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What are the different types of visas available for skilled workers in the United States?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

As a lawyer, I can provide information regarding the different types of visas available for skilled workers in the United States.

There are several types of work visas available for skilled workers, including:

  1. H-1B Visa: This is a non-immigrant visa for workers in specialty occupations, with a minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience. The H-1B visa is typically valid for up to three years, with an option for extension up to six years.
  2. L-1 Visa: This visa allows multinational companies to transfer skilled employees from their foreign offices to their offices in the United States. Employees who hold an L-1 visa must have worked for the foreign office for at least one year.
  3. O-1 Visa: This visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, including science, art, business, athletics, and education. The O-1 is a non-immigrant visa and is typically valid for up to three years, with an option for extension.
  4. E-3 Visa: This visa is available only for citizens of Australia and allows for work in specialty occupations. It is similar to the H-1B visa but has a lower application fee.
  5. TN Visa: This visa is available for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It allows for work in specific fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

It is important to note that there are limitations and exceptions for each type of visa. For example, the H-1B visa has an annual cap, meaning that there is a limit on the number of visas available each year. In addition, some types of visas may require a labor certification from the Department of Labor before they can be issued. Further action, such as hiring an immigration attorney, may be necessary to navigate these limitations and exceptions.

In summary, there are several types of visas available for skilled workers in the United States. The most commonly used are the H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-3, and TN visas. Each visa type has its own limitations and exceptions, which must be carefully considered in order to obtain a work visa successfully.