The Journey

Life on an H-1B, stage by stage

Plain-English guides with sources. Each ends with "The good / The hard", so the upside and the cost stay honest. Quick answers: Can I…?

Getting here

How the H-1B lottery works nowSince the FY2027 season, the lottery gives higher wage levels more entries. Here is the timeline, how the weighting works and what your odds look like.
From F-1 to OPT to H-1BHow students use Optional Practical Training, the STEM extension and the cap-gap rule to bridge from graduation to an H-1B.
Cap-exempt H-1B jobsUniversities, their affiliated nonprofits and nonprofit or government research organizations can sponsor H-1Bs any time of year, with no lottery.
What an H-1B costs, and who paysEvery government fee for an H-1B in 2026, which ones the law says your employer must pay, and where the $100,000 fee stands.

Your first 90 days on an H-1BSocial Security number, a bank account, credit from zero, renting without history, a driver's license and health insurance, in the order that makes things easier.

Changing jobs on an H-1BHow H-1B portability lets you start a new job as soon as the new employer files, what happens to your green card case, and the traps to avoid.
Laid off on an H-1B: your 60-day planAfter your last day of work you usually have up to 60 days to find a new sponsor, change status or leave. Here is what to do, in order.
Side income on an H-1B: what you can and can't doAn H-1B only authorizes work for your sponsoring employer. Here is where the line usually falls for freelancing, startups, investing and content creation.
The six-year limit and extensions beyond itH-1B status is capped at six years, but time abroad can be recaptured and green card progress can extend you one or three years at a time.

Your first US tax returnResident or nonresident for tax purposes, the substantial presence test, the dual-status first year, and reporting accounts back home (FBAR and FATCA).

H-4 life and the H-4 EADWhat an H-4 spouse can and can't do, who qualifies for the H-4 work permit, why renewals must be filed early now, and where the rescission stands.
Kids turning 21: aging out and the CSPAChildren must be under 21 to get a green card with their parents. The Child Status Protection Act can freeze their age in some cases; here is how the math works now.
Parents visiting on a B-2 visaHow parents apply for a visitor visa, what consulates look for, how long they can stay, and the fees in 2026.

Visa stamping in 2026Interview waivers are gone for H-1B and H-4, you must apply in your home country, and social-media vetting has slowed appointments. How to plan a stamping trip now.

Visa anxiety and looking after yourselfLiving on a temporary status wears people down. Why it happens, what helps, and where to find support that understands immigrant life.

Leaving the US, or moving elsewhereSome people decide the wait isn't worth it. What you keep if you leave (401(k), Social Security credits), and the common alternatives people consider.

A family emergency back homeWhen a parent is ill or someone dies back home, what to check in the first hour before you book a flight, and how to get back.
Serious illness or disability while on H-1BWhat happens to your status if you or your spouse gets seriously ill, and the questions to ask your employer, insurer and attorney.
If the visa holder diesA gentle guide for the family: the first steps, what happens to H-4 status, and the protections that exist for a green card in progress.
Divorce, separation or abuse on H-4What happens to H-4 status in a divorce, and the specific protections for spouses facing abuse, including a work permit.
The "if something happens to me" family binderA printable checklist so your spouse or a trusted friend can step in if you are suddenly ill, detained abroad or worse. Twenty minutes now saves weeks later.