Can You Work Two Jobs on an H1B Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

The United States has long been a land of opportunity for skilled professionals from around the world. This raises a lot of questions, one of the popular ones is can I do two jobs on an H1B visa? Many individuals dream of pursuing a career in the U.S. The diverse job market, robust economy, and high standards of living are some of the factors here. The H1B visa program is a crucial pathway for foreign workers seeking employment in the United States.

In this article, we will explore everything there is to know about the H1B visa. From who is qualified for it, how to obtain one, the requirements for an H1B visa, and whether it is possible to work two jobs on an H1B visa. We will also touch on the jobs that you can get when you are an H1B visa holder.

What is an H1B Visa?

Before you go about understanding concurrent H1B employment, let us talk about the visa itself. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. These specialty occupations typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. The H1B visa is a sought-after pathway for skilled professionals to work legally in the United States and gain valuable international experience. Some key features of the H1B visa include:

• Specialty Occupation: The H1B visa is designed for individuals working in fields that demand specialized knowledge and skills, such as information technology, engineering, medicine, and finance.
• Employer Sponsorship: To obtain an H1B visa, an employer in the U.S. must sponsor the foreign worker. This means that the employer is responsible for the application process and associated costs.
• Duration: H1B visas are typically granted for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for an additional three years, resulting in a maximum of six years. Extensions are possible in certain cases.
• Dual Intent: H1B visa holders can pursue lawful permanent residency (a green card) while working in the U.S., demonstrating the dual intent of the program.

Who is Qualified for an H1B Visa?

We know all you asked us is can I do two jobs on an H1B visa? However, before we answer that, we believe there are a lot of other things you should know. One is if you are actually qualified to even have the H1B visa To be eligible for an H1B visa, a foreign national must meet the following qualifications:

1. Specialized Occupation: The applicant must work in a specialized field that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
2. Job Offer: An employer in the United States must offer the applicant a job in a specialty occupation. The employer is also responsible for initiating the H1B visa application process.
3. Educational Qualifications: The applicant must possess the necessary educational qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree or higher, to fulfill the requirements of the specialty occupation.
4. Licensure or Certification: Some specialty occupations may require the applicant to hold a professional license or certification in the state where they intend to work.
5. Labor Condition Application (LCA): The employer must submit an LCA to the U.S. Department of Labor, certifying that the employment of an H1B worker will not adversely affect the working conditions of U.S. employees.
6. Prevailing Wage: The employer must agree to pay the H1B visa holder the prevailing wage for the occupation in the geographic area where they will be employed.
7. Numerical Cap: The U.S. government sets an annual cap on the number of H1B visas that can be issued, which can make the process highly competitive. Exceptions to the cap exist for certain categories, such as those employed by universities and research institutions.

Can I Do Two Jobs on an H1B Visa?

Now let us answer you, if we remember correctly, your question was ‘Can I do two jobs on an H1B visa?’ If we are being honest, this question is a common one. The short answer is yes, it is possible to work for multiple employers on an H1B visa, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Some of them include:

1. Approval from USCIS: Each employer intending to hire the H1B visa holder must file a separate Form I-129 petition with USCIS. This means that multiple employers can sponsor an H1B visa holder.
2. Part-Time or Concurrent Employment: H1B visa holders can work for multiple employers on either a full-time or part-time basis. This is known as concurrent employment. It is important to ensure that each job meets the requirements of a specialty occupation and adheres to H1B regulations.
3. H1B Transfer: If an H1B visa holder wishes to change employers or add a new job, the new employer must file a Form I-129 petition to transfer the H1B visa sponsorship.
4. Maintaining Status: H1B visa holders must ensure that they are maintaining their status, which includes adhering to the terms and conditions specified in the approved petitions. It’s essential to keep a record of employment details, as USCIS may request this information during audits.
5. Labor Condition Application (LCA): Each new employer must also file a certified LCA with the Department of Labor, specifying the terms and conditions of the employment.

Jobs Available for H1B Visa Holders

You are not the first person typing “Can I work 2 H1B jobs on a single H-1B visa?” on Google’s search bar. The funny thing is you will not be the last. There are so many jobs available to H1B visa holders, so is it a crime to have two? Some of the jobs available include;

• Information Technology: Software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, and network engineers.
• Engineering: Civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering.
• Science and Research: Biotechnology, chemistry, and physics
• Healthcare: Medical doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals
• Finance: Financial analysts, accountants, and professionals in the finance sector.
• Education: University professors, researchers, and educators in specialized fields.
• Architecture: Architects and other design professionals.
• Marketing and Advertising: Marketing professionals, market research analysts, and advertising experts

How to Get an H1B Visa

You do not need to ask ‘Can we do two jobs in the USA with H-1B’ because you know the answer. Now the new question is how do you get the visa?  Obtaining an H1B visa involves a multi-step process, with the employer taking the lead. Here is an overview of the steps involved:

• The first step is securing a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor the applicant for an H1B visa.
• The employer files an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor, which must be certified.
• The employer files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
• USCIS reviews the petition and may request additional evidence or documentation. 
• If approved, USCIS issues an approval notice.
• If the applicant is outside the United States, they must apply for an H1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
• If the applicant is already in the U.S. on another valid visa, they may apply for a change of status to H1B without leaving the country.
• Once the visa is approved and any necessary status changes are completed, the applicant can start working for the sponsoring employer in the United States.

Final Note on the Question Can I Do Two Jobs on an H1B Visa?

The H1B visa program continues to be a valuable pathway for skilled professionals from around the world to work in the United States. One of the advantages of the H1B program is its flexibility, which allows visa holders to work for multiple employers as long as each employment opportunity meets the program’s requirements and adheres to the regulations set forth by USCIS.

It is a known fact that there is a lot to consider when you are looking for a type of job for an H1B visa. So doing more than one seems like the right thing to do as long as you can be efficient. While it may be a challenging and competitive process to secure an H1B visa, the rewards are often well worth the effort. So, you should go get one today.