What are the Different Types of Visas Available to Work in the U.S.?

People want to come to the United States for a variety of reasons. Some are visiting family or touring the country, and others are hoping to become citizens. Still others seek work, and for those there are a variety of visas to accommodate different circumstances. If you are interested in obtaining a visa to work in the United States, the list below represents the different options available to you.

  • Temporary Work Visas – Not all workers who come to the United States intend to stay for an extended or permanent period or to seek citizenship. There are several different visa options for these temporary workers, including:
  • H-1B visas for workers whose skills qualify as specialty professional occupations. Applicants usually hold university degrees or have special talents.
  • H-2A visas are for seasonal agricultural workers
  • H-2B visas are for skilled and unskilled workers willing, qualified and available to do work when there is not sufficient interest from Americans
  • H-3 visas are for those seeking specific career training in the United States that is not available in their home country.
  • E1 Visas are nonimmigrant visas for citizens of countries with whom the United States has a treaty of commerce. This is usually used by business owners.
  • E2 Visas are for those who wish to work in the United States by investing in a business.
  • L1 visas are for those who plan to expand their business to the United States or who are being transferred to work within the United States by an existing American business
  • O1 Visas are for those who have extraordinary skills in arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. They must demonstrate a record of extraordinary performance and be acknowledged both domestically and internationally for their excellence.
  • NAFTA work permits are specifically for citizens of Canada or Mexico, and are meant to ease trade barriers between those countries and the United States.

If you or someone you love needs assistance applying for a work visa in the United States, our experienced immigration attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to set up a time for us to speak.