For foreign nationals looking to work in the United States, obtaining the right visa is essential. The U.S. offers a variety of work visas, each designed for different types of employment and qualifications. At Lively Law Firm, we assist immigrants in identifying and applying for the visa that best fits their needs. Here’s an overview of some of the most common work visas.

Temporary Work Visas

These visas allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for a limited time and are often tied to a specific employer.

• H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations) – For professionals with specialized knowledge, typically requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Common fields include IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
• H-2A Visa (Seasonal Agricultural Workers) – For temporary agricultural laborers needed to fill workforce shortages.
• H-2B Visa (Seasonal Non-Agricultural Workers) – For temporary workers in industries such as hospitality, construction, and landscaping.
• L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfers) – For employees of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. branch, including executives and managers.
• O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) – For individuals with exceptional achievements in fields such as science, arts, education, or business.
• TN Visa (NAFTA/USMCA Professionals) – For Canadian and Mexican professionals in specified fields under the USMCA agreement.

Permanent Work Visas (Employment-Based Green Cards)

These visas provide a path to permanent residency for workers in specific categories.

• EB-1 (Priority Workers) – For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree Holders & Exceptional Ability) – For professionals with advanced degrees or those with exceptional abilities in their fields.
• EB-3 (Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers) – For skilled workers with at least two years of experience, professionals with bachelor's degrees, and some unskilled workers in labor-shortage areas.
• EB-4 (Special Immigrants) – For religious workers, broadcasters, and certain other special categories.
• EB-5 (Investor Visa) – For individuals investing a significant amount of capital in a U.S. business that creates jobs.

Choosing the Right Visa

Selecting the right visa depends on factors such as job type, educational background, and long-term immigration goals. Each visa has specific eligibility requirements, employer sponsorship obligations, and application procedures.

How Lively Law Firm Can Help

Navigating the U.S. work visa system can be complex. At Lively Law Firm, we assist clients in selecting the right visa, preparing documentation, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. Whether seeking temporary employment or long-term residency, we help streamline the process and avoid common pitfalls.