America has a long history of welcoming immigrants in its shores, and the economic value of having a large and diverse foreign-born population can not be understated. Every year, a variety of visa programs are administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to provide opportunities to people who would otherwise be unable to enter the United States. The variety of visas available depends on the individuals need, purpose, and intentions in coming to the United States. This article will provide an overview of the most popular visas for those seeking to travel and work in the United States:
The H-1B Visa is the most common and popular visa for those looking to work in the United States. It grants the holder a temporary work permit to work in a professional field requiring specialized knowledge, such as engineering, accounting, IT, and other occupations. To quality for an H-1B Visa, applicants must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and must demonstrate they have the qualifications and educational background necessary for the position.
The F-1 Visa is the most common type of student visa, allowing those foreign students to pursue a degree or other area of study, such as English language training or vocational training. This visa does not grant the holder permission to work, but part-time work for up to twenty hours a week is allowed with certain qualifications.
The L-1 Visa is offered to those who transfer to a U.S. branch or subsidiary of a larger multinational company from their home country. The visa is similar to that of the H-1B, allowing the holder to work in the U.S. for up to five years, though usually only the largest companies are eligible to apply.
The J-1 Visa allows those with specific educational, cultural, or research interests to travel to the United States, often with the aim of returning to their home country. This is a type of exchange visa offering a variety of programs, including studying and interning, as well as a few specifically designed for au pairs and camp counselors.
The E-2 Visa is designed for those who both have the financial and business expertise to purchase, develop, or manage a business in the United States, and wish to come to the United States for the purpose of doing so. To qualify for this type of visa, the applicant must have a certain level of “substantial investment” in the business.
The O-1 Visa is offered to those with an extraordinary ability to contribute to their chosen field. This visa is generally granted to those who make an outstanding contribution to the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, as well as those of a proven extraordinary ability in the entertainment industry.
The TN Visa is a type of NAFTA Visa, allowing citizens from Canada and Mexico to enter the United States to work in certain professional occupations. This visa is generally easier to obtain than other types of visas, and allows the holder to stay in the United States indefinitely, as long as the visa is renewed yearly.
No matter the motivation for traveling and working in the United States, those foreign nationals seeking to live and work in the United States should familiarize themselves with the different types of visas available. All prospective travelers should ensure they meet the qualifications and conditions set forth by the necessary visas and, when necessary, apply ahead of time to ensure they do not face any complications or delays in their travel and work within the United States.
