Short answer: US H-1B is a non-immigrant work visa for specialty occupations, usually requiring a bachelor's-level role and a US employer petition. Most numbers fall under an annual cap and lottery; certain universities and non-profit research employers may be cap-exempt. H-1B is not a green card but often bridges to EB-2/EB-3.
Information updated to October 2026.
How do the cap and lottery work?
Cap-subject employers register electronically in the USCIS window; selection precedes full petition filing. Cap-exempt employers still must prove specialty occupation and wage rules.
| Item | Cap-subject | Cap-exempt |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | Annual limit | Not under the same cap |
| Process | Registration + lottery | Petition without that lottery |
| Typical employers | Private companies | Universities, non-profit research |
Global Immigrate note
Confirm specialty occupation and prevailing wage before lottery season. Applications are handled by Global Immigrate's in-house professional immigration team; plan alternatives if not selected.
Use the programme-matching tool or contact Global Immigrate advisors.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.