Employment Visa Applications

A nonimmigrant visa application practice area focuses on assisting individuals seeking temporary entry to the United States for purposes such as work, tourism, business, study, or medical treatment.

Employment visas fall under two main categories:

1. Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas – Allow individuals to work in the U.S. for a limited period.
2. Immigrant (permanent) visas – Can lead to lawful permanent residency (Green Card).

For most employment-based visas, the employer must initiate the visa process.

Nonimmigrant Work-Based Visas (Temporary Work Visas)

E – Treaty Visas

• E-1 – Treaty Trader
• E-2 – Treaty Investor

H – Nonimmigrant Work Visas (Job Offer Required)

• H-1B – For workers in specialized fields (technology, engineering, etc.)
• H-2A – Temporary agricultural workers
• H-2B – Temporary non-agricultural workers
• H-3 – Trainee or special education exchange visitors
• H-4 – Spouses/dependents of H-1B visa holders

L – Intracompany Transferee Visas

• L-1A – For executives or managers transferring within the same company
• L-1B – For employees with specialized knowledge transferring within the same company

O – Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

• O-1 – For individuals in technology, science, arts, or athletics

P – Visas for Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers

• P-1A – For internationally recognized athletes
• P-1B – For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups
• P-3 – For artists or entertainers in culturally unique programs

TN – NAFTA Work Visas (Job Offer Required)

• Available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in certain professional fields under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
• Does not lead to a Green Card, but allows temporary work in approved fields.

Additional Option: A B visa may be available for short-term business visits.

Work-Based Green Cards (Permanent Residency)

Certain workers may qualify for employment-based Green Cards, including individuals with extraordinary ability, advanced degrees, multinational managers, skilled and unskilled workers, and investors. Employers often file these petitions.

Categories of Employment-Based Green Cards:

• EB-1 – Priority workers (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers)
• EB-2 – Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
• EB-3 – Skilled workers, professionals, and other workers
• EB-4 – Special immigrants
• EB-5 – Immigrant investors