There are several types of work visas for the USA. It is essential to know them before applying for a work visa in the USA. The types of visa categories available are described below:
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Program: The J-1 exchange program allows professionals and students to experience American culture and gain work experience. The duration is about 18 months in the USA. This is given to nonimmigrants travelling to the USA as part of an officially approved exchange program in the arts, education, or sciences.
- The L-1 Visa: The L-1 visa is an intra-company transfer USA. visa. It allows a company in the USA to transfer an employee from its foreign offices into the USA. The duration of this is five years.
There are two types of L-1 visas:
- L-1-A visa: The L-1-A Visa is specifically for managers and executives. It is for those who are transferring to their US branch.
- L-1-B visa: The L-1-B Visa is for employees eligible to transfer into the US branch of their office.
- The H-1B Visa: The H-1B Visa is a temporary work permit that allows foreign nationals to work in the USA in any specialty occupation such as Architect, Physician, or Lawyer. The employee needs to be educated and specialised in the field of work. H1B visa is generally valid for three years and can usually be extended for up to six years.
- The H-2B Visa: The H-2B nonimmigrant visa program allows employers to hire foreign workers to perform temporary nonagricultural work, which may be one-time, seasonal, peak load, or intermittent.
- The O-1 Temporary Visa: The O-1 Temporary Visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities or skills in science, arts, athletics, education, business, and motion pictures. To get this visa, you will have to demonstrate your ability in the field. It is also a temporary visa that allows you to come to the USA and continue to perform extraordinary work in the area.
Since now you know about the various work visas provided by the government of the USA, you have to learn the basic differences between an immigrant and a non-immigrant visa.
- Non-immigrant visa: The non-immigrant visa is for professionals looking to temporarily stay in the USA for internships, summer work, business, holiday, or education purposes. Those with non-immigrant visas can’t work without a US work permit. The US Work Permit is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that you obtain after your visa is approved.
- Immigrant visa: The immigrant visa is for professionals who are permanently looking for residency to work and live in the USA. When they enter the country, permanent residence visa holders must also obtain a Green Card, a permanent resident status.