US Embassy Clarifies H-1B1 Visa for Singapore Citizens: No $100,000 Fee
The US Embassy in Singapore clarified that the H-1B1 visa process remains unchanged, unaffected by the new US$100,000 fee imposed on the H-1B work visa. This distinction is crucial, as the H-1B1 visa is exclusively for Singaporean and Chilean citizens and does not offer a path to permanent residency, unlike the H-1B visa. The H-1B1 allows qualified professionals to work in specialized occupations for one year, with a yearly cap of 5,400 for Singaporeans. The H-1B1 visa was established in 2003 as part of a free trade agreement between the US and Singapore.