Plan B: Vías alternativas de empleo en EE.UU. para estudiantes internacionales F-1 que no consiguen visa en lotería del H-1B

Flavia Santos • September 28, 2023

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Los estudiantes internacionales con visados F-1 que no han sido seleccionados en la lotería del H-1B se enfrentan a una situación difícil, pero todavía hay opciones alternativas de inmigración disponibles. Estas opciones pueden requerir más esfuerzo y planificación, pero en última instancia pueden conducir a la misma meta de obtener una visa de trabajo en los Estados Unidos.

Evalúe el tiempo que le queda

Es imperativo que las personas que actualmente participan en el programa de Formación Práctica Opcional (OPT) evalúen el tiempo restante antes de su vencimiento. La fecha de expiración del OPT puede afectar significativamente la elegibilidad de uno para continuar residiendo en los Estados Unidos, particularmente si tienen la intención de registrarse para la lotería de visas H-1B en 2024. Por ejemplo, en caso de ser seleccionado en la lotería y de que el OPT expire el 1 de abril de 2024 o después, la persona tendría derecho a la prórroga H-1B Cap-Gap, lo que le permitiría continuar con su estatus OPT hasta que el visado H-1B se haga efectivo. Sin embargo, si el periodo de validez del OPT expira antes del 1 de abril de 2024, la persona deberá abandonar los EE.UU. en un plazo de 60 días tras la fecha de expiración del OPT. La siguiente tabla ilustra este escenario.

Prepárese para la temporada de regreso a clases

Para los estudiantes que buscan oportunidades de empleo en Estados Unidos, matricularse en un programa académico que ofrezca Formación Práctica Curricular (CPT) de primer día es otra opción viable. Esto permitiría a los estudiantes empezar a trabajar inmediatamente, incluso mientras continúan sus estudios. Además, los estudiantes que ya han conseguido una oferta de trabajo pueden trabajar en CPT mientras esperan el resultado de su petición H-1B en el límite anual. Para aprovechar al máximo este período ampliado, sería prudente inscribirse en la lotería del tope H-1B antes de que expire el período OPT.

Considere el visado L-1 si trabaja para una multinacional

Como opción viable para los profesionales que buscan un empleo a largo plazo en Estados Unidos, trabajar para una multinacional en el extranjero durante un año seguido de un traslado dentro de la empresa mediante un visado L-1 puede ofrecer numerosas ventajas estratégicas. El visado L-1, diseñado específicamente para este tipo de traslados, permite a los empleados de empresas multinacionales trasladarse a una filial, subsidiaria o matriz estadounidense. El visado L-1 se caracteriza por ser un visado de doble propósito que permite la flexibilidad de buscar tanto oportunidades de trabajo y estudio temporales en el país, como la residencia a largo plazo. También tiene un periodo de validez de 5 a 7 años. Aunque esta vía requiere que la persona trabaje en el extranjero durante un año, puede resultar una valiosa solución a largo plazo para trabajar en Estados Unidos.

Visado TN para ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos

El visado TN es una categoría de visado de no inmigrante que permite a los ciudadanos canadienses y mexicanos trabajar temporalmente en Estados Unidos en determinadas ocupaciones profesionales, enumeradas en el Acuerdo Estados Unidos-México-Canadá (USMCA). Los requisitos para obtener un visado TN incluyen una oferta de trabajo de un empleador estadounidense, un trabajo preestablecido a tiempo completo o parcial en una de las profesiones elegibles, una licenciatura o su equivalente y una prueba de cualificación profesional. El periodo de validez de un visado TN varía en función de la duración de la oferta de trabajo, pero puede expedirse por un máximo de tres años y renovarse indefinidamente.

Empresarios e inversores

Para quienes son más emprendedores, los visados E-1 y E-2, por su parte, están diseñados para personas dedicadas al comercio internacional con EE.UU. Estos visados permiten a su titular trabajar en EE.UU. al tiempo que realiza un comercio sustancial entre EE.UU. y su país de origen. Cada uno de estos visados ofrece oportunidades y requisitos únicos, y es importante consultar con un abogado de inmigración para determinar cuál es el que mejor se adapta a sus circunstancias individuales.

