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What types of visas are available for skilled workers looking to immigrate to the United States for employment opportunities?

Picture of Chris Battis By   ·  1 minute read

For skilled workers looking to immigrate to the United States for employment opportunities, there are several visa options available. However, the specific visa that will be granted will depend on the worker's qualifications, job offer and the employer's requirements.

Below are some of the most common types of visas for skilled workers:

  1. H-1B Visa: This is the most common work visa for skilled workers, such as those in the IT industry, science, engineering, and other specialized fields. The visa is issued to individuals who have a job offer from a US employer and have a bachelor's degree or higher.
  2. L-1 Visa: This visa is for skilled workers who are transferred by their current employer to the US branch of the company. The visa allows the employee to work in the US for up to seven years.
  3. TN Visa: This visa is for professionals from Canada and Mexico who work in certain designated professions, such as accountants, engineers, and lawyers. The visa is only available to applicants from Canada and Mexico under the NAFTA agreement.
  4. O-1 Visa: This visa is for people with extraordinary ability in their field or those who have achieved national or international acclaim. The visa is available to individuals in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
  5. EB-1 Visa: This is an employment-based visa for individuals who have extraordinary ability, are outstanding professors or researchers, or are executives or managers of multinational companies. The visa requires a job offer from a US employer and is granted to individuals who meet certain criteria.

It's important to note that some visas require a labor certification and sponsorship from a US employer, while others do not. Additionally, each visa category has its own eligibility requirements, limitations, and processing times. It is advisable for skilled workers to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to determine the most appropriate visa for their situation and to guide them through the application process.