The US immigration rules for workers are designed to allow employers to hire foreign workers who are unable to find qualified American workers to fill their job openings.
There are two main types of work visas:
Temporary work visas:
These visas allow workers to stay in the United States for a specified period of time, typically for one year or less.
Permanent work visas:
These visas allow workers to live and work permanently in the United States.
To qualify for a temporary work visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
- Be a skilled worker in a field that is in demand in the United States.
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pay the visa application fee.
To qualify for a permanent work visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer that is willing to sponsor you for a green card.
- Meet certain education, work experience, and English language requirements.
- Pass a medical examination.
- Pay the visa application fee.
Related:
- US Immigration Rules For Students
- US Immigration Rules For Business
- US Immigration Rules For Visitors
- US Immigration Rules For Family
The specific requirements for each type of visa vary, so it is important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine your eligibility.
Here are some of the most common temporary work visas:
H-1B visa:
This visa is for specialty occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
L-1 visa:
This visa is for employees who are being transferred to a U.S. office of their company.
O-1 visa:
This visa is for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
J-1 visa:
This visa is for exchange visitors who are participating in a work-and-study program.
Here are some of the most common permanent work visas:
EB-1 visa:
This visa is for individuals who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
EB-2 visa:
This visa is for individuals who have a master’s degree or higher, or who have exceptional ability in a field other than the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
EB-3 visa:
This visa is for skilled workers who do not have a bachelor’s degree, or for unskilled workers.
EB-5 visa:
This visa is for investors who are investing at least $1 million in a new business that will create at least 10 jobs for U.S. workers.
The immigration process for workers can be long and complicated, so it is important to start the process early and to work with an immigration attorney to ensure that you are doing everything correctly.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about US immigration rules for workers:
- The rules are constantly changing, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes.
- The immigration process can be expensive, so it is important to budget accordingly.
- The immigration process can be stressful, so it is important to be patient and persistent.