Non-Immigrant Work Visa

A non-immigrant work visa in the United States allows foreign nationals to enter and work temporarily in the country for a specific employer, job, or purpose. These visas are intended for individuals who do not intend to stay permanently in the U.S. and usually require a sponsoring employer or organization. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements, conditions, and durations of stay.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. It is one of the most sought-after work visas for skilled professionals, particularly in fields like technology, engineering, healthcare, finance, and education.

    • Purpose: Specialty Occupations (e.g., IT, Engineering)
    • Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree or higher, sponsorship by a U.S. employer
    • Duration: 3 years, extendable to 6

H-2A Visa

The H-2A visa is a temporary work visa in the United States designed for foreign agricultural workers. It allows U.S. employers to bring nonimmigrant workers to the U.S. to perform seasonal or temporary agricultural work when there are not enough domestic workers available.

  • Purpose: Agricultural Workers
  • Eligibility: Seasonal or temporary agricultural work
  • Duration: Based on employer needs

H-2B Visa

The H-2B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural jobs. It is designed to fill labor shortages in industries like hospitality, construction, landscaping, retail, and other seasonal or short-term sectors.

  • Purpose: Non-Agricultural Workers
  • Eligibility: Seasonal or temporary non-agricultural jobs
  • Duration: Initial stay is up to 1 year, extensions can be granted in 1-year increments, up to a maximum of 3 years.

L-1 Visa

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows companies operating both in the United States and abroad to transfer certain employees to their U.S. offices.
    • Purpose: Intracompany Transfers
    • Eligibility: Employees transferring within multinational companies
    • Duration: L-1A (7 years), L-1B (5 years)

O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. It is intended for people who have achieved a high level of recognition or accomplishment in their industry, whether it be in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
  • Purpose: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability
  • Eligibility: Artists, scientists, educators, athletes with exceptional achievements
  • Duration: Up to 3 years, with extensions

E-1/E-2 Visas

The E-1 and E-2 visas are nonimmigrant visas that facilitate trade and investment between the United States and countries with which it has qualifying treaties. These visas are designed for individuals or businesses engaged in international commerce or significant investment activities.

  • Purpose: Treaty Traders & Investors
  • Eligibility: Nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial trade or investment
  • Duration: Depends on treaty, renewable

TN Visa

The TN (Trade NAFTA/USMCA) visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows qualified citizens of Canada and Mexico to work temporarily in the United States in certain professional occupations, under the provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA.
    • Purpose: NAFTA Professionals
    • Eligibility: Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA (NAFTA successor)
    • Duration: 3 years, renewable

P Visa

The P-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to temporarily come to the United States to perform at a specific event, competition, or performance as athletes, artists, or entertainers.

  • Purpose: Athletes & Entertainers
  • Eligibility: Professional athletes, teams, or performers
  • Duration: Up to 5 years (individual dependent)

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals participating in exchange programs approved by the U.S. Department of State. It allows individuals to work, study, teach, or receive training in the United States temporarily as part of a cultural exchange.
  • Purpose: Exchange Visitor Program
  • Eligibility: Research, education, or cultural exchange
  • Duration: Varies by program, some require home residency

R-1 Visa

The R-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily to work in a religious capacity. It is specifically for individuals who are employed by a bona fide religious organization in the U.S. and are involved in religious activities or occupations.
    • Purpose: Religious Workers
    • Eligibility: Individuals working in religious capacities
    • Duration: Initially 30 months, extendable

Q-1 Visa

The Q-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals participating in cultural exchange programs. It allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to provide training, share their culture, and gain cultural insights through approved exchange programs. It is specifically designed to promote international cultural exchange, often involving cultural presentations, exhibitions, or training.
  • Purpose: Cultural Exchange Program
  • Eligibility: Participation in cultural exchange programs
  • Duration: Up to 15 months