opular in the information technology (IT) industry, but available in most skilled fields, the H-1b visas classification is primarily for companies seeking to employ individuals in specialty occupations, requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.

To qualify, there must be:

An employer-employee relationship.
A job in a “specialty occupation,” which means:
- a bachelor’s degree or higher degree or its equivalent is normally the minimum requirement for the particular position, and
- the degree requirement is common for this position in the industry, or the job is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by someone with at least a bachelor's degree in a field related to the position, and
- the employer normally requires a degree or its equivalent for the position.
The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree. The job must be in the employee’s field of study and pay at least the prevailing wage for the occupation.

There are strict annual limits on the number of H-1b visas available and most will need to go into a lottery in order to be selected.