Non-Immigrant Visa
Navigating the Path to U.S. Visas: Expertise and Tailored Guidance
Temporary Work Visas for Specialty Occupations
(H-1B Visa)
Persons with academic degrees or professional qualifications
This is the standard visa issued to applicants who would like to live and work legally in the U.S. However, eligibility is limited to persons with academic degrees or professional qualifications. Under normal circumstances, individuals with only vocational or technical skills cannot be granted this type of visa for admission into the U.S. The first step should be taken by the potential U.S. employer who must first request the approval of a work petition with the Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. A key element of this procedure is to prove that there are no U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are willing or able to accept the job offer. Once the petition is approved, you can apply at the U.S. embassy or consulate for your visa. These visas generally have a maximum validity of six years.
Temporary Work Visas for Seasonal and Peakload Industries
(H-2B Visa)
This visa may be issued to semi-skilled persons who wish to work in US factories or industries. Farm workers are not eligible for this type of visa. Like with the H-1 visa, the potential employer has to prove that a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with the same or similar skills is unavailable or cannot be found to take the position for which you are applying. The maximum validity of this visa is three years.
Practical Trainees
(H3 Visa)
Social workers and individuals with professional backgrounds or training in government, public administration or business
Eligible individuals may enter the U.S. in order to gain some relevant practical training. The maximum length of stay for this visa is 18 to 24 months. An accredited exchange program, institution or organization may apply on your behalf.
Intracompany Transferees
(L-1 Visa)
- Managers and other key employees of an international company may be transferred to the U.S. by their employer.
- Small business owners and sole-proprietorship entrepreneurs
Under this type of visa, the transferred employee must necessarily occupy an executive position. The maximum length of stay is seven years. Under certain conditions, however, a subsequent conversion to a permanent resident (green card) status is possible.
Persons With Extraordinary Ability
(O-1 Visa)
Only persons with “extraordinary abilities” may apply for this type of visa. Normally this applies to prize winners and international award recipients.
The visa may be extended indefinitely. P-Visa (Athletes and Entertainers) This visa allows internationally renowned athletes, artistes and entertainers to work in the U.S. The initial period for a stay is one year and may be extended. Under certain circumstances, administrative or other specialized staff may be allowed to accompany the primary applicant for this visa.
Renowned athletes and artists
(P Visa)
Religious Workers
(R-1 Visa)
This visa entitles staff of churches and religious organizations to live and work in the U.S.
The term “religious organization” is used in this context in a broad sense and may apply to a lot of individuals. The organization has to be recognized by the U.S. as a bona fide religious organization. Persons admitted under this visa may work as teachers of religious studies, hospital chaplains, clergy, choir leaders, missionaries, clerical translators, etc.. Applicants need not have been previously employed in their country of origin as religious workers. However, they should have been members of a religious denomination for at least two years at the time of the visa application.
Looking to stay permanently?
See our comprehensive overview on Immigration visas. Or contact us for comprehensive visa services tailored to your needs and goals. First contact is free of charge.