal Fees

It is not necessary to hire an attorney for US immigration visa but having one can make the process smoother due to the frequent changes in immigration regulations. The usual charge for an immigration lawyer for an H-1B visa usa is between $3,000 and $4,000. In cases like deportation, fees can reach up to $10,000. For family-based petitions, expenses can range from $800 to $1,500.

Medical Costs

Immigrating to the United States can be costly, with medical costs being a major factor. The US Department of State requires immigrants to have a medical examination before entry, including vaccinations, lab tests, and a physical exam. 

This exam must be conducted by a healthcare provider approved by the US Embassy or Consulate. In addition, some immigrants may require additional medical care due to pre-existing conditions or other medical needs. 

The cost of this care varies depending on the individual’s medical condition but can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. It is important for immigrants to factor these medical costs into their budget for immigrating to the United States.

Naturalization Process

The fee for applying for US Citizenship via the naturalization process is $725, with $640 of that amount going towards US visa process and application processing and $85 for biometric services. It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application.

Others

You should consider all the costs involved in immigrating to the US, such as taking preparation classes for the citizenship test, which will vary depending on the provider. Additionally, you may need to submit additional documents and forms or pay for legal help if you have a criminal record. 

Ultimately, it is up to you to make a well-informed decision, as it is your hard-earned money, so make sure you spend it wisely.

Steps Involved In Immigrating To The U.S.

Depending on your circumstances, the process can take anywhere from a few months to several years. To successfully immigrate to the United States, there are certain steps you must take.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

The first step in the immigration process is determining if you are eligible to immigrate to the United States. There are several different ways to do this. You can research the different USA visa types and determine which fits your situation best. 

You can consult an immigration lawyer or an accredited representative to get more information on your options.

Step 2: Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Once you have determined your eligibility, you must gather the necessary documents to apply for a visa. This includes your birth certificate, passport, financial documents, and other documents required by the U.S. government.

Step 3: Submit an Application

Once you have your documents in order, you can apply for a visa. The US visa application process may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a family-based visa, you may need to provide additional documents such as marriage and birth certificates.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Once your US visa application has been submitted, you will need to wait for a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The wait time can vary depending on the type of visa USA you have applied for. For some visas, it can take up to a year or more to receive a decision.

Step 5: Prepare to Move

Once you have received a decision from USCIS, you will need to begin preparations to move to the United States. This includes obtaining a valid passport, applying for a visa, and making travel arrangements. If you are moving with a family, you must also ensure that all of their paperwork is in order.

Step 6: Arrive in the United States

Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can finally move to the United States. Upon arrival, you will need to go through customs and immigration. Once you have cleared these procedures, you can officially begin your new life in the United States.

Get Advice From Experts!

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to get advice from experienced visa experts. Work Permitz experts can estimate the costs associated with the visa you need and guide you through the US visa application process. 

With their expertise, you can make the most informed decision when applying for a visa to the United States.

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Therefore, it is important to be aware of the things that you must avoid during your US visa interview. Mostly, everyone invests their time in collecting documents required for immigration.  

But most people do not understand the importance of meeting the diplomatic experts at the time of a US visa interview and how it can affect your visa approval and rejection chances.

The officials will judge you on the basis of specific performance and qualities which will help you stand out from the failed applicants. Therefore, to go through an interview process with ease, it is important for you to avoid common mistakes that people can make. 

Let’s check out all the reasons for which your visa can be rejected and how you can avoid it.

Mistakes To Avoid During A US Visa Interview

Do Not Get Late

While applying for a US visa application, the consulate or the embassy will tell you the exact date and time of the interview. And if you still get late for the interview, it can have a bad impression on the embassy.

Therefore, make sure to reach the venue of your interview at least 15 minutes before in a very neat and formal dress. Moreover, if you are travelling via your own vehicle, leave your home earliest as it may take a lot of time to look for parking. To avoid that delay, you can also travel via public transport.

So, make sure to calculate the time perfectly and reach your destination earlier than the given time.

Inappropriate Answers

Another thing that can make a bad impression on the officials is your unprofessional and unprepared attitude. Make sure that you take all your documents with you and prepare for the interview well. While answering the officials, you need to give proper answers and not present any half-cooked information.

To prepare for the interview, go through commonly asked US visa interview questions and their respective answers to perform with confidence in your interview. Moreover, make sure not to take too much time to answer the questions because it may indicate an event of untruthfulness to the officials.

Avoid Carrying A Bag

Do not carry any purse, bag, mobile phone, luggage, food items, drinks, bottles, weapons, or sharp items inside the US consulate. These things are not allowed by the official. All you need to carry is your US visa documents and your passport.

In case you are carrying any other paper or thing, make sure to get rid of it before entering the consulate. 

Incomplete Documents

Get a list of all the documents that are allowed in the US consulate and make sure that you carry all of those documents. Also, whether it is a question related to your citizenship, qualifications, working experience or more, make sure that you have all the documents that support your answers.

Crosscheck all the documents twice before entering the consulate to make sure that you do not make a negative impression on the officials. Keep copies of the required documents to present or submit to the consulate if required.

Irrelevant Information

When you are asked any question during the interview, make sure that you reply with only what is being asked. Do not present irrelevant information in front of the officials.

Listen to the question being asked to you and then build the answer to that question in your mind. You will have to then answer the question with adequate information and not add any irrelevant information.

Physical Appearance

Your physical appearance makes a lot of difference in your confidence. Therefore, make sure to plan your attire in the most decent way possible and present yourself with grace in front of the officials.

Avoid wearing any kind of additional accessories like too many rings or bracelets. Not only this, choose a perfume which is mild and not too strong to help you smell good. For male candidates, if you have a beard, trim it properly to give it a professional look. 

Apart from this, you will have to work on your walking style, speaking tone, mimics, and body posture. Walk straight and keep your facial expressions straight and friendly to not look arrogant.

Do Not Argue With Officials

Putting out your point in front of the officials and arguing with them are two different things and you must know how to differentiate between the two. Therefore, during your US visa interview, make sure to maintain your calm and avoid arguing with the officials.

Using a loud tone in front of officials or keeping a bad approach towards them gives an impression of a destructive personality. So, while answering the questions, you will have to maintain the pitch of your voice and keep a subtle smile on your face.

Do Not Skip Any Questions

When you apply for a US immigration visa, an interview is one of the simplest ways for diplomats to meet you to understand the purpose of your immigration and gain more information about it. Therefore, it is essential that you answer all the questions correctly even if they are sensitive to you.

Make sure not to miss any interview questions because skipping a question will only imply that you are hiding something or you are not attentive in the interview. Hence, be very attentive in your interview and make sure to answer all the questions without skipping any of them.

Another thing you have to keep is to answer all the questions truthfully. This is because the officials have the liberty to check your details and travel history if they find anything suspicious in your answers.

Get Assistance From Experts

Crack your US visa interview like a pro with guidance from the experts!

Anxiety, nervousness, and confusion are common when it comes to interviews especially when your whole future depends on them. This is where professional and experienced consultants can help you. 

With an impressive experience in the immigration sector, Work Permitz has a team of experts who can help you clear your US visa interview with ease.

Get in touch with the team to fly high and reach the destination of your dreams!

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