Solicitar un permiso de trabajo para dependientes

Para las personas casadas, las opciones de visado para cónyuges también pueden ser una alternativa viable. El Documento de Autorización de Empleo (EAD) H-4 permite a los cónyuges elegibles de titulares de visados H-1B obtener permiso para trabajar en EE.UU. siempre que el cónyuge principal tenga un I-140 aprobado. Por su parte, los visados dependientes L-2 y E-2 son opciones para los cónyuges de titulares de visados L-1 y E-2, respectivamente. A diferencia del H-4, que requiere que el cónyuge principal H-1B tenga un I-140D aprobado, los cónyuges L-2 y E-2 se consideran autorizados para trabajar y no necesitan solicitar un documento de autorización de empleo. Estos visados para cónyuges pueden suponer una importante fuente de ingresos y apoyo para la familia mientras el titular principal del visado se establece en EE.UU.

Conclusión

Es importante que los estudiantes consideren todas sus opciones y trabajen con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia para determinar el mejor curso de acción. Si bien el límite H-1B puede ser un proceso frustrante y difícil, todavía hay caminos hacia el éxito para los estudiantes internacionales. Con una planificación cuidadosa y perseverancia, los estudiantes pueden lograr sus objetivos y construir una carrera exitosa en los Estados Unidos.

Descargo de responsabilidad: Este artículo tiene únicamente fines informativos y no debe considerarse asesoramiento jurídico. Se recomienda encarecidamente buscar el asesoramiento de un abogado de inmigración antes de tomar cualquier decisión.

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Flavia Lloyd

USCIS Completes FY 2027 H-1B Cap Lottery with New Wage-Based Selection System

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • April 9, 2026

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has concluded the annual H-1B cap lottery for Fiscal Year 2027, with employers and legal representatives now able to check selection outcomes through their registration portals.

USCIS Changes H-1B Lottery to Wage-Based Selection

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • January 15, 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

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Premium Processing in 2026: Is It Still Worth It?

By Josephine Franz • June 11, 2026

For many of our clients, premium processing has long felt less like a luxury and more like a necessity. Whether it's an artist with a tour date, a startup founder with investors waiting, or an executive whose H-1B extension is tied to a project deadline, the ability to get a USCIS decision in fifteen business days has been a cornerstone of business and entertainment immigration planning. But 2026 has brought meaningful changes. On March 1, 2026, USCIS implemented a new round of premium processing fee increases under the biennial inflation adjustment authorized by the USCIS Stabilization Act. With fees now climbing across every eligible form, employers, foreign nationals, and their counsel are asking a fair question: at these prices, is premium processing still worth it? The short answer is: often yes but no longer always. Here is what has changed, what hasn't, and how to think strategically about your filings this year. What Premium Processing Actually Buys You Premium processing is an optional, fee-based service that obligates USCIS to take action on a qualifying petition or application within a defined window. "Action" does not necessarily mean approval USCIS may issue an approval, a denial, a Request for Evidence (RFE), a Notice of Intent to Deny, or open an investigation. But it must do something within the guaranteed timeframe, or refund the premium fee. The current adjudication windows are: 15 business days for most Form I-129 nonimmigrant petitions (including H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, TN, and E-3) and most Form I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions 45 business days for Form I-140 petitions in the EB-1C (multinational executive/manager) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) categories 30 business days for eligible Form I-539 change-of-status applications and Form I-765 applications for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT employment authorization When USCIS issues an RFE, the clock pauses and restarts only when the agency receives the response, a detail that surprises many petitioners and is worth planning around. The 2026 Fee Increases at a Glance The Department of Homeland Security's final rule, published in the Federal Register on January 12, 2026, raised premium processing fees by an average of roughly 5.7 percent based on inflation between June 2023 and June 2025. Any Form I-907 postmarked on or after March 1, 2026, must include the updated fee, or USCIS will reject the filing outright.

