Types of Visas for Skilled Workers to Immigrate to the US

There are several types of visas available for skilled workers to immigrate to the United States for employment purposes.

One commonly used visa is the H-1B visa, which is available to foreign workers who possess a specialty occupation that requires the attainment of at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. The H-1B visa is initially issued for up to three years and may be extended for up to six years, and there is a cap on the number of visas available each year.

Another option is the L-1 visa, which allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices. To qualify for an L-1 visa, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one year within the previous three years and must hold a managerial or executive position or possess specialized knowledge that is essential to the company's U.S. operations.

The O-1 visa is available for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, and whose services are sought after in the United States. The O-1 visa is initially issued for up to three years and can be extended in one-year increments, and there is no cap on the number of visas available.

The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens who are coming to the United States to work in certain professional occupations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

It is important to note that each visa has its own eligibility requirements, limitations, and application procedures. Further, the application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is recommended that individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States for employment purposes seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney.