Can I Get an H-1B Without a Degree?
Key Points to Know
- Breaking Update: Former President Trump has proposed a $100,000 filing fee for new H-1B petitions. Learn more in our detailed article, including exemptions and strategies to navigate this change.
- It is possible to qualify for an H-1B visa even without a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
- USCIS considers the totality of your professional experience, training, and credentials when reviewing your petition.
- There is no mandatory waiting period to begin the green card process once you are in H-1B status.
One of the major strengths of the H-1B program is its flexibility. While many professional-level jobs in the U.S. require at least a bachelor’s degree, there are applicants who have successfully obtained H-1B visas without one. This is particularly important for professionals with extensive hands-on experience or specialized training that makes them just as qualified as degree-holders.
If you have been wondering whether you can get an H-1B visa without holding a college degree, the answer is yes. Below, our immigration attorneys at Green Card Link explain the requirements, strategies, and tips to help maximize your chances of approval.
H-1B Visa Overview
The H-1B visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that enables U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in “specialty occupations.” These occupations require specialized theoretical and technical expertise.
Professions commonly associated with the H-1B program include:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Finance and Accounting
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Medicine and Healthcare
- Science and Research
Each year, USCIS issues 85,000 new H-1B visas through a lottery-based system. There are three primary H-1B subcategories:
- H-1B Specialty Occupations
- H-1B2 for Department of Defense (DOD) Researchers and Development Project Workers
- H-1B3 for Fashion Models of Distinguished Ability
If you were selected in the 2025–26 H-1B lottery, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can guide you through the petition filing process.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants Without a Degree
If you do not hold a bachelor’s or higher degree, you may still qualify under the H-1B Specialty Occupation or H-1B3 Fashion Model subcategories. However, you must demonstrate equivalent qualifications through your experience, certifications, or specialized achievements.
H-1B: Specialty Occupation Requirements
To qualify, USCIS requires that you meet at least one of the following:
- Hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the relevant field.
- Hold a foreign degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree.
- Possess an unrestricted state license, registration, or certification allowing you to fully practice your profession.
- Demonstrate a combination of education, progressive training, and experience equivalent to a degree in the specialty occupation.
H-1B: Specialty Occupation Requirements
Fashion models applying under the H-1B3 category must show they are of distinguished ability and merit within the industry.
While these criteria may appear straightforward, remember that you will likely be competing with degree-holding applicants. That is why it is highly recommended to work closely with the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, who can help present your petition in the strongest way possible.
How to Qualify Without a Degree
To prove degree equivalency, you must show that your experience and expertise rise to the same level as a bachelor’s degree holder. USCIS allows equivalency to be established in several ways:
- Evaluation from a College Official – A college official authorized to grant credit for work experience may review your background, conduct interviews, and issue an equivalency evaluation.
- Recognized Exams or Credit Programs – Passing exams like CLEP or programs such as PONSI may help establish proficiency.
- Foreign Credential Evaluation – If you hold foreign qualifications, these can be evaluated by a credentialing service to determine U.S. equivalency.
- Professional Certifications – Membership or certification from reputable associations may strengthen your case.
- Combination of Education, Training, and Experience – USCIS often applies a “three-to-one rule,” where three years of progressive experience equals one year of college-level training.
Supporting evidence could include letters from recognized authorities, proof of published work, licenses, or documentation of significant contributions to your field.
Applying for an H-1B Without a Degree: The Process
The process to apply without a degree mirrors that of degree-holding applicants and involves three main steps:
Step One: Labor Certification (LCA)
Your U.S. employer must first obtain an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor. This ensures fair wages and compliance with labor standards.
Step Two: Filing Form I-129
Your employer then files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. This includes evidence of your qualifications, such as evaluations, certifications, or documented work experience.
Step Three: Consular Processing
If applying from abroad, you must complete a visa interview at the U.S. consulate in your home country before entering the United States.
From H-1B Visa to Green Card
One benefit of the H-1B visa is dual intent, meaning you can pursue a green card while on H-1B status. The process typically involves:
- PERM Labor Certification by your employer
- Filing of the I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) when your priority date is current
There is no mandatory waiting period to start this process, though applicants from countries like India and China often face longer wait times due to visa backlogs.
H-1B Processing Times
- Regular Processing: Average 3–4 months
- Premium Processing: 15 calendar days for $2,805 in additional fees
Note: Premium processing speeds up the timeline but does not improve your lottery chances or overall approval odds.
Tips for Applicants Without a Degree
- Submit Experience Letters: Provide detailed letters from past employers documenting your job duties, responsibilities, and specialized training.
- Prepare for RFEs (Requests for Evidence): USCIS often scrutinizes non-degree petitions more closely. With the help of immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, you can prepare strong documentation to respond effectively.
- Work with Experts: Petitioning without a degree requires careful legal strategy. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have extensive experience handling complex H-1B cases and can help build a compelling petition.
Why Choose Green Card Link
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have a proven track record in securing H-1B approvals, including cases where applicants lacked traditional academic degrees. By leveraging your skills, training, and real-world experience, they craft petitions designed to meet the rigorous standards of USCIS.
If you were selected in the 2025–26 H-1B lottery, contact the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link today to begin the process.
📞 Schedule a consultation with Green Card Link and learn how we can guide you through your H-1B journey—from initial petition to green card.
Related H-1B Topics:
- H-1B to Green Card
- H-1B Requirements
- H-1B Benefits
- H-1B Visa Process
- H-1B Processing Fees
- H-1B Documents Checklist
- H-1B Extension & Transfers
- H-1B for Nurses, Doctors, and Teachers
- H-1B Lottery Predictions
- L-1 vs H-1B