Temporary Work Visas

There are a number of nonimmigrant visas that allow you to work in the United States:

• E Treaty Traders and Investors
• H-1B Professional Workers
• H-2B Seasonal Workers
• J Exchange Visitors (Interns, Trainees, Au Pairs, and others)
• L Intracompany Transferee
• O Extraordinary Ability
• P Artists and Enterntainers
• Q Cultural Exchange
• R Religious Worker
• TN NAFTA Professionals

Each visa has its particular requirements, and some are limited in number.

Permanent Residence

As a worker, you can obtain permanent residence through one of five basic employment-based (EB) categories.

EB1. For those with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers. No labor certification is required.

EB2. For professionals with advanced degrees (or a bachelor’s degree and five years postgraduate progressive experience) and those with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. These cases require a labor certification, unless a National Interest Waiver is obtained.

EB3. For skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. A labor certification is required.

EB4. For religious workers and broadcasters. No labor certification is required.

EB5. For investors.