US work visa options by passport and circumstances

Primary work visa for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree.

Processing time

3-6 months (Premium Processing: 15 business days for $2,965)

Validity

Initially 3 years, extendable up to 6 years total

Government fees

$780 I-129 (std; $460 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $750/$1,500 ACWIA + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit) + $215 registration + $4,000 if the employer has 50+ staff and over half are H-1B/L-1 (extensions included from 9 September 2026) + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in specialty field
• Job offer from US employer in specialty occupation
• Employer files Labor Condition Application (LCA)
• Selected in the annual cap registration, now weighted by wage level (if cap-subject)
• Position requires specialized knowledge

Documents you will need

• Valid passport: Must be valid for 6+ months beyond intended stay
• DS-160 confirmation: Online nonimmigrant visa application
• Form I-797 approval notice: H-1B petition approval from USCIS
• Bachelor’s degree transcripts: Official transcripts showing degree completion
• Employment offer letter: Detailed job offer with salary and responsibilities
• Resume/CV: Complete work history
• Credential evaluation (optional): Required if degree from outside US

Worth knowing

• H-1B cap is 65,000 regular + 20,000 for US master’s holders
• Selection is no longer a flat lottery: since the FY2027 season each registration gets entries in proportion to its OEWS wage level, so a Level IV offer is selected far more often than a Level I
• Registration runs in March for an October start
• Cap-exempt institutions of higher education, related or affiliated nonprofits, and nonprofit or government research organizations can file any time
• An H-4 spouse may seek an EAD if the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 or a qualifying AC21 extension beyond six years
• H-4 EAD renewals no longer extend automatically. File early to avoid a gap in work authorization
• Start green card process early to extend beyond 6 years
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication
• Visa applicants in this category must set all social-media profiles to public or open for State Department online-presence review

Restrictions

• Changing employers requires a new petition
• An individual cannot self-petition, but a bona fide beneficiary-owned company may petition for its owner under special employer-control and 18-month validity rules
• 6-year maximum unless green card in process
• Layoff means finding new sponsor quickly or leaving
• Proclamation 10973’s $100,000 payment is not being collected. A federal court vacated the implementing guidance on 8 June 2026, the First Circuit refused to revive it on 24 July 2026, and DHS is complying. Parallel cases are still on appeal and the proclamation itself runs to 20 September 2026, so confirm the position before filing or travel

Path to residency: An employer may start a separate EB-2 or EB-3 process, usually with PERM followed by Form I-140

Employer-sponsored permanent residence for an advanced-degree professional or a person of exceptional ability. The employer usually completes PERM first.

Processing time

Often 2-4+ years: recruitment and PERM, then I-140 and the visa queue. It can be much longer depending on category and country of chargeability

Validity

Permanent residence

Government fees

$715 I-140 + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit employer) + the final stage, which is either $1,440 I-485 to adjust status inside the US or $345 immigrant visa fee plus $235 USCIS immigrant fee to consular process from abroad; employer must pay all PERM costs

Requirements

• An advanced degree, or a bachelor’s plus five years of progressive post-baccalaureate experience, or exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business
• The position itself must call for those credentials; a job whose stated minimum is a bachelor’s is filed as EB-3
• Permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer
• Employer completes PERM labor certification
• Employer proves no able and willing US worker was available
• Wage must meet or exceed the prevailing wage

Documents you will need

• Approved PERM (ETA-9089): Labor certification from the Department of Labor
• Form I-140 approval: Employer’s immigrant petition to USCIS
• EB-2 qualification evidence: Degree and experience evidence for the advanced-degree route, or evidence meeting the exceptional-ability standard
• Experience letters: From prior employers, confirming role and dates
• Form I-485 or DS-260: Adjustment of status, or consular processing abroad

Worth knowing

• The employer must pay the PERM cost and cannot pass it to you
• The PERM filing date usually becomes the priority date
• H-1B can be extended past six years once PERM has been pending a year
• AC21 portability may allow a same-or-similar new job after a qualifying I-485 has been pending at least 180 days; I-140 approval for 180 days is not the test
• Visa availability changes monthly. Check the current Visa Bulletin by category and country of chargeability
• For consular processing, interview in the district for your country of residence, or in your country of nationality if requested. Exceptions are limited
• After a public-charge denial, a consular officer may invite a select applicant to seek a USCIS public-charge bond. Apply only if directed; the amount is set case by case
• Since 5 August 2026 USCIS may deny an insufficient filing outright instead of first issuing a Request for Evidence, so file the complete evidence record the first time

Restrictions

• No self-petition; employer sponsorship is required until any AC21 portability requirements are met
• Tied to the specific job and location certified on the PERM

Employer-sponsored green card for professionals with a bachelor’s, skilled workers in jobs requiring at least two years’ training or experience, and other workers in jobs requiring less than two years’ training or experience.

