Guide to the H-1B Process (Win a Free Pass!)

Hey there!

You’ve put in all of the effort required - balancing classes, navigating campus life, living on a budget and building skills in a new country. Now comes the next big question: How do I stay and keep building my career here and earn?

For many international graduates, the answer is the H-1B visa - a bridge from student status to long-term professional growth in the U.S. But it’s a process with limited slots, strict timelines, and very specific rules. Here’s what you need to know to set yourself up for success. But first, we have an exciting opportunity for you:

🎟 Exclusive Roam Community Giveaway

We’re giving away one free All-Access Pass (worth $199) to the Open Atlas Summit, the largest event for tech immigrants in America, happening Aug 15th -16th in Milpitas, CA.

At the summit, you’ll:

• Meet 20 top immigration lawyers offering free consults you can pre-book.

• Network with 750+ ambitious immigrants and industry leaders.

• Sessions on alternative visa pathways

• Access all workshops, career panels, lounges, and lifetime Unshackled community membership ($999 value).

To enter:
Reply to this email with:

1. Your full name

2. Where you’re based

3. One sentence on why you want to attend

Deadline: Sunday, Aug 11 at 11:59 PM PT. Winner announced Monday, Aug 12.

If you want to secure your spot now, use code ROAM20 for 20% off the All-Access Pass ($159 - first 50 redemptions only).

What is the H-1B Visa?

The H-1B is a work visa for “specialty occupations” in fields like tech, engineering, finance, and healthcare. It allows you to work in the U.S. for up to 6 years (in 3-year increments) and offers dual intent, meaning you can apply for a green card while working.

Key features:

• Employer-sponsored - You can’t apply alone; your U.S. employer must petition for you.

• Specialty jobs only - Your role must require a degree in your field.

• Cap limits - 65,000 general slots + 20,000 reserved for U.S. master’s grads.

• Master’s advantage - Two chances in the lottery, increasing your odds.

• Wage protections - Minimum salary of $60,000/year or prevailing wage for the role and region.

Not an graduated international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

The H-1B Lottery & Timeline

Because demand is so high, the process starts with a lottery:

January - February: Talk to your employer about sponsorship and start preparing documents.
Early March: Employer registers you in the lottery (fee: $215).
March 31: USCIS notifies selected candidates.
April - June: Selected candidates file full petitions.
October 1: Approved H-1Bs take effect.

Important: STEM OPT gives you up to three chances to apply; non-STEM OPT usually allows only one.

If You’re Selected

1. Labor Condition Application (LCA) - Employer certifies fair wages with the Dept. of Labor.

2. Petition filing - Employer submits Form I-129, fees, and supporting documents.

3. USCIS review - Approval, denial, or a Request for Evidence (RFE).

4. Change of status or consular processing - Either switch to H-1B within the U.S. or get your visa stamp abroad.

5. Start work - Earliest start date is October 1.

If You’re Not Selected

Don’t panic - there are alternatives:

• STEM OPT Extension - Gives you 24 more months to work and reapply for H-1B.

• Cap-exempt H-1B - Jobs at universities, nonprofits, or research orgs that aren’t subject to the cap.

• O-1 visa - For individuals with “extraordinary ability” in their field.

• EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) - Allows self-petition if your work benefits the U.S. nationally.

• Canada or global opportunities - Some graduates choose cross-border or remote options while maintaining ties to the U.S. job market.

Final thoughts
Whether you’re preparing for your first H-1B lottery or exploring alternatives, planning early and knowing your options is key. And if you’re near the Bay Area, the Open Atlas Summit is a rare chance to get real answers - directly from experts - without the usual legal fees. We hope to see you there!

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