Work visas (nonimmigrant)
The H-1B lets U.S. employers hire foreign professionals for roles that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
Read more O-1AExtraordinary AbilityThe O-1A is a U.S. work visa for people with extraordinary ability in science, business, education or athletics, shown through sustained national or international acclaim.
Read more L-1Intracompany TransferThe L-1A lets multinational companies transfer managers and executives from a foreign office to a related U.S. office.
Read more TNUSMCA Professional (Canada/Mexico)TN status lets Canadian and Mexican citizens work in the U.S. in one of about 60 professions listed in the USMCA (formerly NAFTA), such as engineer, scientist, accountant or computer systems analyst.
Read more E-3Australian Specialty OccupationThe E-3 is a U.S. work visa only for Australian citizens in specialty occupations: roles that require a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
Read moreGreen cards (immigrant)
The EB-1A is a self-petitioned green card for people with extraordinary ability who have risen to the very top of their field.
Read more EB-1CMultinational Manager or Executive Green CardThe EB-1C is an employer-sponsored green card for managers and executives of multinational companies, typically people already in the U.S. on an L-1A.
Read more EB-2 NIWNational Interest WaiverThe EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a self-petitioned green card for professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose work benefits the United States.
Read more PERMLabor Certification (EB-2 / EB-3)PERM labor certification is the Department of Labor process most employer-sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 green cards require.
Read moreCompare visa options at a glance
| Visa | Who it's for | Lottery/cap | Gale platform + legal fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Professionals in specialty occupations sponsored by a U.S. employer | 65,000 regular + 20,000 U.S. master's (cap-exempt employers excluded) | $999 · lottery registration $0 |
| O-1A | Founders, researchers, engineers and executives with sustained acclaim | None. File any time of year | $8,500 |
| L-1 | Managers and executives transferring within a multinational company | None | $8,500 |
| TN | Canadian and Mexican citizens in listed USMCA professions | None | $2,000 |
| E-3 | Australian citizens in specialty occupations | 10,500 (historically never reached) | $2,000 |
| EB-1A | Individuals at the top of their field (self-petition) | Annual category limits; see priority dates | $9,000 I-140 · $4,000 AOS |
| EB-1C | Multinational managers and executives | Annual category limits; see priority dates | $9,000 I-140 · $4,000 AOS |
| EB-2 NIW | Advanced-degree professionals, researchers and founders | Annual category limits; see priority dates | $9,000 I-140 · $4,000 AOS |
| PERM | Employees sponsored for EB-2 or EB-3 green cards | Annual category limits; see priority dates | $4,000 PERM · $4,000 I-140 · $4,000 AOS |
Not sure which fits? Estimate costs with the visa cost calculator or book a meeting.
Frequently asked questions
Which work visa is fastest?
TN (for Canadians at the border), H-1B1 (for Singaporeans/Mexicans) and E-3 (for Australians) are usually fastest. O-1A, L-1, and TN for Mexicans can be decided in 15 business days with premium processing. Cap-subject H-1Bs depend on the March lottery and start October 1.
Which green card isn't tied to an employer?
The EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 National Interest Waiver are self-petitioned and aren't tied to a specific employer.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change frequently. Confirm current details with USCIS or a licensed immigration attorney.