The H-1B visa allows foreign professionals to work in the United States in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Historically, startup founders were often blocked from sponsoring themselves due to ownership concerns, yet but in a landmark shift, a new rule enacted in 2025 now allows self-sponsorship when a valid employer-employee relationship can be established. This progressive change opens exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs to build their ventures on U.S. soil. If you’re a founder or skilled professional looking to take advantage of this updated policy, it is always recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney in Dallas to guide you with the H-1B application process.
Who Can Qualify for an H-1B Visa?
The H-1B visa is a temporary U.S. work visa granted to foreign professionals employed in specialty occupations. The H1-B visa is for jobs that typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field such as engineering, IT, science, finance, or education. The H-1B is one of the most common nonimmigrant work visas, especially for individuals whose roles demand highly specialized knowledge. Fashion models or people working in profession with exceptional ability also qualify frequently qualify under this visa.
New Qualifications for H1-B Visa in 2025: Self-Sponsoring
Traditionally, an H-1B petition must have filed by a U.S.-based employer that has secured a certified Labor Condition Application from the Department of Labor. These visas are capped annually at 65,000 for applicants with a bachelor’s degree, with an additional 20,000 available to those with a U.S. master’s degree or higher. Due to the Visa demand exceeding supply, the H1-B program typically operates through a “lottery” system. Approved visas are generally issued for an initial period of three years, extendable up to six years.
However, a major shift took place in January 2025 with a groundbreaking rule change that allows startup founders the ability to self-sponsor for H-1B visas. Previously, petitions filed by companies that were majority-owned by the beneficiary were most often denied. Now, in a progressive and forward-looking move, USCIS now formally allows startup founders to sponsor themselves for H-1B visas, provided that the petitioner can clearly demonstrate a valid employer-employee relationship with their own company. This may be established by having an independent board with authority to oversee and terminate the founder’s employment, a clearly defined role and responsibilities, and established workplace structures like payroll, etc.
Self-sponsored H-1B petitions under this rule are initially valid for 18 months. Extensions can be made, but they must show the business’s viability, including revenue growth, hiring of U.S. employees, and ongoing compliance with wage and labor laws. Contact Aspire Immigration to see if you may be able to qualify for self-sponsoring of an H1-b Visa or if you need help with establishing a successful application.
Contact Aspire Immigration for Help with H-1B Visa Application in Dallas
Whether applying through an employer or as a self-sponsor/ founder, navigating the H-1B process in 2025 requires careful planning and documentation. Due to the complex nature of this visa category, and frequent changes in immigration policy, consulting a knowledgeable immigration attorney is strongly recommended to improve the chances of success.
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side is a critical advantage. Avoiding common errors and understanding the full range of visa options available is essential, as what seems like the right path may not always be the most effective one. The U.S. immigration system includes a wide variety of visa categories tailored to different needs, and selecting the best one requires strategic guidance.
Based in Dallas, Texas, Aspire Immigration is committed to delivering knowledgeable, personalized immigration services to clients across the country. We proudly serve both Spanish- and Arabic-speaking communities, offering legal support grounded in clarity, compassion, and consistent communication. family’s immigration journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
