Interactive Roadmap
H-1B Application Blueprint
Your step-by-step action plan from eligibility check to starting work. Track your progress through each phase with interactive checklists.
30.3%
FY2027 Selection Rate
Weighted lottery
$5k-$15k
Typical Total Cost
All fees + attorney
6-12 mo
Process Duration
Registration to start
97.9%
FY2025 Approval Rate
Highest recent
Key Terms You'll See Everywhere
Petition Approved
USCIS reviewed the employer's I-129 form and confirmed the job is a specialty occupation and the worker is qualified. This is NOT a visa — it's USCIS saying "yes" to the request. The worker still needs consular processing (if abroad) or change of status (if in the U.S.).
Petition Filed
The employer submitted the I-129 form to USCIS. Includes all petition types: new employment, extensions, transfers, and amendments. ~65% are for workers already in the U.S., not new arrivals.
Cap-Subject vs Cap-Exempt
Cap-subject petitions compete in the annual lottery (85,000 slots). Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, government research orgs) skip the lottery entirely and can file year-round.
RFE (Request for Evidence)
USCIS needs more proof before deciding. Not a denial — it's a second chance. You get 60-87 days to respond. The #1 trigger is a mismatch between the degree field and the job duties.
Prevailing Wage Level (I-IV)
DOL's wage tier for the job. Level I = entry, Level IV = expert. Under the FY2027+ weighted lottery, higher wage levels get significantly better odds of selection.
Beneficiary-Centric Selection
Since FY2025, the lottery counts people not registrations. One person = one entry, no matter how many employers register them. Killed the duplicate registration gaming that inflated FY2023-24 numbers.
Timeline at a Glance
Before anything else, verify that both the job and the worker meet H-1B requirements. Many petitions fail because the specialty occupation test isn't met.
Checklist (0/4)
Watch Out For
- !Degree field doesn't match the job — #1 cause of RFEs
- !Job description is too broad or doesn't show specialty-level complexity
- !Third-party worksite arrangements face heightened scrutiny
Pro Tips
- *Get a credential evaluation done early — it can take 4-8 weeks
- *Make sure the job description is specific and degree-aligned before filing
- *If using experience equivalence (3-for-1 rule), prepare a detailed expert opinion letter
Important Disclaimer
This blueprint is for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and individual circumstances vary. Always consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions about your H-1B petition. Checklist progress is stored in your browser session only.