United States•North AmericaH-1B1 — Chile/Singapore FTA Professional
At a Glance
1 week – 6 months
Varies by processing route
USD $4,680–$6,050
Varies by filing options
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote work OK
Living in United States
Overview
For nationals of Chile and Singapore in specialty occupations under free trade agreements. Separate from H-1B cap.
The H-1B1 is a US specialty occupation visa for citizens of Chile or Singapore created under the 2004 US-Chile and US-Singapore Free Trade Agreements. It draws from a dedicated allocation of 6,800 annual slots (1,400 for Chileans, 5,400 for Singaporeans) carved out of the standard H-1B cap, bypassing the lottery.
Applicants typically apply through a US consulate — no USCIS petition is required for new employment abroad. Stay is 1 year, renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments with no 6-year cap. H-4 dependents may accompany but cannot work. No dual intent: holders must show intent to return home.
This visa is ideal for Chilean or Singaporean professionals with a US specialty job offer who want reliable, lottery-free work authorization without pursuing permanent residence.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| LCA (DOL certification) | 1 week |
| Consular processing (total, typical) | 2–6 months |
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Annual Cap & Quota
6,800 total (1,400 for Chilean nationals; 5,400 for Singaporean nationals); unused slots revert to general H-1B pool
Eligible Nationalities (2)
Chile
SingaporeRequirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a citizen (not permanent resident) of Chile or Singapore
Position must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field
Alternate credentials accepted for: management consultants and disaster relief claims adjusters (both countries); agricultural managers and physical therapists (Chile only)
Valid job offer from a U.S. employer
Employer must obtain a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) from DOL
Must demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and ties to home country — no dual intent permitted
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Certified LCA (Form ETA-9035)
Job offer letter from U.S. employer
Educational credentials (degree, transcripts) demonstrating specialty occupation qualification
Evidence of ties to home country (property, family, employment)
MRV fee payment receipt
Photo meeting U.S. visa requirements
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- No lottery — not subject to the standard H-1B annual lottery
- No USCIS petition required for the consular (abroad) route
- Renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments — no 6-year maximum stay cap
- Reserved annual allocation (6,800 slots) is rarely exhausted, ensuring reliable access
- Lower fees than standard H-1B (no Fraud Prevention & Detection surcharge)
Worth Knowing
- No dual intent — must demonstrate intent to depart; green card pursuit is not permitted while in H-1B1 status
- Transitioning to permanent residence typically requires first changing to standard H-1B status
- 1-year duration requires annual renewals, creating administrative burden
- H-4 dependent spouses and children cannot obtain work authorization (unlike standard H-1B H-4)
- Premium processing is not available
- Only citizens of Chile or Singapore qualify — permanent residents of those countries do not
- No AC21 job portability protections for change-of-status applicants
Application Process
Employer submits Form ETA-9035 (LCA) to the Department of Labor and obtains certification
Applicant completes Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) online
Pay the $205 MRV visa application fee
Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy
Present certified LCA, job offer letter, and supporting documents at interview
(Change of status only) Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS; work may not begin until approval
Application Forms
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| ETA-9035 Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers | Fill online |
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | Fill online |
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