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Work in the U.S.

Your work plans. Your visa questions.

A job offer, a move within your company, or a career built on specialist skills can lead to different visa questions. Start with the situation closest to yours.

YOUR PLANS, EXPLAINED SIMPLY

Start with the job, not the visa name.

Your role, employer, qualifications, and citizenship help narrow the questions to ask. A visa label alone does not confirm that you can work.

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EXPLORE YOUR SITUATION

Different plans. Different requirements.

05 routes explained
01H-1B

I have a U.S. job offer in a specialist role.

For a specialty occupation that normally needs a directly related degree or its equivalent. A U.S. employer files the petition.

What to check

Some employers face an annual cap and selection process; others may be exempt. A job offer alone is not enough.

Bring to the conversationA job description, your education, and the employer’s sponsorship plans.

Read the H-1B guide
02L-1

My company wants to move me to its U.S. office.

For qualifying transfers as a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge. The overseas and U.S. businesses must have a qualifying relationship.

What to check

The usual work-history rule is one continuous year abroad within the previous three years.

Bring to the conversationYour role, employment dates, and how the two businesses are connected.

Read the L-1 guide
03O-1

My career has a strong record of recognition.

For people with extraordinary ability or achievement in eligible fields. The application needs evidence, not just a strong job title.

What to check

A U.S. employer or agent must petition. Review the evidence needed for your field.

Bring to the conversationYour CV and examples of awards, press, notable projects, or other recognition.

Read the O-1 guide
04TN

I am Canadian or Mexican and have a professional job offer.

For citizens of Canada or Mexico working in a profession on the USMCA list. The job duties and your qualifications must meet that profession’s rules.

What to check

Permanent residence in Canada or Mexico is not the same as citizenship. Not every professional job is listed.

Bring to the conversationYour citizenship, the exact role, and the qualifications required for that profession.

Read the TN guide
05E-2

I want to work in a business I will invest in.

For qualifying treaty-country investors who will develop and direct a real U.S. business. This is different from taking a job with an unrelated employer.

What to check

Treaty nationality, the investment, and the business all matter. This is a temporary category, not a green card.

Bring to the conversationYour citizenship, business plan, ownership, and how the investment will be funded.

Read the E-2 guide
BEFORE YOU SPEAK WITH SOMEONE

A few details make the advice more useful.

You can start with the basics. These questions help a professional understand what you need.

  1. Do you already have an employer or a business plan?
  2. What work will you do, and where?
  3. What citizenships do you hold?
  4. Are you outside the U.S. or already here in another status?
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COMMON QUESTIONS
Can I work while an application is pending?

Do not assume that filing gives you permission to work. Ask a professional to confirm your current work authorization and when a new job may start.

What if I want to settle permanently?

Temporary work permission and permanent residence are separate questions. Explore the green card page to discuss longer-term plans.

This is general information, not a decision about your eligibility. Requirements and procedures can change. A licensed attorney or accredited representative can review your circumstances.

Go deeper with official information

Check the government guidance when planning your next step.

Temporary work categories ↗TN professional work ↗Treaty investors ↗