The H-1 visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa classification that allows foreign-born professionals to work temporarily—and legally—in the United States for a typical period of up to 6 years. The most popular H-1 visa—H-1B—allows a person to have “dual intent,” that is, to lawfully seek permanent residence in the United States for himself or herself as well as the immediate family members, such as the spouse and children under 21 years (on an H-4 visa), while also being gainfully employed in the United States pending the outcome of a permanent resident petition lodged either in the United States or abroad at a U.S. consulate. Furthermore, H-1B holders are not required to maintain foreign residence in their home country.

An important benefit for H-1 visa holders is ...