If you want to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a work visa.
There are a number of different types of work visas, and the process of obtaining one can be complicated.
This guide will walk you through the steps of getting a US work visa so that you can start your new job as soon as possible.
In this article…
What is a US work visa?
There are a number of different types of US work visas, each with its own specific requirements.
The most common type of work visa is the H1B visa, which allows US employers to temporarily hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.
To qualify for an H-1B visa, workers must have at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in their field of work. (Source)
Other types of US work visas include the H-2A and H-2B visas for agricultural and seasonal workers, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the O-1 visa for workers with extraordinary ability.
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
USA Work Visa Types
The different types of US Work Visa types are…
H-1B visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in a specialized field.
The duration of stay is three years, extendable to six years. To qualify for an H-1B visa, the applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant field.
To apply for an H-1B visa, the US employer must first file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labor.
Once the LCA is approved, the employer can then file an H-1B petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If the petition is approved, the applicant can then apply for a visa at a US consulate or embassy abroad.
H-2A visa
The H-2A visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows agricultural workers from foreign countries to come to the United States and work temporarily in agricultural jobs.
To be eligible for an H-2A visa, workers must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in an agricultural job, and they must meet certain other requirements.
To get an H-2A visa, workers must first obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer must then file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), requesting approval to hire the workers.
If the petition is approved, the workers can then apply for an H-2A visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
H-2B visa
The H-2B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign workers to perform nonagricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
These workers typically fill positions in the landscape, hospitality, and construction industries.
To obtain an H-2B visa, the employer must first file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor. Once the LCA is approved, the employer may then file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If the petition is approved, the worker may apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
H-3 visa
The H-3 visa is a temporary visa for foreign nationals who come to the United States to receive training in any field of endeavor.
The H-3 visa is not available for academic study. To be eligible for an H-3 visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and must be able to show that he or she will return to his or her home country after the training is complete.
There is no limit on the number of H-3 visas that can be issued each year.
I visa
The I visa is for foreign journalists, broadcasters, and other information media representatives.
To get an I visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in your field of journalism or broadcasting.
You must also show that you intend to return to your home country after your stay in the United States.
L-1 visa
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign national to enter the United States for the purpose of working in a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their foreign employer.
To qualify for an L-1 visa, the foreign national must have been employed by the foreign company for at least one year within the three years preceding their application.
To apply for an L-1 visa, the foreign national’s employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The petition must include evidence that the foreign national has the necessary qualifications for the position and that the position is managerial, executive, or involves specialized knowledge.
Once the petition is approved, the foreign national can apply for an L-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The foreign national will need to submit evidence of their employment, the approved petition, and proof of their qualifications for the position.
If the L-1 visa is approved, the foreign national will be allowed to enter the United States for a period of up to three years.
The visa can be renewed for an additional two years, for a total of five years.
O-1 visa
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the fields of science, art, education, business, or athletics.
To qualify for an O-1 visa, the applicant must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustaining national or international acclaim and recognition in their field of expertise.
To apply for an O-1 US work visa, the applicant must first file a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must be accompanied by evidence of the applicant’s extraordinary ability, such as awards, publications, or media coverage. Once the petition is approved, the applicant can then apply for the O-1 visa at a US consulate or embassy.
P-1 visa
The P-1 visa is for foreign athletes and entertainers who are coming to the United States to participate in a competition or event. To get a P-1 US work visa, you must have an invitation from a U.S. organization to participate in the event. You must also be able to show that you have the skills and experience to participate in the event.
P-2 visa
The P-2 US work visa is for artists and athletes who are coming to the United States to perform, either individually or as part of a group. To get a P-2 visa, you must have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer and a signed contract between you and the employer.
P-3 visa
The P-3 visa is a nonimmigrant US work visa for artists or entertainers who are coming to the United States to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique.
To qualify for a P-3 visa, you must be a member of a foreign group that is coming to the United States to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique. The group must have at least five members, and each member must have a specific and significant role in the performance.
You must also demonstrate that you have at least two years of experience performing, teaching, or coaching in the field for which you are seeking a P-3 visa. In addition, you must be able to show that you are coming to the United States to participate in a cultural event or activity that is of significant interest to the public.
To apply for a P-3 visa, you will need to submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will need to include evidence of your membership in the foreign group, as well as evidence of your experience in the field. You will also need to provide evidence of the cultural event or activity that you will be participating in.
