If you came to the United States with a professional degree or a university education, and you've had to work as a cleaner, delivery person, waiter, or in any other job, we know you're capable of much more. One of those things is finding a visa that allows you to work legally, whether temporarily or permanently.
In this blog, I want to talk to you about visas that grant you work permits in the United States. You may already know some of them, but we're sure you'll also discover new options. Keep reading and I'll tell you more!
O-1 Visa, Extraordinary Abilities:
This visa is designed for people with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, business and/or sports.
💳 Work permit: It is essential that to apply for an ESTA visa you have a company willing to sponsor you, and the job must be related to your area of specialization or experience.
🗓️ Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable.
Green Card through employment (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Visas)
Professionals or people with advanced skills or skilled workers who have a professional career and a certain number of years of experience to apply for this type of visa.
💳 Work permit and duration: You obtain Permanent Residency with the freedom to change employers after obtaining residency, which can take around a year.
F-1 visa for students with limited work permits:
This visa is specifically for people who are interested in studying in the United States and wish to work temporarily through programs such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training).
💳 Work permit: Temporary, related to their area of study.
🗓️ Duration: It is directly linked to the duration period of the CPT or OPT.
H-1B Visa, Skilled Workers:
Professionals with university degrees in specialized occupations (technology, engineering, etc.).
💳 Work permit: For sponsoring employer only.
🗓️ Duration: Initially 3 years, renewable for 3 more (up to 6 years).
L-1 Visa, Intracompany Transfer:
For whom: Executives or employees with specialized knowledge who are transferred within a multinational company.
💳 Work permit: Only with the sponsoring company.
🗓️ Duration: Up to 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B).
E-2 Visa, Investors from treaty countries:
Investors from countries that have trade agreements with the U.S.
Work permit: For the company that managed the investment.
Duration: Renewable indefinitely as long as the investment is maintained.
TN Visa, Professionals under the Free Trade Agreement:
For whom: Citizens of Canada and Mexico who work in specific occupations under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA).
💳 Work permit: For sponsoring employer only.
🗓️ Duration: Initially 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.