Note, however, that only spouses and children of H1B1 work visa holders are eligible for derivative (H4) visas. Parents and other family members are NOT eligible for H4 visas. They may visit a worker for a temporary period of time if they apply for and receive a tourist visa, or on the Visa Waiver Program if they are eligible.

The H-1B1 non-immigrant classification (for Singaporeans) is available to certain otherwise admissible business persons who do not possess a post-secondary degree or its equivalent, but who will engage in the professions of Disaster Relief Claims Adjusters, or certain Management Consultants who hold a degree in other than their specialty area who present alternative documentation reflecting experience in the specialty area.

Note you may also qualify under the rules for equivalent work experience.

The H-1B1 is a special visa for citizens of Singapore only. It is similar to an H-1B visa.

Yes. The "3 years of work experience for every 1 year of college" formula ("3 for 1") is recognized for H-1B1 (for Singaporeans); however, the individual must demonstrate progressively responsible experience and a level of knowledge sufficient to show 'theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge.' Also, depending on the position, the individual may also have to show more than '3 for 1' if the industry standard for the position would require an advanced degree (i.e. law degree, masters degree, etc).

No. Only Singaporean citizens are eligible as principal applicants. Note, however, that Singapore Permanent Residents who are the spouse or child of a qualified Singaporean H1B1 applicant may be eligible for an H-4 visa as a dependent family member.

Yes. A national of Singapore, currently admitted to the United States as a nonimmigrant in a category eligible to change nonimmigrant status, may apply to change to H-1B1 nonimmigrant status. Note that the applicant must be in the U.S. in a nonimmigrant category which is eligible to change nonimmigrant status, of course.

The main requirements for an H-1B1 visa (for Singaporeans) are as follows:

Yes. Singaporeans are still eligible to apply for traditional H-1b visas. Singaporeans are NOT required to apply for H-1B1. Each individual Singaporean can decide which visa (traditional H-1b or H-1B1) is best for his or her personal situation.

Many foreign programmers, and other professionals, who would like to work for YouTube and Google wonder whether YouTube and Google sponsor individuals for H-1B visas. As you can see from the following chart, Google does indeed sponsor H-1B workers. Therefore, after the acquisition of YouTube by Google, Google will likely continue to sponsor individuals for H-1B visas provided that the H-1B quota, established by the U.S. government, has not run out.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on October 26, 2006 that 24 of the 27 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries have met the October 26, 2006 deadline by satisfying the requirement for issuing e-Passports. These requirements mandate that passports contain a contactless chip with the passport holder's biographic information and a biometric identifier (e.g., a digital photograph of the holder). DHS announced in July 2005, that passports issued by VWP countries on or after October 26, 2006, must comply with these requirements in order to be valid for entry into the United States without a visa, i.e., under the visa waiver program.