R-1 visa
The R-1 visa is a nonimmigrant US work visa for religious workers who want to come to the United States temporarily to perform religious work. To qualify for an R-1 visa, you must:
- Be a member of a religious denomination that has a bona fide nonprofit religious organization in the United States
- Have been a member of that religious denomination for at least two years immediately before applying for the visa
- Be coming to the United States to work full time in a religious occupation or vocation for that religious organization or one of its affiliate organizations
- Have the qualifications to perform the religious work you will be doing in the United States
To apply for an R-1 visa, you must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once your petition is approved, you can then apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
TN visa
The TN visa is a special visa category that allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in certain occupations. To be eligible for a TN visa, an applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the occupations listed in the NAFTA agreement. The applicant must also meet all of the other requirements for a TN visa, which include proving that he or she has the necessary qualifications for the position and that the position is temporary in nature.
To apply for a TN visa, an applicant must first submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, the applicant can then apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
How to Get a US Work Visa
There are a few different types of work visas that allow foreign nationals to work in the United States. The type of visa you will need depends on the type of work you will be doing and your nationality.
Work visas are divided into two categories: immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas. Immigrant visas are for foreign nationals who want to live and work permanently in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas are for foreign nationals who want to live and work in the United States temporarily.
The most common type of work visa is the H-1B visa. This visa is for foreign nationals who have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a “specialty occupation.” A specialty occupation is one that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. Examples of specialty occupations include engineers, lawyers, and doctors.
To get an H-1B visa, you must first have a job offer from a U.S. employer. Your employer must then file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your petition is approved, you can then apply for an H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Other types of work visas are mentioned above.
A list of the most common types of visas that allow foreigners to work in the United States
The United States is a magnet for people around the world looking for opportunities. The U.S. economy is one of the largest in the world, and companies are always looking for skilled and unskilled labor to help get their products to market and operate their businesses.
If you have the proper skills, a bachelor’s degree, and the desire to work hard, you may be able to move to the United States and find work. It is highly unlikely that you will get a job in your field of study or profession; most jobs require more than high school education.
However, with a bit of research and help from an immigration attorney, you may be able to find a job that matches your experience and qualifications.
The most common types of visas that allow foreigners to work in the United States are H-1B, L-1, and E-3 visas.
How to Get a Permanent Work Visa in the United States
The process of getting a permanent work visa in the United States can be a long and complicated one. There are many different types of visas, and the requirements for each can vary significantly. In addition, the process of applying for a visa can be quite different from one country to the next.
The first step in the process is to determine which type of visa you will need. The most common type of visa is the H-1B visa, which allows highly skilled workers in a variety of fields to work in the United States for up to six years. Other types of visas include the L-1 visa for executives and managers, the E-3 visa for Australians, the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, and the P-1 visa for athletes and entertainers.
Once you have determined which type of visa you need, the next step is to gather the necessary documentation. This includes a completed visa application, a passport, and a photograph. You will also need to provide proof of your employment, such as a letter from your employer or a copy of your contract.
In addition, you will need to provide evidence of your educational qualifications, such as transcripts or diplomas.
After you have gathered all of the necessary documentation, the next step is to apply for a visa. If you are applying for an H-1B visa, you can file your application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you are applying for a L-1 visa, E-1, or O-1 visa, you will need to file your application with the U.S. Department of State.
US Work Visa Qualifications
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the top Work Visa USA qualifications will vary depending on the specific position and employer. However, some of the most common Work Visa USA qualifications include:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution
- A minimum of two years of professional work experience
- Demonstrated English language proficiency
- A valid passport
- References or employment history
Labor certification approval by the Department of Labor
The Labor certification approval process by the Department of Labor is a multi-step process. The first step is for the employer to file a petition with the Department of Labor.
The second step is for the Department of Labor to review the petition and make a determination as to whether the employer has met the requirements for labor certification.
The third step is for the employer to submit an application for permanent labor certification to the Department of Labor.
The fourth step is for the Department of Labor to review the application and make a determination as to whether the employer has met the requirements for permanent labor certification.
The labor certification approval process is done to ensure that there are enough qualified workers available to fill the position being offered. The process also ensures that the wages offered are fair and that the working conditions are safe.
