The H1B work permit is issued to "professionals" who are working in a "professional capacity." "Professional" means that the worker must have at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in work experience. "Working in professional capacity" means that the person is coming to work in the US not to pursue a hobby or a past-time or for giving free advice or humanitarian service but to earn money/livelihood.

Common examples of professionals working in a professional capacity include engineers, teachers, lawyers, accountants, nurses, computer professionals, marekt research analysts, business analysts, economists, IT professionals such as programmers, systems analysts, database administrators; health care professionals, such as physical therapists and laboratory technicians, and variety of other types of professionals

NOTE: For every year of formal education lacking, three years of professional experience can be substituted.

The H1B visa is tied to the employer. This means that you must have a sponsoring employer in order to apply.

What does your Employer do ?

The employer has to certify that you will hired to fill a professional position. The employer will also have to certify that he will be paying you the 'prevailing wage' for the position. The prevailing wage must be determined from an objective wage survey of similarly employed professionals in the same geographic area as the one where you will be employed.