What Is Work Visas & Employment Authorization?
US work visas enable foreign nationals to work legally for specific employers — dozens of categories cover specialty occupations, intracompany transfers, extraordinary ability, and treaty positions.
H-1B: Specialty Occupation
H-1B for college-educated professionals in specialty occupations. Annual cap: 65,000 + 20,000 for US master's holders. Demand far exceeds supply — computerized lottery. Employer-sponsored, tied to the petitioning employer. New H-1B petition required for employer changes.
L-1: Intracompany Transferees
L-1A (managers/executives) and L-1B (specialized knowledge) allow multinational companies to transfer employees to the US entity. No annual cap. L-1A can be a direct path to EB-1C green card.
O-1: Extraordinary Ability
O-1A (sciences, education, business, athletics) and O-1B (arts): no annual cap. High standards but apply beyond celebrities — professionals with significant publications, patents, awards, or media coverage may qualify.
TN: Canadian and Mexican Professionals
The USMCA TN visa allows professionals in listed occupations to work in the US without the H-1B lottery. Canadians apply at the border; Mexicans at a US consulate. Renewable indefinitely.
What to Look for in a Immigration Law Provider
- Active state bar license — verify through your state bar's public lookup
- AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) membership — indicates specialization
- Experience specifically in your case type (family, employment, asylum, removal defense)
- No disciplinary history — check your state bar and AILA
- Clear written fee agreement before any work begins
- Responsive communication — immigration has strict deadlines that require timely attorney action
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Search Work Visa ContractorsFrequently Asked Questions
Can my employer sponsor me for a green card?
Most employment-based green cards require employer sponsorship through PERM labor certification and an approved I-140. EB-1A extraordinary ability and EB-2 NIW allow self-petition for qualifying individuals.