Foreign Nationals who intend to work in the United States are issued Work Visas.
If you want to work temporarily or permanently in the US, you may need one of these work visas outlined in this article.
If you have the in-demand skills, suitable qualifications, and expertise, you can easily become a US citizen through some of these work visas.
This guide analyses the most common types of US work visas and the individuals eligible for each.
If you pay close attention to this article, you will discover the type of work visa that is most suitable for you.
Types of Work Visas
Work Visas can be classified into 4 categories:
- US Permanent Immigrant Work Visas
- US Temporary non-immigrant Work Visas
- Student Visas
- Temporary Business Visas
1. US Permanent Work Visas
A foreign national seeking a permanent work visa can gain permanent residence status in the US by combining in-demand skills, qualifications, and expertise.
Here are the 5 common types of permanent work Visas:
1. EB-1 Visas (First Preference)
EB-1 visas do not require a labor certificate, but you must have outstanding recognition in your career field to be issued an EB-1 Visa.
Outstanding professors, researchers, or multinational Managers can be issued an EB-1 visa.
2. EB-2 Visas (Second Preference)
EB-2 visas are issued to professionals who meet any of these requirements:
- Members of the professions hold an advanced degree or its equal.
- A foreign national with exceptional abilities
3. EB-3 Visas (Third Preference)
This category is for professionals, as well as skilled and unskilled workers.
However, to be qualified for an EB-3 visa, you must have a labor certification and a permanent, full-time job offer in the US.
4. EB-4 Visas (Fourth Presence)
This is an immigrant work visa issued to “special immigrants.”
If you’re issued this visa, you can enjoy the privileges of being a permanent resident of the US. Immigrant Juveniles, some religious workers, Afghan or Iraqi translators employed in the US Armed Forces, etc., are considered special immigrants.
5. EB-5 Visas (Fifth Preference)
This work visa allows qualified investors and their family members to obtain permanent residency in the United States through an investment of $500,000 or more.
You can get a permanent green card through EB-5 Visa.
Labor certification is not required for this type of Visa
2. US Temporary Work Visas
Temporary work visas are non-immigrant visas issued to foreign nationals who want to enter the United States for employment for a fixed period.
They have a duration—when they expire, their holders are expected to return to their home country or renew them, if applicable.
Prospective employers must file a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of their potential foreign employees to apply for a temporary work visa.
Here are the common types of temporary work visas:
1. H-1B visas
These visas are issued to people in specialty occupations.
You should have a high education degree or an equivalent certification to be eligible for an H-1 B visa.
Before filing a petition for a prospective employee, the prospective employer must prove that he or she couldn’t find any qualified US citizens for the job openings.
Requirements for H1-1B Visas
To qualify for this visa, you must:
- Have a job offer from a US employer for a role that requires specialty knowledge
- Have a bachelor’s degree or an equal certification in that field.
2. H-2A Visas
Also known as Agricultural work visas, H-2A visas are issued to foreign nationals qualified for seasonal agricultural work in the US.
These work visas are usually valid for one year.
Requirements for H-2A Visas
The prospective employer must meet regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the US.
- You must be skilled in the agricultural sector.
3. H-2B visas
H-2B is also issued to seasonal workers in a non-agricultural setting.
It is also known as a non-agricultural work visa.
4. H-3 Visas
H-3 visas are issued to trainees or special education exchange visitors who intend to perform their jobs outside the US.
This excludes graduates of medical school or training.
5. I Visas
I visas are issued to members of the foreign press.
This includes film crews, editors, or related occupations with a home office in a foreign country.
6. L Visas
L Visas are issued to those transferring temporarily within a company where they already work.
It includes an L-1A valid for 3 years and an L-1B visa valid for 1 year.
7. O Visas
O visas are specifically issued to persons with extraordinary and outstanding abilities or achievements in various industries.
This work Visa can be extended to the Visa holder’s family members or those who travel with them.
8. P Visas
P visas are issued to people who excel in performance, athletic, or artistic endeavors.
They are also issued to those who accompany these outstanding performers.
The validity of this Visa depends on the duration of the event.
9. R1 Visas
R1 Visas are issued to Religious workers who intend to practice within the US temporarily.
10. TN NAFTA
This work visa is issued to NAFTA professionals from Canada and Mexico to allow them to work In prearranged business ventures for US employers.
3. Student Visas
Student Visas are issued to these 3 categories of students:
- Academic students (F-1 Visa)
- Vocational and Non-Academic students (M-1 visa)
- Students enrolled in educational or cultural exchange programs (J-1 Visa)
1. F-1 visas
F-1 visas are non-immigrant visas issued to Foreign academic students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. F-1 Visa holders are permitted to work in the US with some restrictions; they are only permitted to work on campus.
However, after their 1st academic year, F-1 students may be allowed to work off-campus.
Family members of the F-1 Visa can apply for F-2 visas.
2. M-1 Visas
M-1 visas are issued to foreign students who want to enroll in Vocational and Non-Academic Education in the United States.
M-1 Visa holders are permitted to work on campus.
3. J-1 Visa
J Visas are issued to those who engage in programs that promote cultural exchange, such as sports exchanges.
Dependents of the J-1 visa holder are issued J-2 visas.
4. Temporary Visit for Business
These visas are issued to persons who intend to travel to the US for short-term business purposes.
For instance, if you’re attending a business meeting pursuing a contract or attending a convention in the US, you will need one of these business visas:
- B-1 visas
- GB Temporary visitor to Guam visas for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands
- WB Temporary business visitor under the Visa Waiver Program
How Do I Apply For Work Visas?
Application for work visas is similar to the general Visa application procedures.
If you are eligible for any of the above-mentioned work visas, you should apply following the procedures below:
- Complete the DS-160 Application form
- Print out the confirmation page
- Schedule your interview
- Go for your interview
- Pay additional fees (if applicable)
You can find details on these procedures in our previous post on the US Visa Application.