P1 Visa for Individual Sport Athletes

By Joseph Lennarz • June 4, 2026

Navigating the immigration landscape as a professional athlete can feel as demanding as a championship final, but understanding the P-1A visa can help you to plan ahead and successfully petition USCIS when the time comes to apply. For individual athletes like surfers, Rodeo cowboys, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, the P-1A serves as the primary gateway to competing in the United States. While it is often compared to the O-1 visa, the P-1A has a distinct threshold that is more easily accessible than the O-1; rather than proving "extraordinary ability," you must demonstrate "international recognition". This means your achievements must be renowned or leading in more than one country, showcasing a level of skill that is substantially above the ordinary. For those competing in individual sports, the spotlight is entirely on your personal accolades and standing rather than a team or league’s reputation as in the case of a team sport athlete. You must show that you are personally well-known within your sport across multiple countries, and that the U.S. events you intend to enter typically draw other internationally recognized participants. One of the most significant advantages for the solo competitor is the duration of stay, as individual athletes can often secure a P-1 visa for an initial period of up to five years, which can eventually be extended to a total of ten. This stands in stark contrast to team athletes, who are generally limited to the duration of a specific season or contract with a team. If you are looking to be proactive about your future eligibility, you should treat your career milestones as a collection of evidence for the "Two-Out-of-Seven" rule used by USCIS. To qualify, you must provide evidence satisfying at least two of the following seven criteria: Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league. Evidence of participation in an international competition with a national team. Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition. A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or the governing body of the sport detailing your international recognition. A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert. Evidence that you or your team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings. Evidence that you or your team has received a significant honor or award in the sport. Building your resume with these specific benchmarks in mind is essential. Here are some suggestions to help an individual sport athlete to meet these criteria and successfully qualify for a P-1A visa: First, you should actively seek opportunities to represent your national team or strive for high international rankings , as these are concrete proof of your standing. If you are working with an immigration attorney, make sure they have a clear understanding of your sport, how its governing body determines rankings, and the significance of your accomplishments- successfully showing USCIS why your rankings or results indicate you are performing at an elite and internationally recognized level is key to a successful outcome. Beyond the trophies, your professional network plays a crucial role ; cultivating relationships with recognized experts or sports media members who can provide written statements will significantly strengthen your future petition. Major media articles that discuss your accomplishments or explain the significance of competitions or rankings you feature in, can also have a strong positive impact on your case. As you prepare, remember that every petition also requires a formal consultation letter from an appropriate labor organization , if one exists that covers your sport. A good immigration attorney will help you to identify the appropriate labor organization and engage with them on your behalf to secure the consultation letter you need. Generally, they will want to see the same evidence that USCIS will be evaluating, and they may need some time to review your petition prior to issuing you a consultation letter. Finally, you will also need a written contract with an employer or agent within the United States, and a detailed itinerary of the events where you will perform . Your immigration attorney can also help you to structure your contract with your agent or employer, and guide you in creating an itinerary based on the events or competitions you will participate in. While every individual sport is different, USCIS will want to see that you have set up a structure that will pay you a living wage to perform your sport, and that you have planned out an itinerary of competitions or events in sufficient detail that covers the entire period of time for which you are requesting the P-1A visa. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are experienced in helping talented individuals who are accomplished in many different sports to continue their careers here in the United States. If you are such an athlete interested in competing here, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your case.

Understanding the Annual Asylum Fee: What it is and Why You Must Pay

By Juliana LaMendola • May 28, 2026

If you have a pending asylum application in the United States, you will now be required to pay an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) in order to keep your application pending. Understanding this new fee and why it is important could be the difference between maintaining your pending asylum application and facing removal from the country . If your asylum application has been pending for more than one year, you will be required to pay an annual fee of $102 . The good news is that this fee is charged per asylum application, not per person. This means a family applying together on a single Form I-589 will only pay $102 total. However, it is important to know that there are no fee waivers available for this annual payment. It is crucial to take this fee seriously because the consequences for missing your payment are severe . If you receive a notification from USCIS that your fee is due, you will be given exactly 30 days to pay it. If you fail to pay by the deadline, the government may enforce the following penalties: Rejection of your Application: USCIS will reject your pending asylum application. Loss of Work Authorization: Any pending applications for employment authorization (Form I-765) based on your asylum case will be denied. Furthermore, if you already have an approved work permit, you will lose your work authorization immediately. Risk of Deportation: If you do not have an underlying legal status in the U.S., USCIS may initiate your removal (deportation) from the United States. Because of the severe consequences of failure to pay the fee within 30 days, it is vitally important to update your address with USCIS. This ensures you will actually receive the payment notice and can pay it on time without jeopardizing your case. How to Pay: Paying your fee promptly is the best way to protect your asylum status and work authorization. You can easily check if your fee is due and make your payment online by visiting: https://my.uscis.gov/accounts/annual-asylum-fee/start/overview To submit your payment, you will need two important pieces of information: Your A-Number (Alien Registration Number). The receipt number from your asylum application receipt notice. Once you enter this information, you will see a blue “Pay and submit” button. You can pay securely using a credit card, debit card, or a transfer from a U.S. bank account. Always make sure to save a copy of your receipt to ensure you have evidence of payment. Staying informed and keeping up with the Annual Asylum Fee is an essential part of the asylum process in 2026. Watch your mail for notifications, keep your address updated, and pay your fee as soon as it is due to ensure your case stays on track.