Processing time

Often 2-4+ years and potentially much longer depending on subcategory and country of chargeability

Validity

Permanent residence

Government fees

$715 I-140 + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit employer) + the final stage, which is either $1,440 I-485 to adjust status inside the US or $345 immigrant visa fee plus $235 USCIS immigrant fee to consular process from abroad; employer must pay all PERM costs

Requirements

• Permanent, full-time job offer from a US employer
• Bachelor’s degree (professional), at least two years’ training or experience (skilled worker), or less than two years’ training or experience (other worker)
• Employer completes PERM labor certification
• Wage must meet or exceed the prevailing wage

Documents you will need

• Approved PERM (ETA-9089): Labor certification from the Department of Labor
• Form I-140 approval: Employer’s immigrant petition to USCIS
• Proof of qualifications: Degree, training records or experience letters
• Form I-485 or DS-260: Adjustment of status, or consular processing abroad

Worth knowing

• EB-3 can cover qualifying jobs that do not require a degree
• Schedule A removes the standard PERM recruitment step for registered nurses and physical therapists
• Visa availability changes monthly. Check the current Visa Bulletin by category and country of chargeability
• For consular processing, interview in the district for your country of residence, or in your country of nationality if requested. Exceptions are limited
• After a public-charge denial, a consular officer may invite a select applicant to seek a USCIS public-charge bond. Apply only if directed; the amount is set case by case
• Since 5 August 2026 USCIS may deny an insufficient filing outright instead of first issuing a Request for Evidence, so file the complete evidence record the first time

Restrictions

• No self-petition; employer sponsorship is required until any AC21 portability requirements are met
• Other-worker subcategory has a small annual quota and the longest wait

Who qualifiesAnyone from outside the Visa Waiver Program. Waiver-country passports visit on ESTA instead.

Required for short business trips or tourism. Cannot work or study full-time.

Processing time

Varies by embassy, from days to months

Validity

Visa validity depends on nationality. CBP sets the permitted stay at entry, often up to 6 months

Government fees

$185 application fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Demonstrate strong ties to home country
• Proof of temporary intent (will return home)
• Sufficient funds for trip
• Clear purpose of visit
• No immigrant intent

Documents you will need

• DS-160 confirmation: Online nonimmigrant visa application
• Valid passport: Usually valid for 6 months beyond the stay; some nationalities are exempt
• Passport photo: Recent 2x2 inch photo
• Proof of ties to home country (optional): Employment letter, property, family ties
• Bank statements (optional): Last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary (optional): Flight reservations, hotel bookings
• Invitation letter (optional): If visiting for business meetings

Worth knowing

• Be prepared to explain your trip clearly at the interview
• Bring supporting documents even if not explicitly required
• Strong ties to your home country support approval
• Cannot work or engage in productive employment
• B-1 allows business meetings, conferences, negotiations but not employment
• Most applicants need an interview. Some adults renewing a full-validity B visa within 12 months may qualify for a waiver
• A $750 optional fee buys an expedited interview slot within ten business days at selected posts. It runs as a pilot from 1 July to 31 December 2026
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Restrictions

• Cannot work or receive payment from US sources
• Cannot study full-time (only short recreational courses)
• Max 6 months per entry
• Must demonstrate non-immigrant intent

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics.

