Non Immigrant Visas

H-1B1 Visa Lawyer - Specialty Occupation (chile & Singapore)

Get professional help from a H-1B1 Visa Lawyer. This visa allows U.S. employers to hire professionals from Chile and Singapore for specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. 

What is the H-1B1 Visa?

The H-1B1 visa is a nonimmigrant work visa available to citizens of Chile and Singapore, as part of trade agreements between the United States and these countries. This visa allows U.S. employers to hire professionals from Chile and Singapore for specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

Who's Elegible for the H-1B1 Visa?

To qualify for the H-1B1 visa and unlock exciting career opportunities in the United States, applicants must meet these key requirements:

Eligibility:

Only citizens of Chile and Singapore are eligible for the H-1B1 visa. Get professional help from a H-1B1 Visa Lawyer. 

The position must be a specialty occupation, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.

Unlike the standard H-1B visa, the H-1B1 visa has its own annual cap: 1,400 visas for Chile and 5,400 for Singapore. These caps are usually not reached, making it easier to obtain compared to the regular H-1B visa.

The H-1B1 visa is initially granted for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal in one-year increments as long as the applicant continues to meet the qualifications.

Employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor. However, they are not required to submit a Form I-129 petition with USCIS for consular processing.

Applicants must demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after completing their work in the U.S., as the H-1B1 visa does not allow for dual intent like the regular H-1B visa.

Citizens of Chile and Singapore can apply directly at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, without needing pre-approval from USCIS, which simplifies the application process.

H-1B1 Visa Lawyer

We offer professional help from a H-1B1 Visa Lawyer to ensure a smooth and efficient experience, an experienced Attorney can guide you through your H-1B1 Visa process.

H-1B1 Visa Lawyer

Enabling efficient workforce integration and supporting organizational growth.
Get professional help from a H-1B1 Visa Lawyer.

What's the Process like?

The process of hiring a Chilean citizen under the H-1B1 visa is straightforward and typically faster than other work visas. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Job Offer
The U.S. employer extends a job offer to the Chilean candidate for a qualifying specialty occupation. The position must require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

The employer files an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to certify:

  • The role meets prevailing wage standards.
  • The employment conditions will not negatively affect U.S. workers.
  • Once approved, the LCA is valid for use in the visa application.

The applicant must gather the following documents:

  • A valid Chilean passport.
  • A copy of the job offer letter, detailing the role, salary, and qualifications.
  • A certified LCA from the employer.
  • Proof of qualifications (e.g., bachelor’s degree, certifications).

The applicant submits the visa application (Form DS-160) online and pays the application fee.
They then schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Chile.

During the interview, the applicant must present all required documents and demonstrate:

  • They meet the qualifications for the position.
  • The job qualifies as a specialty occupation.
  • They intend to return to Chile after completing the work assignment.

If the visa is approved, the applicant will receive their visa and can travel to the U.S. to begin working.

Upon arriving in the U.S., the applicant presents their visa and supporting documents to a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer for final admission.

Why hire Chilean Citizens?

Hiring Chilean citizens under the H-1B1 visa offers several benefits for U.S. employers, particularly when filling positions that require specialized skills. Here’s why it’s a strong choice:

Dedicated Visa Cap:
The H-1B1 visa has an annual cap of 1,400 visas exclusively for Chilean citizens. Since this cap is rarely met, it provides a more accessible pathway for employers compared to the regular H-1B visa, which is subject to a lottery system.
Streamlined Process:
The H-1B1 application process is simpler and faster than the standard H-1B. Employers do not need to file a petition with USCIS, reducing both administrative workload and associated costs.
Skilled Workforce:
Chilean professionals offer expertise in fields such as engineering, IT, finance, and healthcare, making them a valuable addition to the U.S. labor market in specialized occupations.
Cost-Effective:
The H-1B1 visa process often comes with lower filing fees and faster processing times, providing cost and time savings for employers.
Temporary Need:
The H-1B1 visa is perfect for employers with short-term or project-based requirements, as it is initially issued for one year and can be renewed indefinitely based on ongoing job needs.
Cultural Compatibility:
Hiring Chilean citizens also helps strengthen collaboration and business relationships between the U.S. and Chile, bolstering ties under the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement.

Source: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/immigration/h1b1

Why Work With an H-1B1 Visa Lawyer?

Here at Maria Fitzmaurice PC, we assist our clients with: 

  • Determining eligibility for specialty occupation classification

  • Preparing and reviewing the job offer and job description

  • Ensuring degree-to-occupation alignment

  • Advising employers on wage requirements and LCA compliance

  • Filing petition documentation without omissions or errors

  • Strategizing for H-1B1 annual renewals and continuity of employment

  • Guiding long-term planning if transitioning to another visa

This support helps avoid delays, denials, and compliance pitfalls.

Hire Chilean or Singapore Nationals in the US

Employer Support & Compliance

U.S. employers must comply with multiple regulatory obligations when hiring H-1B1 workers, including:

  • Filing the Labor Condition Application (LCA)

  • Meeting required wage standards

  • Maintaining proper employment records

  • Ensuring the role legitimately qualifies as a specialty occupation

An immigration attorney ensures every step is managed correctly and defensibly.

Get Help from a H-1B1 Visa Lawyer

Maria Fitzmaurice PC is a specialized H-1B1 Visa Lawyer focused on assisting U.S. employers in hiring qualified Chilean and Singaporean professionals under the H-1B1 visa category.

H-1B1 Visa Lawyer – Frequently Asked Questions

Who can my company hire under the H-1B1 visa?

You can hire citizens of Chile or Singapore who hold a relevant bachelor’s degree or higher and are offered a position that qualifies as a specialty occupation (e.g., engineering, IT, accounting, research, or other professional roles requiring specialized knowledge).

The H-1B1 visa does not require a petition with USCIS for most cases, allowing for a more streamlined process. It’s valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely, unlike the H-1B, which is typically issued for three years.

Employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor, showing compliance with wage and working condition requirements. Your H1B1 Visa Lawyer can help ensure all documentation meets DOL and consular standards.

Yes, but the new employer must file the appropriate documentation and obtain a new LCA.

Since the H-1B1 is typically processed directly through a U.S. consulate abroad, it can take just a few weeks once the LCA is approved, depending on appointment availability and case complexity.

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for H-4 dependent visas, allowing them to reside in the U.S. during the principal worker’s stay.
Yes. While the H-1B1 visa is technically a non-immigrant visa, your company can still begin the green card sponsorship process if you decide to retain the employee long-term.

An experienced H-1B1 Visa Lawyer ensures compliance with all labor and immigration regulations, prepares your documentation correctly, and helps prevent costly delays or denials—making the hiring process faster and smoother.

Yes, but it is rarely met — which makes H-1B1 significantly more accessible than the capped H-1B lottery.

It is possible, but requires strategic planning due to the non-immigrant intent requirement. An attorney can advise on pathways such as transitioning to H-1B or changing status inside the U.S.

H-1B1 Visa Lawyer & Work Authorization Resources

Other Immigration Services:

Immigrant Visas

Employment Based Petitions

Contact Us

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.