H-1B Visa Application Guide

This article outlines materials required for an H-1B visa interview and discusses how to answer common interview questions.

Step 1: Completing Form DS-160

Start Your DS-160 Application

Step 2: Printing the Confirmation Page

After completing the form, save and print the confirmation page, which is necessary for visa interview.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an interview appointment on the U.S. consulate website.

• Create an Account; if you already have an account, you can log in directly.

• Select "Nonimmigrant Visa."

• Choose a location based on your needs.

• Choose "H Visa."

• Fill in personal information.

• If you are applying for H-4 visas for your dependents, provide their information as well.

• Choose a payment method and pay the interview fee.

• After completing the payment and scheduling the interview, the system will generate a CGI reference number, which serves as proof of payment for your U.S. visa application.

• In the final step of scheduling the interview, you will need to choose whether to pick up your visa in person at the embassy or have it mailed to you.

Step 4: Attending the Interview

Before attending the interview, you need to prepare the following materials:

The H-1B visa allows for dual intent (both nonimmigrant and immigrant intent), which makes the interview easier compared to the F-1 visa. The interview mainly focuses on confirming the authenticity of your job, the qualifications of your employer, and the relevance of your job to your field of study. Overall, it is similar to the H-1B petition review, so the approval rate is generally high. However, if you have a complex immigration history, such as switching from B-1/B-2 to F-1 or previously holding a J-1 visa, you may be asked about how you maintained your status.

Step 5: Receiving the Interview Result

• If the interview goes well, you can expect to receive your passport with the visa within approximately 2-7 business days.

• It is rare for the consular officer to directly deny an H-1B visa application during the interview. If issues arise, most people will undergo administrative processing, commonly known as being "checked." If the consular officer gives you a blue slip after the interview, it means you have been "checked." The officer will inform you of any additional documents needed, which you must submit to the consulate by the deadline specified on the blue slip. After being "checked," it usually takes about 2-3 weeks to receive the final result. However, some people have waited up to 3 months to get their visa. Therefore, if you are "checked," contact your employer as soon as possible to avoid losing your job due to prolonged absence.

• The probability of an H-1B visa being denied is very low. If you are denied, you can consult an immigration lawyer to review your materials and reapply for the visa (if your company has in-house lawyers, consult them first as they are more familiar with your situation).