There are several different types of work visas available for foreign nationals who wish to work in the United States. The type of visa you will need will depend on your occupation, the length of time you plan to work in the U.S., and other factors.
Some of the most common work visas available in the United States include:
H-1B Visa: This is a visa for foreign workers who will be employed in a specialty occupation, such as engineering, mathematics, or science. The employer must file the H-1B visa application on behalf of the employee, and there is a limit on the number of H-1B visas that are available each year.
L-1 Visa: This is a visa for foreign workers who are transferring to a U.S. office of their employer. The worker must have been employed by the foreign employer for at least one year prior to the transfer.
O-1 Visa: This is a visa for foreign workers who have extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. The worker must be able to demonstrate their extraordinary ability through awards, publications, or other achievements.
TN Visa: This is a visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens who will be working in the U.S. in certain professional occupations, such as accountants, engineers, and scientists.
E-2 Visa: This is a visa for foreign nationals who are investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business. The E-2 visa allows the investor and their employees to work in the U.S. to develop and direct the business.
The application process for a work visa can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements before you apply. In general, the process involves:
Obtaining a job offer from a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your visa.
The employer will file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
If the petition is approved, you will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
You will need to attend an interview and provide documentation to show that you meet the eligibility requirements for the visa.
The processing time for a work visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being received. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date to ensure that you receive it in time.
US Family Visas
There are several different types of family visas available for foreign nationals who wish to join their family members in the United States. The type of visa you will need will depend on your relationship to the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member who is sponsoring you.
Some of the most common family visas available in the United States include:
- Immediate Relative Visa: This visa is for spouses of U.S. citizens, unmarried children under the age of 21 of U.S. citizens, and parents of U.S. citizens who are 21 years of age or older. There is no limit to the number of immediate relative visas that can be issued each year.
- Family Preference Visa: This visa is for family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who are not immediate relatives. The visa is divided into four categories, including unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of lawful permanent residents, married children of U.S. citizens, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens. There is a limit to the number of family preference visas that can be issued each year.
- Fiancé(e) Visa: This visa is for foreign nationals who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and wish to enter the U.S. to get married. The visa is valid for 90 days and the fiancé(e) must get married within that time period.
The application process for a family visa can be complex and time-consuming, and it is important to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements before you apply. In general, the process involves:
- The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family member will need to file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign national family member.
- If the petition is approved, the foreign national family member will need to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
- The foreign national family member will need to attend an interview and provide documentation to show that they meet the eligibility requirements for the visa.
The processing time for a family visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being received. It is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your planned travel date to ensure that you receive it in time.
In addition to the family visas mentioned above, there are also other types of visas available for family members of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, such as the Special Immigrant Juvenile Visa for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by their parents.