What is LCA for H1B Visa? How to File LCA and Processing Time

An H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing US companies to hire foreign workers. In applying for an H1B visa, the company petitions the government to grant the foreign worker time in the US to temporarily work for the company. The visa does not grant permanent residency, although it can lead to a green card in the future.

The H1B visa is a lot like the J1 Visa for scholars and students who come to the US for an ad hoc educational purpose. However, unlike the J1 visa, the H1B is for a temporary work purpose. A foreign student may graduate with a US bachelor’s degree through the J1 visa, go back to their home country, and then apply for an LCA H1B visa to come back to the US and work for an American company.