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Annual Caps for H-1B for Fiscal Years: 85,000 visas
- 65,000 visas
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H-1B1 Specialty Occupation
What is an H-1B1 specialty occupation, and what types of jobs qualify under the H-1B1 visa program?
Terminology
Under 8 U.S.C. § 1184(i), the term “specialty occupation” means an occupation that requires:
– (A) theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and
– (B) attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.
This specialized knowledge encompasses fields of human endeavor such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, the physical and social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. Occupations in these areas typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a directly related specialty, or its equivalent.
Professionals from Chile and Singapore applying for the H-1B1 visa must show that their job qualifies as a specialty occupation. This means the role must require highly specialized knowledge and normally at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific, directly related field.
Degree and Work Experience Equivalency for H-1B1
Below is a summary of the official criteria used by U.S. immigration authorities when determining degree or experience equivalency for an H-1B1 position:
The degree must be directly related to the job duties, as an unrelated bachelor’s degree does not meet the requirement.
A foreign diploma - whether from Chile, Singapore, or somewhere - must be accompanied by a credential evaluation verifying that they are equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
You must hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or a foreign equivalent in a field that is closely aligned with the specialty occupation.
If your background includes a combination of academic coursework and professional experience, these may be evaluated together to establish degree equivalency.
Professional work experience can substitute for formal education. The standard rule is: 3 years of relevant, progressive experience = 1 year of university education. Under this formula, 12 years of relevant professional experience may be deemed equivalent to a 4-year U.S. bachelor’s degree.
📜 Common H-1B1 Specialty Occupation Job Categories
Below is an overview of professions that frequently qualify as H-1B1 specialty occupations. Each job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in a specific field or a closely related discipline.
| H-1B1 Job Fields | Common Required Degree |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer / Software Developer / Applications Programmer | Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering |
| Computer Systems Analyst / Systems Engineer | Information Systems, Computer Science, Computer Engineering |
| Web Developer (Front-End, Back-End, Full-Stack) | CS, Web Development, Software Engineering |
| UX/UI Designer / HCI Specialist | Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, CS, Graphic/Experience Design |
| Network Administrator / Systems Administrator | Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Science |
| Electrical Engineer | Electrical Engineering or related engineering fields |
| Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineering or closely related discipline |
| Civil Engineer | Civil Engineering |
| Industrial / Manufacturing Engineer | Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering |
| Accountant / Auditor/Tax Analyst | Accounting, Finance, Business (may require CPA or specific coursework) |
| Financial Analyst / Investment Analyst | Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration |
| Data Scientist / Data Analyst/BI Analyst | Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science |
| Management Consultant/Business Consultant | Business Administration, Management, Economics |
| Biotechnology & Scientific Research Roles | Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Architect / Urban Planning / Landscape Architect | Architecture, Urban Planning (licensure may apply) |
| Industrial or Product Designer | Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering |
| Research Scientist (Biology, Chemical, etc.) | Relevant bachelor’s degree; some employers prefer MS/PhD |
| Biostatistician/Biostatistics Analyst | Statistics, Biostatistics, Mathematics |
| Healthcare Roles (e.g., Pharmacist, Clinical Lab Scientist) | Professional degrees/licensure as required |
| Higher Education & University - Level Teaching | Master’s degree or above in the specific teaching field |
Special FTA Provisions
Under the U.S. - Chile and U.S. - Singapore Free Trade Agreements, a few occupations have alternate credential rules - such as agricultural managers, certain consultants, and specific healthcare categories. These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
⭐ Tips for a Strong H-1B1 Specialty Occupation Case
– Make sure the job description clearly states the specialized duties and required degree.
– Align your academic background directly with the job’s field.
– Provide a detailed credential evaluation if your degree is foreign.
– Include evidence that the employer normally requires a degree for similar roles.
– Avoid overly broad job titles - specificity strengthens your case.
The clearer the connection between your specialized background and the job’s requirements, the stronger your H-1B1 visa application.