Non-immigrant visas

Visa categories

1. H-1B specialty occupationA temporary visa for professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
2. TN professionalsAllows citizens of Canada and Mexico to enter the U.S. to work under the North American trade agreement provisions.
3. E-2 treaty investorsFor nationals of a treaty country investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business; certain employees may also qualify.
4. E-3 specialty occupation (Australia)For Australian nationals, their spouses and children, coming to work solely in a specialty occupation.
5. L-1 intra-company transferFor executives, managers and specialized-knowledge employees transferring to a U.S. affiliate, parent or subsidiary.
6. O-1 extraordinary abilityFor individuals with extraordinary ability in entertainment, business, athletics and science.
7. H-2A and H-2B temporary workersSeasonal and temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers. See the dedicated H-2A and H-2B pages.

Issues that can complicate a petition

• Eligibility issues, such as problems obtaining a job offer.
• Inadmissibility issues, such as prior criminal convictions or prior periods of unlawful presence.
• Preparing the required documents and filing in the correct category.
• Employment qualification issues, such as degree evaluations and experience letters.
• The impact of a prior refusal or denial of a visa application.