Specialty occupation
H-1B is about the job, not the degree alone
H-1B requires a specialty occupation: the role itself must normally need a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. A staff RN posting rarely meets that test even if the nurse holds a BSN. Informatics, research, certain advanced-practice, and highly specialized clinical roles are the more common healthcare fits.
Cap vs cap-exempt
Many hospitals, universities, and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt. Those employers can file outside the March lottery. For-profit clinics usually cannot.
Timing
Cap-subject cases follow the H-1B registration calendar. Cap-exempt cases can file when the job is ready. Neither path replaces state licensure.
Confirm the petition
Ask whether the employer will file H-1B for this exact title, who pays the fees, and whether the role is cap-exempt.