The H-1B is a temporary nonimmigrant visa status which allows an employee to work temporarily for a specific employer in a “specialty occupation”. A “specialty occupation” requires a “theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree, or its equivalent, as a minimum requirement” at a wage that meets the higher of the prevailing wage or the actual wage, and the applicant must hold the required degree in a “specialty occupation” that will be employed. This means both the position and the scholar must meet H-1B eligibility criteria.
For more detailed information about the H-1B visa type, please visit USCIS website.
To begin the H-1B sponsorship process at UCI, please see H-1B: Before You Sponsor.