The United States offers several types of work visas for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities. Choosing the right visa depends on your skills, job offer, and long-term goals. Applying for the correct visa can improve your chances of approval and set you on the right path for working legally in the U.S. To navigate this complex process, working with an experienced immigration attorney like Roberson Law, LLC, based in Overland Park, Kansas, can make all the difference.
Temporary (Non-Immigrant) Work Visas
If you plan to work in the U.S. for a specific period without permanent residency, you may qualify for a temporary work visa. Here are the most common types:
Are you or a family member in need of a temporary visa? Contact Roberson Law, LLC today.
1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
- Best for: Professionals with specialized knowledge (e.g., engineers, IT professionals, doctors, accountants).
- Requirements: Requires a U.S. employer sponsorship and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Duration: Initially three years, extendable up to six years.
- Annual Cap: 85,000 visas issued per year, so early application is crucial.
2. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfers)
- Best for: Employees of a multinational company transferring to a U.S. office.
- Requirements: The applicant must have worked for the company for at least one year outside the U.S.
- Duration: One to three years, extendable up to seven years (L-1A) or five years (L-1B).
3. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
- Best for: Individuals with exceptional achievements in science, education, business, athletics, or arts.
- Requirements: Must prove a high level of recognition and expertise in the field.
- Duration: Up to three years, with extensions available.
4. TN Visa (For Canadian & Mexican Professionals)
- Best for: Citizens of Canada and Mexico under NAFTA/USMCA agreement.
- Requirements: Must work in a qualifying profession (e.g., scientists, accountants, engineers).
- Duration: One to three years, renewable indefinitely.
5. E-2 Visa (Investor Visa)
- Best for: Foreign nationals investing a substantial amount in a U.S. business.
- Requirements: Must be from a treaty country and actively manage the investment.
- Duration: Two to five years, renewable as long as business operations continue.
6. H-2B Visa (Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers)
- Best for: Seasonal or temporary workers in hospitality, construction, landscaping, or other non-farm industries.
- Requirements: Employer must show temporary need and prove no available U.S. workers.
- Duration: Up to one year, with limited extensions.
Permanent (Immigrant) Work Visas
If you plan to live and work in the U.S. permanently, you may qualify for an employment-based green card (EB visa).
1. EB-1 Visa (Priority Workers)
- Best for: Individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives.
- Benefits: No employer sponsorship needed for those with extraordinary ability.
2. EB-2 Visa (Advanced Degree Professionals & Exceptional Ability)
- Best for: Those with a master’s degree or higher or exceptional skills in sciences, arts, or business.
- National Interest Waiver (NIW): Some applicants may qualify without employer sponsorship.
3. EB-3 Visa (Skilled, Professional, and Unskilled Workers)
- Best for: Workers with at least two years of experience (skilled), a bachelor’s degree (professional), or jobs requiring less than two years of training (unskilled).
- Employer sponsorship is required.
4. EB-5 Visa (Investor Green Card)
- Best for: Foreign investors who invest at least $800,000 to $1 million in a U.S. business that creates jobs.
- Pathway to permanent residency.
How to Pick the Right U.S. Work Visa
Choosing the right visa depends on your:
✅ Job Type – Does your profession fall under specialty occupations (H-1B), business transfers (L-1), or extraordinary talent (O-1)?
✅ Employer Sponsorship – Some visas require a U.S. employer to file on your behalf.
✅ Long-Term Goals – Are you seeking temporary work, or do you want a green card for permanent residency?
✅ Nationality – Some visas, like TN or E-2, are limited to certain countries.
Need Help Applying for a Work Visa?
Applying for a U.S. work visa involves strict deadlines, eligibility requirements, and complex paperwork. Roberson Law, LLC, an experienced immigration law firm in Overland Park, Kansas, can help you:
✔️ Determine the best visa option for your situation.
✔️ Prepare and submit all required documents.
✔️ Navigate potential obstacles, including RFEs or visa denials.
If you’re ready to work in the U.S., contact Roberson Law, LLC today for a consultation and expert guidance!
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