DH Decoder

H-1B visa: The US H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields

H-1B cap:    H-1B cap is the number of new H-1B visas that are issued in a fiscal year. The visas are counted as one H-1B visa per person. The annual cap of H-1B visas is 85,000 visas.

H-1B dependent employer: H-1B dependent employer has: 25 or fewer full-time employees and at least eight H-1B workers; or 26-50 full-time employees and at least 13 H-1B workers; or 51 or more full-time employees of whom 15 per cent or more are H-1B workers.

H-1B worker: H-1B worker is a temporary, nonimmigrant in a specialty occupation (professional or fashion model of high distinction) given status to work for an employer by USCIS. Initial status may be granted for up to three years.

Non-Immigrant: An alien who seeks temporary entry to the United States for a specific purpose.

Alien: A foreign national who is not an American citizen.
L-1 visa: The L-1 visa facilitates the temporary transfer of foreign worker to the U.S. to continue employment with an office of the same employer, its parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.

Regular L-1: Which must be applied for and approved for each individual by the USCIS
Blanket L-1: Which are available to employers that meet certain criteria.

Advanced degree exemption:    Available for the first 20,000 H-1B petitions annually filed for a beneficiary who has obtained a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Also called Masters Cap.