2: Determine the Right Work Visa
There is no single “U.S. work visa.” The appropriate visa depends on your job, qualifications, and circumstances.
Some common categories include:
* H-1B Visa
This type of Visa is designed for specialty occupations that typically require at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
* L-1 Visa
This one is for employees transferring from a company’s overseas office to its U.S. office.
* O-1 Visa
For individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, education, business, athletics, or the arts.
* TN Visa
This one is Available only to eligible Canadian and Mexican citizens under specific agreements.
Each visa has different eligibility requirements, and not every visitor will qualify for every category.
3: Your Employer Starts the Immigration Process
For many work visas, the employer—not the employee—must submit the required petition to U.S. immigration authorities.
Depending on the visa category, this may include supporting evidence about:
1. The job being offered.
2. Your qualifications.
3. The employer’s business.
4. Salary and working conditions.