What are your visa options if you want to work in the U.S.?
If you have always dreamed of working in the United States, you may wonder what steps you need to take to make this dream a reality. One factor you need to consider is securing a visa that allows you to work legally in the country.
The U.S. offers several types of work visas depending on your circumstances, skills and employment type. Here are a few visa options that you might consider.
Temporary work visas
If you are looking to work in the U.S. for a limited period, you can consider applying for a temporary work visa. There are several categories to choose from:
- H-1B visas are for individuals in specialty occupations, which require a higher education degree or its equivalent. This could include fields such as science, engineering or information technology.
- H-2B visas are for temporary non-agricultural jobs, often used by industries that need extra help during peak seasons.
- O visas are for individuals who have extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
For most of these visa types, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer who will act as your sponsor.
Permanent work visas
If you are planning to work and live permanently in the U.S., you could contemplate getting a permanent work visa, often referred to as a “Green Card.”
EB-1 visas, for example, are for those recognized as the best in their fields, such as exceptional professors or researchers or multinational managers. If you are a professional with an advanced degree or someone with exceptional skills in arts, sciences or business, EB-2 visas might be the way to go. EB-3 visas cover skilled workers, professionals and other workers who do not fit into the EB-1 or EB-2 categories.
Each of these visa categories has specific requirements that you must meet, and often, you will need a job offer from a U.S. employer.
Seeking to work in the United States can be a complex process. Whether you plan to work temporarily or permanently, there are several paths available.