US H-1B: Realistic Odds and Timelines

The H-1B is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations.”

The Lottery Reality

Demand heavily outstrips supply, leading to an annual lottery system. If selected in March/April, the earliest you can start work is October 1st.

Given the low lottery odds, many professionals explore the O-1 (extraordinary ability) or L-1 (intra-company transfer) routes as alternatives.