Processing time

2-4 months (Premium: 15 business days)

Validity

Up to 3 years, renewable in 1-year increments

Government fees

$1,055 I-129 (std; $530 small employer) + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit) + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Sustained national or international acclaim
• Meet at least 3 of 8 criteria for extraordinary ability
• Coming to US to work in area of extraordinary ability
• A US employer or agent must file the petition; there is no O-1 self-petition
• Advisory opinion from peer group or labor organization

Documents you will need

• Evidence of awards/prizes (optional): National or international recognition
• Published articles about you (optional): Media coverage in major publications
• Evidence of judging others’ work (optional): Panel judge, reviewer, etc.
• Original contributions documentation (optional): Patents and documented innovations
• Scholarly articles authored (optional): Publications in professional journals
• High salary documentation (optional): Evidence of high remuneration
• Membership in associations (optional): Requiring outstanding achievement
• Expert testimonial letters (optional): Optional corroborating evidence; no fixed number of letters is required

Worth knowing

• No annual cap; applications are accepted throughout the year
• Patents, publications and invited speaking can support the petition when they match a regulatory criterion
• Online reputation may support a case, but USCIS weighs its relevance and the record as a whole
• Keep records of conference talks, press coverage and awards
• Often faster than H-1B for accomplished individuals
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Path to residency: Can self-petition for EB-1A green card

For executives and managers transferring within a multinational company.

Processing time

3-6 months (Premium available)

Validity

Up to 7 years maximum

Government fees

$1,385 I-129 (std; $695 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $4,500 (employers 50+ staff & >50% H/L, extensions included from 9 September 2026) + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit) + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Worked for qualifying foreign company for 1 continuous year in past 3 years
• Transferring to US parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch
• Executive or managerial capacity
• The US entity files the transfer petition; there is no L-1 self-petition
• US entity must be doing business

Documents you will need

• Form I-129 with L supplement: Petition filed by US entity
• Proof of qualifying relationship: Between US and foreign entities
• Employment verification letters: From foreign employer
• Organizational charts: Showing managerial role and structure
• Company documentation: Articles of incorporation, annual reports

Worth knowing

• No lottery or annual cap
• Blanket L-1 available for large multinationals
• An L-2 spouse with an L-2S I-94 is work-authorized incident to status; an EAD is optional evidence
• Direct path to EB-1C green card (no PERM required)
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Path to residency: EB-1C green card without labor certification

For specialized knowledge employees transferring within a multinational company.

Processing time

3-6 months

Validity

Up to 5 years maximum

Government fees

$1,385 I-129 (std; $695 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $4,500 (employers 50+ staff & >50% H/L, extensions included from 9 September 2026) + $600/$300/$0 Asylum Program Fee (standard/small/nonprofit) + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Worked for qualifying foreign company for 1 year in past 3 years
• Specialized knowledge of company products, services, or procedures
• Transferring to US affiliate
• The US entity files the transfer petition; there is no L-1 self-petition

Documents you will need

• Form I-129 with L supplement: Petition from US entity
• Specialized knowledge evidence: Training, projects, expertise documentation
• Employment verification: From foreign employer

Worth knowing

• The company must document why the employee’s knowledge is special or advanced
• No lottery required
• An L-2 spouse with an L-2S I-94 is work-authorized incident to status
• Stricter scrutiny than L-1A in recent years
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Path to residency: EB-2/EB-3 green card (requires PERM)

A self-petitioned EB-2 route for work that meets the national interest waiver test.

Processing time

The I-140 petition varies by service center; premium processing gives USCIS 45 business days for adjudicative action. Visa availability and the final green-card stage add time

Validity

Permanent residence

Government fees

$715 I-140 + $300 self-petitioner Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium + any legal fees

Requirements

• Advanced degree OR exceptional ability
• Proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance
• Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
• On balance, beneficial to waive job offer requirement

Documents you will need

• Form I-140: Self-petition
• EB-2 qualification evidence: Advanced degree (or bachelor’s plus 5 years) or evidence meeting the exceptional-ability standard
• Evidence of endeavor: Business plan, research, impact documentation
• Expert testimonial letters (optional): Optional corroborating evidence supporting the national-interest argument

Worth knowing

• You may petition without an employer sponsor
• Entrepreneurs, researchers and other professionals may qualify if the proposed work meets all three waiver prongs
• Document the proposed work, your record and its wider US importance
• A clear endeavor statement and independent evidence are more useful than repetitive letters
• Visa availability changes monthly. Check the current Visa Bulletin for the category and country of chargeability before planning a filing
• For consular processing, interview in the district for your country of residence, or in your country of nationality if requested. Exceptions are limited
• After a public-charge denial, a consular officer may invite a select applicant to seek a USCIS public-charge bond. Apply only if directed; the amount is set case by case
• Since 5 August 2026 USCIS may deny an insufficient filing outright instead of first issuing a Request for Evidence, so file the complete evidence record the first time

Who qualifiesAustralian citizens only.

