What are the visa options available for individuals who want to work in the United States?
There are a few different visa options available for individuals who want to work in the United States. Here are some of the most common options:
- H-1B visa: This is a visa for highly skilled workers in specialty occupations. To qualify, an individual usually needs to have a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field. The employer who is hiring the person must sponsor the visa and demonstrate that the individual is qualified for the position and that there are no qualified US workers available. There is a cap on the number of H-1B visas that are available each year, and the competition for them is usually fierce.
- L-1 visa: This is a visa for intra-company transfers. This means that an individual who works for a company overseas can be transferred to work at the US subsidiary or affiliate of that company. To qualify, the individual must have worked for the overseas company for at least one year within the past three years, and they must be coming to the US to work in a managerial or executive position, or in a position that requires specialized knowledge.
- E-2 visa: This is a visa for investors who are coming to start or work for a company that they have invested in. To qualify, the individual must be a citizen of a country that has a treaty with the US allowing for E-2 visas. The individual must also be coming to the US to invest a significant amount of capital in the company (usually at least $100,000), and the company must be actively engaged in commerce.
- TN visa: This is a visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens who are coming to work in certain professions that are covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Some of the professions that are covered include accountants, engineers, and scientists. To qualify, the individual must have a job offer in the US and be coming to work in one of the covered professions.
- O visa: This is a visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. To qualify, the individual must be able to demonstrate that they have received national or international recognition for their achievements in their field.
It's important to note that these are just a few of the visa options that are available. Each visa has its own requirements and limitations, and the process of obtaining a visa can be complex. It's generally a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you are considering applying for a visa to work in the US. They can guide you through the process and help you determine which visa option is best for your individual situation.