The process of labor certification approval by the Department of Labor (DOL) can be a lengthy and complicated one. There are a number of steps that employers must take in order to obtain approval, and the DOL may request additional information or documentation at any time during the process. In general, however, the steps involved in obtaining labor certification approval from the DOL are as follows:
1. The employer must first submit a request for labor certification to the DOL. This request must include a detailed description of the position that the employer is seeking to fill, as well as information about the employer’s business and the wages and working conditions that will be offered to the successful candidate.
2. The DOL will then review the request and determine whether the position meets the requirements for labor certification. If the DOL determines that the position does not meet the requirements, the employer will be notified and may appeal the decision.
3. If the DOL approves the request for labor certification, the employer will then be required to post a notice of the open position in two places for ten consecutive business days. The employer must also notify any unions that may represent workers in the same or similar occupation about the open position.
4. After the ten- day period, the employer may only hire an individual for the position if they have passed a criminal background check and have been determined to be legally eligible to work in the United States.
5. The employer must then submit the name, address, and social security number of each new employee to the DOL. This information is required for the purpose of collecting employment taxes.
6. After the employee has started working at the company, the employer must file Form 8854 with the IRS.
Also read: H4 EAD Program
Work Visa USA Experience Requirements
Experience requirements for the Work Visa USA are similar to those for any other work visa in the United States. You must generally have a minimum of two years of professional work experience or higher, depending on your specific type of visa. In addition, most employers will require that you have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Other Types of Work Visas in the United States
If you are already working legally in the United States, you may be able to apply for other types of work visas. These include J-1 cultural exchange visas and J-2 special immigrant visas.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 exchange visitor visa is designed for international students to participate in short-term study programs at U.S. colleges and universities.
J-2 special immigrant visa
The J-2 special immigrant visa is designed for foreign nationals who are eligible to enter the United States under the following categories:
- Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (i.e., spouses and children under the age of 21).
- Spouses of permanent residents.
- Unmarried sons and daughters (under the age of 21) of U.S. citizens.
In order to qualify for this visa, you must be willing to move to the United States and you must demonstrate that you intend to comply with all federal and state laws once you arrive.
Also read: H1B Transfer
💡 Tip: Buy travel health insurance before your trip.
Check out popular travel insurance plans and choose one that suits you.
Most plans only cost less than $20 a day.
How to Get a Job Offer in USA
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to get a job offer in the USA may vary depending on your specific situation and the type of job you are seeking. However, there are some general tips that may be helpful in your job search:
1. Start by researching companies that interest you and that are located in the USA. This can be done by visiting their websites, reading news articles about them, and searching for job openings on their careers page.
2. Once you have identified potential employers, reach out to them directly to inquire about job opportunities. This can be done by sending a resume and cover letter, or by contacting the company directly to inquire about open positions.
3. If you are not able to find any open positions that match your skills and qualifications, you may want to consider applying for jobs that are slightly outside of your comfort zone. This can help broaden your search and increase your chances of finding a job offer.
4. Networking is also an important part of the job search process and can be a great way to make connections with potential employers. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on social media, and reach out to your personal network to see if anyone can help you with your job search.
How to get a US work visa without a job offer?
There is no guarantee that you will be able to get a work visa without a job offer, but there are a few ways to increase your chances. One way is to have a high-demand skill that is needed in the United States. Another way is to have a close relative who is a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Finally, you can try to apply for a work visa through a program such as the H-1B visa program.
How can you transfer from a b1/b2 visa to a work visa in the US?
There is no direct path to transferring from a B1/B2 visa to a work visa. However, it may be possible to apply for a work visa through a different channel, such as the H-1B visa lottery.
Can I work outside US with H1-B visa?
Yes, you can work outside the US with an H1B visa. However, the requirements for changing jobs and employers differ from one country to another. In some countries (like China), the immigration department strictly controls the number of visas that are issued, and you may need to find a new job if your company wants to send you to a different location or abroad.
What visas allow you to work in the US?
There are a number of visas that allow you to work in the United States, including the H-1B visa for skilled workers, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the E-3 visa for Australian nationals. Read the section above.
If my wife gets a job in the US and I’m Canadian can I get a spouse work visa?
There is no specific visa for spouses of workers in the United States. However, your spouse may be eligible for a dependent visa, such as an H-4 visa, which would allow him or her to live and work in the United States.
Do Canadian citizens need a visa to work remotely in the US?
No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa to work remotely in the United States.
Can student visa holders work in US?
Student visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States.
Leave a Reply