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Work VisasHighlandUpdated: February 4, 202612 min read

H-1B Cap-Exempt Employers in Highland: Work Visas Without the Lottery

Universities, hospitals, and research institutions that can sponsor H-1B visas year-round

SoCal Immigration Services
Reviewed by: Maria Santos, DOJ Accredited Representative

Quick Answer

Highland's proximity to major universities, medical centers, and research institutions creates unique opportunities for H-1B work visas. Cap-exempt employers can sponsor H-1B visas at any time without going through the annual lottery—a significant advantage for skilled workers from the Middle East seeking stable employment in the Inland Empire.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Highland's proximity to major universities, medical centers, and research institutions creates unique opportunities for H-1B work visas. Cap-exempt employers can sponsor H-1B visas at any time without going through the annual lottery—a significant advantage for skilled workers from the Middle East seeking stable employment in the Inland Empire.

What is H-1B Cap Exemption?

The regular H-1B visa has an annual cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for U.S. master's degree holders), creating a lottery system. However, certain employers are exempt from this cap:

• Institutions of higher education
• Nonprofit research organizations
• Government research organizations
• Nonprofit entities related to or affiliated with universities

Benefits of Cap-Exempt Employment

Working for a cap-exempt employer offers significant advantages:
  • No lottery—petitions can be filed any time of year
  • No annual cap limits
  • Faster processing without waiting for lottery results
  • Can start work as soon as petition is approved
  • Stable path to employment-based green card

Cap-Exempt Employers Near Highland

Major cap-exempt institutions in the Inland Empire:
InstitutionTypeLocationCommon H-1B Roles
Loma Linda UniversityUniversity/HospitalLoma LindaPhysicians, researchers, professors
UC RiversideUniversityRiversideFaculty, researchers, postdocs
Cal State San BernardinoUniversitySan BernardinoFaculty, researchers
Loma Linda Medical CenterHospital/ResearchLoma LindaPhysicians, specialists
VA Loma LindaGovernmentLoma LindaMedical professionals

University Employment Opportunities

Universities offer diverse cap-exempt positions:

• Tenure-track and non-tenure faculty positions
• Research scientists and postdoctoral researchers
• Specialized administrative roles requiring advanced degrees
• Medical school faculty and clinical instructors
• Research associates in STEM fields

How Cap-Exempt H-1B Works

The process for cap-exempt H-1B:
  • Employer files Labor Condition Application (LCA) with DOL
  • LCA certification takes approximately 7-10 days
  • Form I-129 H-1B petition filed with USCIS
  • Premium processing available (15-day decision)
  • No lottery selection—all eligible petitions are processed
  • Valid for 3 years, extendable to 6 years total

Path to Green Card

Cap-exempt employment provides excellent green card options:

• EB-1B Outstanding Researcher: For researchers with international recognition
• EB-2 NIW: National Interest Waiver for exceptional ability
• PERM: Standard labor certification process
• Research positions may qualify for EB-1 or EB-2 without PERM

Why Highland Residents Choose Us

SoCal Immigration Services helps professionals in Highland:
  • Arabic-speaking staff for clear communication
  • Experience with university and hospital H-1B cases
  • Knowledge of Inland Empire cap-exempt employers
  • Green card planning from day one
  • Help with credential evaluation

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:If I work for a cap-exempt employer, am I counted against the H-1B cap?

A: No, cap-exempt employment doesn't count against the cap. However, if you later want to work for a cap-subject employer and were never counted, you would need to go through the lottery.

Q:Are all hospitals cap-exempt?

A: No, only hospitals that are nonprofit and affiliated with institutions of higher education are cap-exempt. Private for-profit hospitals are not cap-exempt.

Q:Can I switch from cap-exempt to a regular company later?

A: If you've never been counted against the cap, you would need to go through the lottery. If you've been cap-counted before, different rules may apply.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Highland and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Published: February 4, 2026Last Updated: February 4, 2026

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