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The H-1B visa allows highly skilled professionals to work in the United States in roles that require specialized knowledge and a university degree.
Your education must be directly related to the position.
This can be:
A U.S. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
Or a foreign degree evaluated as equivalent
Work experience can sometimes be used to supplement or replace formal education.
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for an H-1B Visa — Specialty Occupation Work Visa
Who Typically Qualifies?
The job must require specialized knowledge and at least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a related field.
Software engineer, developer, or IT professional
A CEO, director, or senior manager
Data scientist, AI or machine learning engineer
Engineer (civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.
Financial analyst, accountant, or economist
Architect or technical designer.
Scientist or researcher
Business analyst, operations, or supply-chain specialist.
Healthcare, biotech, or life-science professional.
At Gondim Law, we help professionals and U.S. employers navigate the H-1B process strategically — from lottery selection to petition approval and long-term immigration planning.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients say about us
Discover the experiences of our satisfied customers! Read their testimonials to learn how our services have made a positive impact on their businesses.
Octavio Tinoco
My wife and I had an outstanding experience with this immigration law firm.
Patrícia Macedo and Marcelo Gondim guided us through the entire process with remarkable professionalism, care, and attention to every detail. From the very first consultation, we felt truly supported. They explained everything clearly, responded promptly, and made sure we understood each step with confidence.
Highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for trustworthy, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals.
Hafdis Lind
Special thanks to Luisa, our paralegal angel — we wouldn’t have made it without you.
Thank you for always listening to our worries, reassuring us, and being endlessly patient and kind. The entire team worked so fast and efficiently, making the process smooth and stress-free. We felt cared for and supported every single step of the way.
I wholeheartedly recommend Gondim Law to anyone starting their green card journey — they don’t just handle your case, they truly care about you.
Josh Nisenson
Marcelo was extremely helpful, friendly, had a good sense of humor and helped us to feel comfortable with the legal decisions that we were making in regards to my wife's parents and their permanent residence scenario. He helped us feel at ease and a had a good perspective and could also speak in English and Portuguese to make things even easier. Overall we were very happy with his service!
Luísa Haack
I have a visa process through Gondin Law Corp and I've had a great experience so far. Aline is the paralegal connected to my case, and I absolutely love her! She is so knowledgeable and takes her time to answer all my questions. I definitely recommend them!
Paula G
I had a positive experience with this firm, they helped me through my change of status, explained everything clearly, and were always there when I had questions. Thanks to them, my case was approved smoothly. Special thanks to Luisa! Can’t recommend them enough!
Rogerio Lemos
The Gondim Law team possesses a remarkable ability to achieve expectations and give their clients what they really need. They have a great sense of responsibility and strong work ethic when it comes to immigration processes. I highly recommend this law firm. Thank you Marcelo, and the whole team for the great work and efforts to make my green card happen.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the H-1B visa?
The H-1B is a U.S. work visa for professionals in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. It allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers for roles that require technical, professional, or academic expertise.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
Yes. A U.S. employer must offer you a qualifying job and agree to sponsor your H-1B petition. You cannot apply for an H-1B on your own.
Is the H-1B subject to a lottery?
Most H-1B visas are subject to the annual lottery because demand exceeds the number of visas available. However, some employers — such as universities and certain nonprofit or research institutions — are cap-exempt and can file at any time.
How long is the H-1B valid?
The H-1B is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended for a total of six years. In many cases, it can be extended further if a green card process is underway.
Can I change employers?
Yes. You can change employers through an H-1B transfer. As long as the new employer files a proper petition, you may begin working once it is submitted.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can come on H-4 visas. Some H-4 spouses may qualify for a work permit, depending on the stage of the green card process.
What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
An RFE is a request from USCIS for additional information. While RFEs are common, many can be avoided with proper case preparation. Our strategy focuses on anticipating and preventing RFEs whenever possible.
Can the H-1B lead to a Green Card?
Yes. The H-1B is one of the most common pathways to permanent residence through employment-based green card categories such as EB-2 and EB-3.
What happens if my petition is denied??
Denials usually happen because the job, salary, or employer was not structured correctly. Gondim Law reviews and prepares every case to meet USCIS and Department of Labor standards before filing. But yes can happen.
How do I know if I qualify?
The best way is through a private H-1B strategy consultation. Our attorneys will review your job offer, degree, and employer to determine your approval probability and next steps.
👉 Schedule Your H-1B Strategy Call
