Changing employers on an H-1B visa involves securing a job offer from the new employer, who must then file a complaint H-1B petition with USCIS.

There is no limit to how many times you can change H-1B employers during your stay in the U.S., as long as each employer files a valid petition. Each new job must meet H-1B requirements, including appropriate job duties, wages, and specialty occupation criteria. Immigration history, status gaps, and prior violations can impact transfer eligibility.

Changing employers while on an H-1B visa requires careful attention to maintaining continuous lawful status. You must remain employed with your current H-1B sponsor until your new employer properly files a new I-129 petition with USCIS. If you stop working before the new petition is filed, you could fall out of status, potentially jeopardizing your eligibility for the transfer. Once USCIS issues a receipt notice, you can start working for the new employer under the H-1B portability provision but keep documentation of both your previous employment and the petition filing date in case USCIS later requests evidence. Timing your resignation and start date with the new employer is crucial to avoid status gaps.