The H-1B is a classification of non-immigrant visa in the United States that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, as well as fashion models, or persons who are engaged in Department of Defense projects who meet certain conditions.

The regulation and implementation of visa programs are carried out by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Foreign nationals may have H-1B status while present in the United States, and may or may not have a physical H-1B visa stamp.

H-1B visa status holders typically have an initial three-year stay in the U.S. They are entitled to a maximum of six years of physical presence in H-1B status.

After reaching certain milestones in the green card process, H-1B status can be extended beyond the six-year maximum.

The number of initial H-1B visas issued each fiscal year is capped at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available for individuals who have earned a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution, for a total of 85,000. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new rule for foreign professionals, including Nigerians seeking opportunities in the United States.

Under the policy, American companies that hire foreign workers through the H-1B visa program will now be required to pay $100,000 (about ?150 million) per worker every year.

Here is a full list for US H-1B visa approvals for Nigerians since Fiscal Year 2018:

The Fiscal Year (FY) is October 1 to September 30. FY 2018 is October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018.

1. 2018 – 391

2. 2019 – 385

3. 2020 – 232

4. 2021 – 198

5. 2022 – 588

6. 2023 – 740

7. 2024 – 880 (THE NATION)

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