Common Types of Work Visas for the United States
- Temporary Worker Visas. If you are entering into the United States to work for a set period of time and do not plan to stay in the U.S. ...
- Exchange Visitor Visa. Another type of work visa available for a citizen of a foreign country who wants to work in the United States is the Exchange Visitor Visa.
- Media Visa. Individuals traveling into the United States as members of the media who will be temporarily working in the U.S. can apply for a media (I) visa .
- NAFTA Professional Worker Visa. The North American Free Trade Agreement designed economic and trade connections between the United States, Mexico and Canada.
What are the most common U.S. work visa types?
Common Types of Work Visas for the United States Temporary Worker Visas. If you are entering into the United States to work for a set period of time and do not plan to stay in the U.S. ... Exchange Visitor Visa. Another type of work visa available for a citizen of a foreign country who wants to work in the United States is the Exchange Visitor Visa. Media Visa. ... NAFTA Professional Worker Visa. ...
What are the different types of work visa?
UK Work Visa: Types and Information
- UK Work Visa Types. Short-term work visas. ...
- Short-term work visas for the UK. The UK short-term work visas are all part of the Tier 5 Visas, part of the UK Point Based System. ...
- Long-term work visas for the UK. ...
- Investor, business development and talent visas. ...
- Other Types of UK Work Visas. ...
What are different visas to work in US?
- H1B . This is one of the popular ones. ...
- L1 visa. This category is for employees who are transferred from their overseas offices to US offices. ...
- There are few more which may be of interest to you. EAD for spouses of L1 visa holders. ...
- EAD for spouses of H1B visa holders. ...
- EAD (OPT) under FI visa. ...
What visa do I need to work in the USA?
- U.S. Green Card Holder
- Exchange Visitor Visa
- Temporary Work Visas (Non-Agricultural)
- Temporary Worker Visas (Skilled Workers)
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Visas
What type of work visas are available?
There are five key types of employment-based visas:First Preference EB-1. EB-1 covers those with “extraordinary ability” such as business professionals, academics and researchers, scientists, the arts, or athletics. ... Second Preference EB-2. ... Third Preference EB-3. ... Fourth Preference EB-4. ... Fifth Preference EB-5.
How many types of work visas are there in the US?
The employment based category is divided into five sections: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. If you are interested in working in the US, you may be eligible to obtain a Green Card under one of these categories.
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
What is the most common work visa?
H-1B specialty occupation visaAmong the various work visa types in the U.S., the H-1B specialty occupation visa is the most popular. The temporary work visa is available to foreign nationals who work in specialty occupations, such as engineering and computer science.
How long can you stay in America with a work visa?
six yearsUnder U.S. law, a foreign worker with an H-1B visa can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of six years (plus extensions in certain circumstances, discussed below). The H-1B visa and status is initially valid for three years and can then be extended for another three years.
Which visa allows you to work in USA?
Visa Classifications That Allow You To Work In The United StatesVisa ClassificationDefinitionF-1Foreign academic student, when certain conditions are metH-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3Temporary workerIForeign information media representativeJ-1Exchange visitor, when certain conditions are met10 more rows
Which visa is easy to get?
Singapore A beautiful concrete jungle, Singapore is amongst the most expensive cities in the world, yet the easiest to travel to for Indians. With well-connected flights and a quick and straightforward E- visa application process, Singapore should be on the top of your travel list. Singapore has a lot to offer.
What is H1B visa?
What is the H-1B Visa Category? The H-1B is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent.
How do work visas work in the US?
The Work Visa USA is used for people to go and work temporarily in the US. for a specified period of time. The period of time that you will be working should be noted in the employment contract or the visa application. This type of US visa does not allow individuals to work in the US indefinitely or permanently.
Is it hard to get a work visa?
Don't be intimidated by a long visa process—it'll pay off (sometimes literally). The work visa application process varies depending on your nationality and destination, but usually you'll need to first secure a job offer and sponsorship. Depending on your destination, you may also need to prove residency.
How much does a US work visa cost?
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
How long does it take to get a work visa?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
What is B1 and B2 US visa?
B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as “B visas”, and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly traveling for tourism purposes.
What is l1 visa in USA?
L-1A and L-1B visas may be issued when an employer files a petition to obtain authorization for qualified employees to be allowed to work and live in the United States. The L-1A visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States.
