How to change jobs on an H-1B visa in 2024

A reminder about H‑1B visas

The H‑1B is a temporary US work visa for “speciality occupations” – roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree. US employers sponsor international talent in fields like engineering, IT, finance, and research.

Can you switch jobs on an H‑1B visa?

Yes – but you can’t simply transfer. Instead, your prospective employer files a new H‑1B petition (Form I‑129) and associated Labor Condition Application (LCA). Once USCIS receives it, you're typically allowed to commence work, even before approval, under the portability rule. 

Thankfully, since you already have a visa and are in the United States, the H-1B transfer process is a little easier. In addition, you don’t need to inform your current employer that you’ve filed a petition for an H-1B job change.

Typical steps:

• Secure the job

• Employer files LCA (typically approved in ~7 days)

• Employer files Form I‑129 and pays fees

• Once USCIS issues a receipt, you can begin working for the new employer

Tip: Consider premium processing to guarantee an initial USCIS response within 15 calendar days.

Change of employer

An H‑1B “transfer” isn’t an actual transfer – it’s a fresh petition by your new sponsor.

Timeline:

• Standard processing: 2½ – 4 months

• Premium processing: 15 calendar days

Costs: Standard filing fees vary; premium processing currently costs around USD 2,805.

Documents needed:Your new employer will need:

• Valid visa, I‑797, I‑94

• Resume, pay stubs or employer letter

• Degree certificates and transcripts

• Job offer letter (with title, salary), job description

• Company documents (e.g. financials, business plan)

Read more: H-1B Visa: Step by Step Guide

H-1B visas: what if you get a second offer?

When multiple H-1B visa petitions are filed on your behalf at the same time, this is known as bridging. Up until the point that your I-94 expires, you can submit as many new petitions as you wish. As soon as the return date on your 1-94 card expires, outstanding petitions are nullified.

H-1B bridge petitions allow you to accept a job with a new employer even if another employer has already submitted an H-1B “transfer” to their company beforehand. Essentially, you get the freedom to keep looking for your perfect position, even after you’ve accepted an existing offer.

Shifts within the same company

If your job role, location or duties change significantly, your employer must file an H‑1B amendment via Form I‑129. Minor changes often don’t require amendments, but moving to a new worksite typically does.

What is an H-1B transfer?

As mentioned by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, H-1B visas are nonimmigrant visas for someone who works in the US in speciality positions. A speciality occupation requires highly specialised training or experience in a particular field. H-1B visas can be transferred from one employer to another. This means that while you are in the US on an H-1B visa and if you are offered another job, you can follow the H-1 B transfer process. The new employer starts the process of getting an H1B visa. This means that you will need to find a job, and thereafter, the new employer will agree to sponsor you as required by the US government.

H1B visa holders may change their employer while working in the USA through a process which is known as the H1B transfer process. To apply for an H1B transfer, you should initially accept the new job offer on your current valid H1B visa. The employer may transfer the visa from the current employer to the new company and inform U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services of the changes in employment status through Form I-129. This process can take a few months to complete. 

H-1B transfer timeline

The H-1B transfer time ranges from 4 to 8 weeks once your application has been submitted, although you can streamline the process for an additional fee. The exact H-1B transfer processing time varies from case to case and is dependent on various factors, including the location of employment and which centre is responsible for processing your H-1B application.

H-1B transfer documents

Having an H-1B transfer checklist can help you keep a tab of what documents you need to submit, and can ensure that you don’t miss out on anything or fill in the wrong paperwork. 

The documents you require for the process of an H-1B job change are:

• Your US visa, I-797, and I-94

• Your resume

• Your pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or a leave of absence letter

• Your university degree and transcript, along with your academic evaluations

• Along with these documents, your new employer will need to submit the following:

• A letter of position stating your job title and salary, signed by both you and your employer

• A proper job description

• Marketing material from the business

• The company’s financial statements, annual reports, or business plans

H-1B transfer cost

As was the case when you initially filed for an H-1B visa, your employer will pay all the mandatory fees for your H-1B transfer as well. The only change is that you will not need to pay the USD 10 registration fee again. So your H-1B transfer cost will range from USD 1,710 to USD 6,460, depending on factors like attorney fees and whether or not you are required to pay any higher fees, among others.

Who files your new H-1B visa petition?

As with your initial application, your employer goes through the steps of the H-1B transfer procedure and submits the petition on your behalf. Of course, there will be several questions you’ll need to answer and supporting documents you may need to supply (such as your CV, proof of your degree and related information).

TIP: Get your own legal expert

Usually, the company lawyer of your employer will handle your H-1B visa transfer paperwork. If you’re having trouble with your employer or want to change companies, you should seek help from an independent immigration attorney - one that hasn’t been hired by your company.

When can you file a new H-1B petition?

You can apply for an H-1B visa to work at a new employer at any point in time, and you may begin working at your new job as soon as you have confirmation that your application has been received. In other words, an H-1B job change can happen once you successfully submit your application.

However, you may want to consult your immigration lawyer before making the move, as you may find yourself out of status if your petition isn't approved and you're already at your new company.

Pending H‑1B petitions (porting)

Porting is when you start at a new employer while your new H-1B petition is still pending. You can begin working under a new employer as soon as USCIS issues a receipt for your H‑1B petition. 

Key points:

• If you’re travelling outside of the US while your new H-1B petition is still being processed, be sure to take copies of your new petition, as you’ll need them when re-entering the country.

• If the petition is denied after porting, speak to an immigration attorney immediately.

• Filing a new petition does not reset your maximum six‑year H‑1B limit — extensions only apply if approved specifically.

What happens if you’re laid off while on your H-1B visa?

If you’re fired while on an H-1B visa, you don’t have to panic. Being laid off isn’t the end of your H‑1B status. USCIS grants a discretionary 60‑day grace period from your final paid day. 

During this period, you can:

• File a new H‑1B petition (and begin new employment once USCIS issues the receipt)

• Change to another work-authorised or visitor status (e.g. H‑4, B‑2)

• Apply for adjustment of status or compelling-circumstances EAD

• Depart the US by the end of the grace period or the I‑94 validity period

Tip: If your I‑94 expires before 60 days, that date takes precedence

Switching jobs on an H‑1B visa is entirely possible—but it requires careful timing, the right documentation, and awareness of what to do in the 60-day grace period if you’re laid off. With the right planning (and often a new employer filing your petition quickly), you can navigate a job change smoothly without losing your immigration status.At Prodigy Finance, we understand the unique journey international professionals take—starting with your student loan and continuing through your global career. If you're planning your next move, let us help you stay financially flexible and future-ready. Explore our student loans designed for global citizens.

Whether you plan to remain in the US for the maximum six years granted by the H-1B visa or you’re hoping to apply for a Green Card in the future, the purpose of this guide is to provide prospective students with an overview of the application process for a US student visa and should not be regarded as legal or immigration advice or as a substitute for the official information published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from time to time or any instructions and/or advice provided by US embassies and consuls. Whilst we have carefully compiled the guide in accordance with the information published by USCIS, Prodigy Finance Limited does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, mistakes, omissions or outdated information in the guide and we encourage prospective students and other readers to consult the USCIS’s website. Prodigy Finance Limited is not authorized by the Department of Justice (DOJ)'s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to provide immigration services and will not provide any additional information or assistance to any person to apply for a US student or other category visa.

If you want to read about companies that sponsor H1B visas, or if you would want to get some career advice, you can visit our Study Centre which is filled with expert opinions on a range of topics.

For any other information about Prodigy Finance or our student loan process, feel free to browse through our site.

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