Non-Immigrant Work Visa
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
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- Purpose: Intracompany Transfers
- Eligibility: Employees transferring within multinational companies
- Duration: L-1A (7 years), L-1B (5 years)
O-1 Visa
- 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
- 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
- Purpose: Exchange Visitor Program
- Eligibility: Research, education, or cultural exchange
- Duration: Varies by program, some require home residency
R-1 Visa
- Purpose: Religious Workers
- Eligibility: Individuals working in religious capacities
- Duration: Initially 30 months, extendable
Q-1 Visa
- Purpose: Cultural Exchange Program
- Eligibility: Participation in cultural exchange programs
- Duration: Up to 15 months