Work visa for Australian citizens with a dedicated quota and no lottery.

Processing time

Varies by embassy for a consular application; an in-US change or extension uses Form I-129

Validity

2 years, renewable indefinitely

Government fees

$315 visa application fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments)

Requirements

• Australian citizenship; permanent residence alone does not qualify
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Job offer in specialty occupation
• Employer files Labor Condition Application (LCA)

Documents you will need

• Australian passport: Proof of Australian citizenship
• DS-160 confirmation: Visa application form
• LCA approval (ETA 9035): From Department of Labor
• Degree certificates: Bachelor’s or higher
• Job offer letter: Detailed position and salary

Worth knowing

• Dedicated annual quota of 10,500 visas, which is rarely exhausted
• No lottery
• Can apply directly at a US embassy; an in-US change or extension requires Form I-129
• An E-3 spouse with an E-3S I-94 is work-authorized incident to status; an EAD is optional evidence
• The consular route avoids the H-1B cap registration process
• Can renew indefinitely as long as job continues
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Restrictions

• Must maintain specialty occupation employment
• Changing employers requires new LCA and visa

Path to residency: Employer can sponsor for EB-2/EB-3 green card

Who qualifiesSingapore citizens. Chilean citizens have a parallel H-1B1 quota under their own trade agreement.

Special visa exclusively for Singapore citizens under US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Processing time

2-4 weeks after LCA approval

Validity

1 year initially, renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments

Government fees

$205 visa application fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments); Singapore reciprocity fee $0

Requirements

• Singapore citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Job offer in specialty occupation
• Separate annual quota of 5,400 visas with no lottery

Documents you will need

• Singapore passport: Valid Singapore citizenship passport
• DS-160 confirmation: Completed visa application
• Job offer letter: From US employer detailing position
• Degree certificates: Bachelor’s or higher
• Labor Condition Application (LCA): Filed by employer

Worth knowing

• No lottery
• Can apply directly at US Embassy without USCIS petition
• Separate 5,400 annual quota is almost never exhausted
• Faster processing than regular H-1B
• Spouse can apply for H-4 dependent visa
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Path to residency: Can transition to regular H-1B for green card sponsorship path

Who qualifiesCitizens of an E-1 treaty country. See the passport table above.

For a principal trader, or a qualifying executive, supervisory, or essential employee, carrying on substantial trade between the US and an E-1 treaty country.

Processing time

Varies by embassy appointment availability and adjudication

Validity

2-5 years, renewable

Government fees

$315 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments); Form I-129 fees apply for an in-US filing

Requirements

• Citizenship of an E-1 treaty country
• Principal trade between US and treaty country
• Trade must be substantial (frequent transactions)
• Over 50% of trade with treaty country
• Principal applicant directs the treaty trade, or an employee serves in an executive, supervisory, or essential-skills role

Documents you will need

• Trade documentation: Invoices, contracts, bills of lading
• Business financial records: Showing trade volume
• Position description: Executive/supervisory role

Worth knowing

• For companies carrying out substantial trade with the treaty country
• Trade must be ongoing and substantial
• Spouse can work with E-1 dependent status
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Who qualifiesCitizens of an E-2 treaty country. See the passport table above.

For citizens of an E-2 treaty country: a qualifying investor, or an executive, supervisory, or essential employee of a qualifying treaty enterprise.

Processing time

Embassy timing varies for a consular application; an in-US change or extension uses Form I-129

Validity

2-5 years initially (depends on reciprocity), renewable indefinitely

Government fees

$315 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments); Form I-129 fees apply for an in-US filing

Requirements

• Citizenship of an E-2 treaty country
• Investor: substantial capital committed at risk to a real, operating US enterprise; there is no fixed minimum
• Investor: entering to develop and direct the enterprise
• Employee: the treaty enterprise has the treaty nationality and the role is executive, supervisory, or requires essential skills

Documents you will need

• Enterprise evidence: Ownership, operations, treaty nationality, and business activity
• Proof of investment (optional): For investors: bank statements and transfers showing funds committed at risk
• Source of funds documentation (optional): For investors: evidence of the lawful source of capital
• Business registration: US company formation documents
• Lease/property documents (optional): Commercial lease if applicable

