Dreaming of a career in the United States?

With tech salaries nearly 40% higher than those in Europe and over 60% higher than in Latin America, the allure of working in the US is undeniable.

However, navigating the complex world of US work visas is still complex.

Here's a breakdown of the various work visa options available to help you kickstart your journey to the land of opportunity.

Understanding US Work Visas

US work visas come in various forms, each catering to specific employment situations and individual qualifications. From the popular H-1B visa to the lesser-known TN visa, understanding the nuances of each visa type is crucial for determining the best path for your career aspirations.

TL;DR: A Quick Overview of Work Visas

1) H-1B Visa - Sponsored Worker

The H-1B visa is designed for foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise. It operates on a lottery-based system with a quota of 85,000 visas available annually. Successful applicants can stay for up to six years, but with around 400,000 applications received each year, the selection chance ranges from 20-40%. Unfortunately, spouses of H-1B visa holders cannot work in the US.

2) L-1 Visa - Intracompany Transfer

The L-1 visa allows intracompany transferees from multinational companies to transfer employees to the US. Unlike the H-1B visa, there are no quotas for L-1 visas, and the approval rate is approximately 93%. This visa category offers a maximum stay of seven years, and spouses are permitted to work.

3) O Visa - Extraordinary Ability

The O visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in various fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. There are no quotas for O visas, and the approval rate is approximately 95%. The visa allows a maximum stay of three years, with the option for renewal. Spouses of O visa holders are eligible to work in the US.

4) TN Visa - for NAFTA Nationals

The TN visa is available to Canadians and Mexicans under the NAFTA agreement. This visa category allows professionals in certain occupations to work temporarily in the US. There are no quotas for TN visas, and the maximum length of stay is three years. Unfortunately, spouses of TN visa holders cannot work in the US.

5) E-1 & E-2 Visa - Investors

The E-1 and E-2 visas are for investors and traders from certain treaty countries. These visas have no quotas, and the approval rate is around 90%. Both visas allow a maximum stay of two years, with the option for indefinite renewal. Spouses of E visa holders are eligible to work.

6) E-3 Visa - for Australians

The E-3 visa is specifically for Australians in specialty occupations. Similar to the H-1B visa, it requires sponsorship from a US employer. The quota for E-3 visas is set at 10,500 annually, with an approval rate of approximately 96%. The visa allows a maximum stay of two years, renewable indefinitely, and spouses can work in the US.

Let Us Help You Navigate the Visa Maze

At Get You There, we specialize in immigration care through visa services, helping global talent to achieve their career goals in the United States. Whether you're a skilled professional, an investor, or an entrepreneur, we're here to guide you every step of the way.