US Work Visa 2024: Visa Types, Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

Eric Nkom May 20, 2024

0 1 5 minutes read

US Work Visa 2024: Visa Types, Eligibility Criteria & Application Process

With so many different work visa possibilities available, the United States is a veritable gold mine of employment opportunities for international nationals. There’s probably a visa out there that’s ideal for you, whether you’re an executive wishing to move within your company, a skilled agricultural worker, or an IT professional. However, choosing which visa to apply for might be difficult given the abundance of options.

Consequently, by dissecting each form of American work visa, including its purpose, requirements, and application process, this article will make them easier to understand. Are you all set to discover the ideal visa to fulfill your American dream? Now let’s get started!

Categories of US Work VISA Types

The United States of America provides two primary classifications of work visas: temporary nonimmigrant visas and permanent residency visas. Let’s first examine the primary distinction between the two.

While US permanent immigrant visas are intended for people who aim to live and work in the country continuously and eventually get a green card, temporary nonimmigrant visas are intended for people who plan to work in the country temporarily and do not immediately lead to permanent residency.

Types of All US Work VISA Types

This is a thorough guide to the primary categories of work permits that will be offered in the US in 2024.

Temporary Nonimmigrant Visas

1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)

Goal: For experts in specific domains, including finance, engineering, and information technology.
Qualifications: Must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline, or its equivalent. The Department of Labor must receive a Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the employer.
Duration: Three years at first, with the possibility to extend for up to six years.
Application Process: USCIS receives a Form I-129 from the employer. After being accepted, the applicant goes to a U.S. consulate for a visa interview and turns in a DS-160 form.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations

2. H-2A Visa (Temporary Agricultural Workers)

For use in seasonal farming operations.
Eligibility: Needs documentation of a shortage of eligible U.S. workers as well as a job offer from a U.S. firm.
Duration: One year or more, possibly longer.
Application Process: After receiving a temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor, the employer files Form I-129.

3. L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferees)

For workers moving within a global corporation, the purpose.
Eligibility: Must have held a managerial or specialized knowledge position with the company for at least a year overseas within the previous three years.
Duration: L-1A for supervisors (maximum 7 years), L-1B for workers with specific expertise (maximum 5 years).
Application Process: USCIS receives a Form I-129 from the employer. The worker then appears for an interview after submitting the DS-160 form to apply for the visa.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager

4. O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement)

For those with extraordinary talents in the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics.
Qualifications: Must exhibit consistent recognition on a national or worldwide level.
Time frame: Three years at first, possibly longer.
Application Process: The company submits Form I-129 along with proof of exceptional talent. After that, the candidate fills out form DS-160 and shows up for the interview.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement

5. TN Visa (NAFTA Professionals)

Goal: Per the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), for professionals from Canada and Mexico.
Eligibility: Must meet certain educational and licensing requirements in addition to having a job offer in one of the designated professions.
Duration: renewable for up to three years.
Application Process: Canadian applicants submit their applications immediately at the U.S. port of entry, while Mexican nationals submit their applications via an American embassy or consulate.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/tn-nafta-professionals

Permanent Immigrant Visas (Employment-Based)

1. EB-1 Visa (Priority Workers)

Goal: For highly skilled professionals, exceptional educators, researchers, and executives from international corporations.
Eligibility: Must possess a notable track record in academic or professional leadership, or meet strict requirements for outstanding talent.
Duration: Leads to citizenship for life.
Application Process: USCIS receives a Form I-140 from the employer. After being approved, the applicant moves forward with the consular procedure or changes their status within the United States.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1

2. EB-2 Visa (Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability)

Objective: For experts in their fields or individuals holding advanced degrees.
Eligibility: Unless the National Interest Waiver waives this requirement, a job offer and labor certification are needed.
Duration: Leads to citizenship for life.
Application Process: Begin with Form I-140 and follow the same steps as for EB-1.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2

3. EB-5 Visa (Immigrant Investor Program)

For investors who generate employment in the United States.
Eligibility: Requires the creation of at least 10 jobs for American workers and a minimum investment of $1.8 million (or $900,000 in designated employment areas).
Duration: Leads to citizenship for life.
Application Process: The investor submits to USCIS Form I-526. Following permission, they move forward with the consular procedure or status adjustment.

Link: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program

Easy Steps to Apply for American Work VISA in 2024

There are multiple procedures involved in locating and applying for jobs in the USA that sponsor visas. Here is a thorough how-to to get you through the process:

Find Work: Get an offer of employment from a US company that is prepared to sponsor your visa.
Employer Petition: To get a work visa, your employer must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-129 (https://www.uscis.gov/i-129).
Petition Approval: A Notice of Action (Form I-797, https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/form-i-797-types-and-functions) will be sent to you when USCIS grants the petition.
Fill out the entire visa application: For nonimmigrant visas, complete the DS-160 form online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/, or for immigrant visas, complete the DS-260 form online at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/online-immigrant-visa-forms/ds-260-faqs.html. Save the confirmation page.
Pay the Visa fee. Pay the necessary application fee for a visa.
Make a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
Interview for a Visa: Arrange and show up for an interview at the American embassy or consulate in your nation of origin. Bring the required documentation, your application confirmation, and your passport.
Obtain a Visa: Your passport will be stamped with your visa if it is authorized. Pick it up at the consulate or arrange for delivery to your home.
Journey to the United States: With your visa, enter the United States and begin working!