The time is nearing when U.S. employers can once again register for an opportunity to get U.S. work authorization for foreign job candidates.  The H-1B “professional” work authorization and related visa is much sought-after by employers for good candidates.

Registration comes first for the 65,000 bachelor’s level and 20,000 U.S. master’s level candidates set forth in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.  Employers hoping to get selected may then petition for their candidate.  Registration for the random selection process has typically been in March.

If selected, an employer files an H-1B petition and, assuming approval, the foreign professional can begin work October 1.  The petition can request work authorization for up to three  years.  That approval can later be extended an additional three years without again getting selected in the random selection process.