Applying for an H1B visa can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to gathering the required documentation. From what I’ve gathered, the application process involves preparing various documents for both employers and employees.
For Employers:
• LCA (Labor Condition Application)
• I-129 Form
• Company profile (address, contact, employees, revenue, etc.)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Job description
• Proof of wages meeting H1B requirements
• Financial records proving the employer’s ability to pay wages
• Job Offer Letter
• FEIN Assignment Letter (Required if the employer is applying for H1B for the first time)
For Employees:
• Passport copy
• I-94 Form
• EAD (Employment Authorization Document) for OPT applicants
• Resume (submitted to the employer, not USCIS)
• Job description from the employer
• Diploma and official transcripts
• University graduation certificate copy
• Form I-20 (OPT students only)
• SSN (if available)
For Family Members Applying for H4:
• Passport copy of each dependent
• Marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate for proof of relationship
• SSN (if available)
• I-797 (if available)
Yeah, that can actually matter — especially if you’re on F1 using CPT or OPT. USCIS and SEVP do care about where the “worksite” is, not just where your employer is registered.
For example, if you’re on CPT, your I-20 usually needs to list the physical work location. If you’re working 100% remotely, some schools will ask you to provide your home address as the worksite and maybe some kind of official letter from the company confirming it.
For H1B, it’s even more sensitive — if there’s no LCA (Labor Condition Application) tied to a work location, that could be an issue. Employers technically need to post notices at the worksite, so if there is no physical office, they need to follow remote posting rules.
Bottom line: remote work is common now, but it still needs to be properly documented for immigration purposes. Definitely worth checking with your school DSO or immigration lawyer just to stay on the safe side.
Feel free to DM if you want some examples of how others documented this — I’ve helped a few friends go through it recently.
Thanks for sharing this super helpful checklist! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the paperwork, but having everything broken down like this makes the process a lot more manageable.
One tip I’d add: Double-check expiration dates on documents like I-94s and passports — USCIS is strict about that. Also, if you’re using Day 1 CPT or OPT, make sure your I-20s and job duties clearly show how the role relates to your major in case of RFE.strong text
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the paperwork, but having everything broken down like this makes the process a lot more manageable.