US work visas for British citizens

UK is an E-2 treaty country - investors can obtain this visa.

Processing time

2-4 weeks at embassy

Validity

2 years, renewable

Government fees

$315 visa fee

Requirements

• Substantial investment in US business
• Investment at risk
• Must direct and develop the enterprise

Documents you will need

• Business plan: Comprehensive business plan
• Investment proof: Bank transfers, receipts
• Source of funds: Legitimate source documentation

Worth knowing

• No USCIS petition required - apply directly at embassy
• Spouse gets automatic work authorization
• Great for entrepreneurs and business owners

Standard work visa for specialty occupations.

Processing time

3-6 months (Premium: 15 days)

Validity

3 years, extendable to 6

Government fees

$780 I-129 (std; $460 small employer) + $500 fraud prevention + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Job offer in specialty occupation
• Employer sponsorship

Documents you will need

• UK passport: Valid for 6+ months
• DS-160: Completed application
• Degree certificates: Educational credentials
• Employment letter: From sponsoring employer

Worth knowing

• UK citizens have shorter green card wait times than Indian/Chinese nationals
• Consider O-1A if you have exceptional achievements
• E-2 treaty investor visa available for UK entrepreneurs

Path to residency: EB-2/EB-3 with minimal backlog

For individuals with extraordinary ability.

Processing time

2-4 months

Validity

3 years

Government fees

$1,055 I-129 (std; $530 small employer) + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium; $205 visa fee

Requirements

• Extraordinary ability in field
• Meet 3 of 8 criteria
• Advisory opinion

Documents you will need

• Evidence portfolio: Awards, press, patents
• Peer letters: From industry experts

Worth knowing

• No annual cap
• Good for senior professionals with achievements

Path to residency: EB-1A self-petition

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) + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium

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
• 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
• L-2 spouse can work immediately with EAD
• Direct path to EB-1C green card (no PERM required)

Path to residency: EB-1C green card - no labor certification needed

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 + $600 Asylum Program Fee + optional $2,965 premium

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

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

• Good for tech employees at multinationals
• No lottery required
• L-2 spouse can work
• Stricter scrutiny than L-1A in recent years

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