At $205, the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation is the 18th-cheapest of the 64 skilled-work visas Transita tracks, below the $545 median. Its 2-month average processing time ranks it 19th-fastest, quicker than 71% of the others.
What is the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation?
The H-1B1 Specialty Occupation is United States's skilled worker visa programme. Available exclusively to nationals of Singapore and Chile under Free Trade Agreements. Similar to H-1B but exempt from the annual lottery cap, a significant advantage over the standard H-1B.
Processing takes 1–3 months. The government fee is US$205, and the visa is valid for 1 year. Employer sponsorship is required. You must have a qualifying job offer before applying.
To qualify, applicants generally need at least a Bachelor's degree.
Weighing United States against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
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What are the requirements for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation?
A minimum Bachelor's degree, a qualifying job offer from a United States employer.
| Minimum education | Bachelor's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience | No minimum |
| Job offer required | Yes |
| Language test | Not required |
official sources: H-1B1 · travel.state.gov
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Does not directly lead to permanent residence.
Validity period
1 year (tied to employer)
Employer sponsorship required
You need a qualifying employer to sponsor your application.
How do you apply for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation?
- 01
Secure a qualifying job offer
Find an employer in United States willing to sponsor your H-1B1 application. The role must meet occupation and salary requirements.
- 02
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials (minimum Bachelor's degree), employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 03
Submit your H-1B1 application
File online through the official United States immigration portal and pay the government fee of US$205. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (1–3 months)
Standard processing takes 1–3 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
How much does the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation cost?
The government application fee for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation is US$205. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation take to process?
Processing time for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation is typically 1–3 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official United States immigration website for current processing times before applying.
Can the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation lead to permanent residence?
The H-1B1 Specialty Occupation itself does not directly lead to permanent residence in United States. However, holders may be eligible to transition to a PR-pathway visa after meeting additional requirements. Build a Transita workspace to see the visa routes that match your long-term goals.
Do I need a job offer for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation?
Yes. A confirmed job offer from a qualifying United States employer is required before you can apply for the H-1B1 Specialty Occupation. The employer typically needs to demonstrate they could not find a suitable local candidate and must meet specific sponsorship obligations.