Skip to content
Ask a question
All posts

What are the different types of visas that may be available to me if I am looking to immigrate to the United States for work purposes?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

There are several types of visas that may be available to individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States for work purposes:

  1. H-1B visa: This visa is for foreign workers who have a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific field of study. The H-1B visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for up to six years. An employer must sponsor the individual and file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their behalf.
  2. L visa: The L visa is for individuals who work for a company that has a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary in the United States. It is used for intra-company transferees who will be working in the U.S. for a temporary period. The L visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for up to seven years. The employer must sponsor the individual and file a petition with the USCIS on their behalf.
  3. E visa: The E visa is for individuals who will be entering the U.S. to engage in trade or investment. There are two types of E visas: E-1 for traders and E-2 for investors. The E visa is valid for up to five years and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the individual continues to meet the requirements for the visa.
  4. O visa: The O visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. The O visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended for up to six years. An employer, agent, or the individual themselves can file a petition with the USCIS on their behalf.
  5. TN visa: The TN visa is available to citizens of Mexico and Canada who work in certain professions. The profession must be on the NAFTA list of professions, and the individual must be qualified for the position. The TN visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended indefinitely.

It is important to note that each visa has specific requirements and limitations, and not all individuals will qualify for every type of visa. It is recommended to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine which visa is best suited for your situation and to assist with the application process.