In the News: Barbara Kihumba Offers H-1B Strategic Insight in HR.com
For the June 2025 issue of HR.com, Constangy senior counsel Barbara Kihumba authored an article offering guidance for HR professionals to optimize their organization’s H-1B strategy.
“For human resources (HR) teams tasked with securing global talent, the H-1B visa remains the primary pathway to hire foreign professionals in ‘specialty occupations’ that require at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent,” Barbara said. “By mastering the H-1B lottery process, meeting all compliance requirements and identifying alternative work-authorization pathways, HR teams can maximize an employer’s ability to secure top global talent.”
In addition to highlighting the timelines and changes to the 2026 H-1B cap lottery, Barbara offered some best practices to improve chances of success when preparing a petition, including:
- Crafting a precise job description
- Confirm employee eligibility
- Compile documentation
- Address wage levels
- Demonstrate specialty occupation
- File timely
Of course, with the H-1B program facing an incredible discrepancy between applicants and available visas, businesses should be prepared to seek other options, Barbara concluded the article by sharing several alternative pathways, such as an F-1 STEM OPT extension, O-1 visas, Cap-exempt employment, green card sponsorship, and more.
For the full article, please click here.