Worth knowing

• There is no fixed minimum investment: substantiality is assessed in proportion to the business’s cost and the capital needed to make it viable
• A consular applicant applies directly at a US embassy; an in-US change or extension requires Form I-129
• An E-2 spouse with an E-2S I-94 is work-authorized incident to status
• Can renew indefinitely as long as business operates
• Available to qualifying founders and to qualifying employees of a treaty enterprise
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication

Restrictions

• An investor must maintain the qualifying investment and enterprise
• An employee may work only for the qualifying treaty enterprise
• E-2 does not itself lead to permanent residence; any immigrant route must qualify separately
• Status ends if the qualifying enterprise or employment ceases

Permanent residence for people with sustained national or international acclaim at the top of their field.

Processing time

The I-140 petition varies by service center; premium processing gives USCIS 15 business days for adjudicative action. Visa availability and the final green-card stage add time

Validity

Permanent residence

Government fees

$715 I-140 + $300 self-petitioner Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium + any legal fees

Requirements

• Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics
• Sustained national or international acclaim
• A one-time major internationally recognized award, or evidence satisfying at least 3 of 10 regulatory criteria
• A favorable final-merits determination based on the evidence as a whole
• Will continue to work in area of expertise

Documents you will need

• Form I-140: Immigrant petition
• Evidence of criteria met: Similar to O-1A but higher bar
• Expert testimonial letters (optional): Optional corroborating evidence; the regulations do not require letters

Worth knowing

• You may petition without an employer
• No labor certification required
• Avoiding PERM can shorten the petition path, but total timing still depends on USCIS processing and visa availability
• Satisfying 3 regulatory criteria does not by itself establish extraordinary ability; USCIS also evaluates the evidence as a whole
• Visa availability changes monthly by category and country of chargeability; check the current Visa Bulletin before relying on a filing date
• Higher bar than O-1A
• For consular processing, interview in the district for your country of residence, or in your country of nationality if requested. Exceptions are limited
• After a public-charge denial, a consular officer may invite a select applicant to seek a USCIS public-charge bond. Apply only if directed; the amount is set case by case
• Since 5 August 2026 USCIS may deny an insufficient filing outright instead of first issuing a Request for Evidence, so file the complete evidence record the first time

Who qualifiesCanadian and Mexican citizens, under the USMCA trade agreement.

Special work status for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA trade agreement.

Processing time

Canada: Often decided at a port of entry or preclearance after document review Mexico: Varies by US embassy appointment availability and adjudication

Validity

3 years, renewable indefinitely

Government fees

Canada: $50 TN + $30 I-94 at a land border; no visa is issued, so the visa-integrity fee does not apply Mexico: $185 visa fee + a visa-integrity fee at issuance, already charged at some posts and not yet at others while DHS completes the rollout (statutory floor: $250 before annual inflation adjustments) + reciprocity issuance fee

Requirements

• Canadian or Mexican citizenship
• Job in a profession listed in the USMCA TN schedule
• Meet that profession’s listed education, license, or alternative credential requirements
• Job offer from US employer

Documents you will need

• Canadian or Mexican passport: Proof of citizenship
• Detailed job offer letter: Must describe professional duties in detail
• Qualification evidence: The degree, license, professional credential or experience evidence required for the selected TN profession
• Resume/CV: Work history showing qualifications
• Professional credentials (optional): Licenses if applicable (e.g., engineers)

Worth knowing

• No lottery or annual cap; apply at any time
• Canadians can apply directly at the border
• Covered professions include: Engineers, Computer Systems Analysts, Accountants, Scientists, Teachers
• May be renewed indefinitely
• TD dependent status for spouse and children (no work authorization)
• Apply with the required documents at a port of entry or consulate
• If you need a visa interview, schedule it in your country of nationality or residence. Applying elsewhere can mean a longer wait and a harder adjudication
• Mexicans must apply at US Embassy

Restrictions

• Limited to specific TN profession categories
• Must establish temporary nonimmigrant intent; immigrant filings can complicate admission or renewal
• Spouse on TD cannot work
• Must meet the specific credentials listed for the selected TN profession

Path to residency: Permanent residence requires a separate immigrant route, such as employer-sponsored EB-2/EB-3 or a qualifying self-petition