If you’re an H1B visa holder, you may be wondering if you can work for two employers at the same time. After all, you have a valuable skill set that many companies would love to leverage. However, when it comes to the specifics, the answer to this question isn’t always clear.

Here’s what you need to know:

Understanding H1B Visas

Before we dive into whether or not you can work for two employers on an H1B visa, let’s take a moment to review what an H1B visa is and how it works.

In short, an H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers who have specialized skills. To be approved for an H1B visa, you must first have a job offer from a US employer. Once you have secured a job, your employer will apply for the H1B visa on your behalf.

It’s worth noting that H1B visas are not unlimited. Each year, the US government sets a cap on how many H1B visas can be issued. Currently, the annual limit is set at 65,000, with an additional 20,000 visas available for those with advanced degrees.

Can You Work for Two Employers on an H1B Visa?

With that background in mind, let’s talk about whether or not you can work for two employers on an H1B visa.

The short answer is yes – in some cases.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must have an approved H1B visa for your primary employer before you can work for a secondary employer.
• The secondary employer must file a separate H1B petition on your behalf, and the petition must be approved before you can start working for them.
• You must continue to work for your primary employer while working for your secondary employer.
• The total number of hours you work for both employers cannot exceed 40 hours per week.

It’s also worth noting that some H1B visas are subject to additional restrictions. For example, if you’re working for a non-profit organization, you may be subject to additional restrictions on the type of work you can do and the number of hours you can work each week.

Key Takeaways

• H1B visas allow US employers to hire foreign workers with specialized skills.
• You must have an approved H1B visa for your primary employer before you can work for a secondary employer.
• The secondary employer must file a separate H1B petition on your behalf, and the petition must be approved before you can start working for them.
• You must continue to work for your primary employer while working for your secondary employer.
• The total number of hours you work for both employers cannot exceed 40 hours per week.

FAQ

Q: Can H1B visa holders work for multiple employers on the same H1B visa?

A: No, each employer must file a separate H1B petition on behalf of the H1B visa holder.

Q: Do I need to have a full-time job with my primary employer to work for a secondary employer?

A: No, your primary employment can be full-time, part-time, or even self-employment.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the type of work I can do for my secondary employer?

A: No, as long as the work is in your area of specialization and the secondary employer files a separate H1B petition on your behalf.

Conclusion

In short, H1B visa holders can work for two employers in some cases. However, there are specific requirements that must be met, and working for two employers is not always possible or practical.

If you’re considering working for a secondary employer, be sure to review the requirements carefully and work with an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that you’re in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.