# H-1B Visas (DD-483)

> The H-1B is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for workers in specialty occupations such as technology, engineering, finance and healthcare. An employer sponsors the worker; the visa is usually granted for three years and can be extended to six. Applicants generally need at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The annual cap is 85,000: 65,000 regular and 20,000 for holders of U.S. master's or higher degrees. The program was the subject of public debate when this Reel was posted in February 2025.

- Department: People
- First published: 2025-02-09
- Last updated: 2025-02-09
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/h-1b-visas/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-483-F01**: Nonimmigrant work visa. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Type))_
- **DD-483-F02**: Employer. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Sponsor))_

## Write-up

The H-1B lets U.S. employers hire foreign professionals. It is capped at 85,000 new visas a year.

1. **Type**: Nonimmigrant work visa.
2. **Sponsor**: Employer.
3. **Length**: 3 years, up to 6.
4. **Degree**: Bachelor's or equivalent.
5. **Cap**: 85,000 a year.

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: H-1B Visas: The H-1B Lets U.S. Employers Hire Foreign Professionals

- Duration: 30.4 s · Published: 2025-02-09
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DF2yxDnpIim.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know H-1B visas are non-immigrant work visas that allow U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields such as technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare. Sponsored by an employer, the visa is typically granted for three years, with an option to extend up to six years. To qualify, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in their fields, and employers must demonstrate that the position requires specialized skills. The program is capped annually at 85,000 visas, with 65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with U.S. master's degrees or higher. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Who sponsors?**  
A: Job. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Type) · Wikipedia: H-1B visa)_

**Q: Initial term?**  
A: Renewable. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Sponsor) · Wikipedia: H-1B visa)_

**Q: Maximum usually?**  
A: Extension. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Length) · Wikipedia: H-1B visa)_

**Q: Annual cap?**  
A: Lottery. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Degree) · Wikipedia: H-1B visa)_

**Q: Extra 20,000 for?**  
A: Advanced degree. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Cap) · Wikipedia: H-1B visa)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: H-1B visa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H-1B_visa)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "H-1B Visas." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-483, last updated Feb 9, 2025. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/h-1b-visas/