Last updated 11 November 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Specialty occupation visa H1B1 USA
Visa for professionals in specialty fields
Check if the visa is available for your citizenship
Citizenship
Specialty occupation visa — what you need to know
Specialty occupation visa for professionals from Chile, under free trade agreements, requiring a U.S. job offer. Typically valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extension.
There is no single salary threshold: the employer must pay at least the higher of the two rates — the one established for the occupation and location, or the one applied to comparable employees of the company
For Chilean citizens only
A relevant bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification acceptable for the category is required
The temporary nature of the trip and the intention to depart after the authorized stay ends must be confirmed
Validity: initially 1 year, with the possibility of two one-year extensions; a new LCA is required for further extensions
Process: the employer obtains an LCA (DOL) → submission of DS-160 and documents directly to the U.S. consulate → interview → issuance of the H-1B1 visa → entry into the U.S.
When applying for the visa outside the U.S., a prior I-129 petition with USCIS is not required
There is no lottery and no dependence on the quota
It is possible to relocate with a spouse and unmarried children under 21 on H-4; they cannot work on the basis of this family status
Eligible individuals:
- Professional worker
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 3 months to 5 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
H
Type of visa
Nonimmigrant visa — R
Category
Temporary worker visas