Do I need to go through the H-1B lottery again for a transfer?

No. H-1B holders transferring to a new employer do not need to re-enter the lottery. The new employer simply files a new I-129 petition.

Can I start working for the new employer immediately after filing?

Yes. Under the AC21 portability provision, you may begin working for the new employer as soon as the I-129 is received by USCIS (once you have the receipt number), without waiting for approval.

Can I travel outside the U.S. during the transfer process?

Exercise caution. If the I-129 has not yet been approved, re-entry under portability may be complicated. It is recommended to travel only after approval or with a valid visa stamp.

What happens if the transfer is denied?

You must immediately stop working for the new employer. You may return to the original employer (if the previous H-1B is still valid) or find another employer to file a new transfer. It is advisable not to leave the original employer before approval.

How much does an H-1B transfer cost?

Key fees include: I-129 filing fee ($780; $460 for a small employer or nonprofit), ACWIA training fee ($750 or $1,500 depending on employer size), and optional premium processing ($2,965). Attorney fees are separate.

Will my green card process (PERM/I-140) be affected?

An approved I-140 remains valid after changing employers (under the 180-day portability rule). However, a PERM-stage green card case typically needs to be restarted with the new employer. The priority date from an approved I-140 can be retained.

The Peng Law

H-1B转雇主（跳槽）

H-1B Transfer (Change of Employer)

H-1B转雇主（也称H-1B Transfer或Portability Transfer）允许已持有H-1B签证的外籍员工在不需要重新参加抽签的情况下，将H-1B身份从现有雇主转至新雇主。

7 business daysLCA申请

1-2 weeksI-129准备

3-6 months常规处理

15 business days加急处理

Overview

概述

H-1B转雇主（也称H-1B Transfer或Portability Transfer）允许已持有H-1B签证的外籍员工在不需要重新参加抽签的情况下，将H-1B身份从现有雇主转至新雇主。根据AC21法案（American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act）的"portability"条款，一旦新雇主提交了I-129转换申请，受益人即可合法开始为新雇主工作，无需等待获批。H-1B转雇主是在美工作的H-1B持有者最常用的换工作方式，整个流程通常比新申请更快、更可预期。

Eligibility

申请条件

申请人当前持有有效的H-1B身份（或最近一次入境时持H-1B签证）

申请人当前没有未经授权的工作记录

新雇主愿意担保并提交新的I-129申请

新职位仍属于"专业职位"（Specialty Occupation），需要学士学位或以上学历

新雇主须向劳工部提交新的LCA，确保支付现行工资

适用于在美国境内的H-1B持有者——境外持有者需要通过新的申请或签证面签

Application Process

申请流程