An H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.
The visa is typically granted for a period of three years, with the option to extend for an additional three years
To qualify for an H-1B visa, the foreign worker must have a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialized field
and the job they are being hired for must require someone with that level of education.
Additionally, the employer must pay the worker a prevailing wage, which is determined based on the job's location and industry.
The H-1B visa program is highly competitive, and there is an annual cap on the number of visas that can be issued.
For the fiscal year 2022, the cap was set at 85,000 visas, with 20,000 reserved for applicants who hold a master's degree or higher from a US institution.
The H-1B visa program has been the subject of much controversy, with critics arguing that it displaces American workers and depresses wages.