What is H-1B visa USA?
The H-1B is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category that allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent.
Who qualifies for eb3 visa?
EB-3: Employment-Based Immigration – Skilled Workers - Professionals and Other Unskilled Workers. You may be eligible to be classified as a skilled worker, professional, or other worker depending upon your education, skills and work experience.
What is a work visa?
What's a U.S. work visa and why do you need one? A visa is a document that provides authorization for travel to and admittance to the United States. Before visiting, working, or immigrating to the U.S., generally a citizen of a foreign country must first obtain a U.S. visa. 1 .
What is a visa for employment?
The visa provides entry to the U.S. and , depending on the type of visa obtained, may provide authorization for employment in the U.S.
Can you review employment authorization documents?
You can review information on Employment Authorization Documents and how to acquire, renew, or replace them.
What are the types of students that are eligible for a visa?
These visas cover three types of students: academic students, vocational students, and those enrolled in educational or cultural exchange programs. These are not immigrant visas.
What is an I visa?
I visas are for any eligible member of the foreign press including reporters, film crews, editors, and similar occupations, representing a foreign media outlet such as print, radio, film, or other foreign information media, when the outlet has a home office in a foreign country . For most, this is an indefinite visa as long as the holder is engaged in this profession for the same company.
How long does an L visa last?
An L-1A visa comes with a three-year duration ; L-1B has only one year.
What is an H-2A visa?
H-2A and H-2B visas are for seasonal, or peak load, temporary workers in an agriculture (H-2A) or non -agricultural (H-2B) setting . Generally, these do not extend beyond a year.
What are the requirements for an F-1 visa?
F-1 visas are for academic students enrolled at accredited academic institutions. As long as a course of study is maintained, students may work. Students cannot work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students can engage in three types of off-campus employment: 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 2 Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion) 3 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT
What is a performance visa?
These visas are for those who excel in performance, athletic, or artistic endeavors and the people who accompany these extraordinary performers. These are usually event-based durations.
How long can you stay in Guam with a visa?
Visa holders may be traveling for business or pleasure, but they need to be traveling with a return ticket. The stay cannot exceed 45 days.
What are some examples of TN visas?
employer, and that your position qualifies for the TN visa under NAFTA. Examples include accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.
What is an extraordinary ability visa?
The extraordinary ability visa is included in the employment-based 1st preference immigrant category (EB-1). Few foreign nationals qualify for extraordinary ability visas, because you have to demonstrate that you are in the top of your profession and that you have sustained international or national acclaim in your field.
What is an L-1 nonimmigrant visa?
The L-1 nonimmigrant visa is for employees who work for a foreign company that is an affiliate of a U.S. company. L-1 employees are transferred from the foreign company branch to the U.S. company branch. Or, the L-1 employee can be transferred by the foreign company to the U.S. in order to establish a U.S. office.
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for aliens of extraordinary ability who are coming to the U.S. to work in their field of expertise. To obtain an O-1 visa, you must have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer and prove that you are extraordinary in your field.
How long do you have to work for a foreign affiliate to be eligible for L-1 status?
In either scenario, the L-1 employee must have worked for the foreign affiliate for one continuous year within the past three years immediately preceding entry into the United States. If, for example, you want to enter the U.S. in L-1 status in 2022, you must have worked for the foreign affiliate for at least one year during the time period of 2020 through 2022.
Do foreigners qualify for extraordinary ability visas?
Few foreign nationals qualify for extraordinary ability visas, because you have to demonstrate that you are in the top of your profession and that you have sustained international or national acclaim in your field. To do so, you must demonstrate that you meet three of ten prongs showing extraordinary ability.
Can a green card be a permanent resident?
Although U.S. jobs usually start off as temporary, U.S. employment can often lead to a green card ( U.S. permanent residency). This article provides brief summaries of some of the most frequently obtained work visas in order to help point readers in the right direction as to which visa they may qualify for. We'll discuss both immigrant visas ...
What Is a Work Visa?
A United States work visa is an employment-based visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the United States while working legally. These visas are not permanent, and the duration a person is allowed to remain in the United States depends on the type of visa they are issued.
How a Work Visa Works
Work visas are for people who want to legally enter the United States for temporary employment. The duration of employment will be determined by the employer and the type of visa that is issued.
How To Get a Work Visa – Step-by-Step
Obtaining a work visa can be a complicated process, and several steps must be completed before, during, and after the visa process.
Types of Work Visas
There are several types of work visas in various categories. The type and purpose of work of the foreign national will determine what visa is appropriate.
How Long Do Work Visas Last?
A non-immigrant work visa duration depends on which visa is granted and the employer's hiring contract. H-1B visas, for example, can be valid for up to six years . The duration of an H-2A or an H-2B visa may vary depending on the labor certification but initially cannot be longer than one year.
Get Help with A Work Visa
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What is a work visa?
A work visa or work permit is a generic term for a legal authorization giving permission to work in a country where one does not hold citizenship. Typically, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either for temporary or permanent residence.
How many types of visas are there for non-US citizens?
It is very common to not be certain about what you need to do, or what type of visa to apply for, when bringing a non-US national to work for you because there are almost 60 different types of temporary visas .
How to get a work visa after paying fees?
Generally, after paying the fees and submitting your application you will need to sign-up for an interview and get the necessary documents ready for this. Information from this point forward will vary on the type of work visa and application you choose, but those are some of the basics and more information can be found on the USCIS’s website.
Why is it important to adhere to the terms of your employment application?
Additionally, it is important that you adhere to the terms of your application because any violation can result in removal or denial of re-entry into the United States. After figuring out the length of the stay of the employee, both the employer and the employee will have specific steps to take.
What is a green card?
Green Card - Permanent Residence to live and work in the U.S.
What is a temporary worker visa?
Temporary worker visas are for persons who want to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period of time, and are not considered permanent or indefinite. Each of these visas requires the prospective employer to first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?
Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.
What form do I need to bring for an L visa?
L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.
What is the purpose of a visa interview?
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is a visa for a foreigner?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.
What form do I need to schedule an interview?
You will need to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, to schedule an interview.
What are the different types of non-immigrant visas?
There are many different types of non-immigrant visas, including those for business/tourists, students, exchange programs, transit employees, religious workers, domestic help, financial investors, victims of sex trade, spousal sponsorship and media, to name a few. There is even a visa for non-citizens working in the U.S. who are victims of crimes.
What is a non-immigrant visa?
This can be a helpful place to start. Any citizen of a foreign country wanting to enter the United States must secure a visa in most cases. Immigrant visas are for permanent residence, and non-immigrant visas are for a temporary stay as defined by immigration law.
Who must file a petition for an immigrant visa?
Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) before applying for an immigrant visa. The petition is filed by either a qualified relative or a potential employer. Here are a few examples: Purpose of Travel. Example.
Is it important to get a visa lawyer?
Applying for a visa is not something you want to try on your own, and that’s why it’s important to choose a skilled and experienced visa lawyer to help you through the process .
H-1B Specialty Occupation
O-1 Visa
- This nonimmigrant visa is for people who have extraordinary skills within their field. To demonstrate that they are extraordinary at their job, they need to be able to show that they're at the top of their field and known nationally or internationally for their achievements.
E-1 Visa
- This type of visa allows people from certain countries to visit the U.S. to carry on trade activities. People can obtain this type of work visa as a Treaty Investor or Treaty Trader. If you want to come to the U.S. as an investor, you need to invest a large amount of money into a U.S> business and be able to show you're coming to develop your investment.
TN Visa
- The TN work visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It's specifically intended for Mexican or Canadian citizens who want to come to the U.S. to work for an employer. In order to qualify, you have to prove that you're a citizen of one of those countries, have a job offer from a U.S. employer and show that you have a position that qualifies you unde…
Australian Professional Specialty Visa
- This visa applies only to foreign nationals from Australia, their spouses and any children who are under the age of 21. The applicant must be going to the U.S. to work within a specialty occupation. There are a limited number of these visas issued each year, although the spouse and children of the applicant do not count toward that number. Applicants must have a bachelor's de…
Seasonal Agricultural Work Visas
- Seasonal agricultural worker visas (H2-A) are available for foreign workers who want to come to the U.S. to work on a temporary or seasonal basis, as long as there is a shortage of domestic employees. These temporary visas are limited to just three years and to qualify the worker must come from an approved country. Related: Common Overseas Jobs for Americans