Non-Immigrant Visas (Temporary Visas)
The U.S. provides temporary visas to persons who, for a variety of reasons, do not intend to make the U.S. their permanent home. Such persons include students, trainees, persons who are on a temporary assignment for an employer in the U.S., professionals, labor workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and other persons who wish to work or remain in the U.S. for a limited period of time. Foreign nationals who are residing in the U.S. for a temporary period of time are referred to as non-immigrants.
Unlike immigrant visas, most non-immigrant visas are not limited to a numerical restriction – that is, with most non-immigrant visas there is no cap on the number of visas that will be awarded each year. Also, certain non-immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. while their green card application is pending.
Employment Visas
There are a variety of visas available for foreign nationals who have been offered a job in the United States from a U.S. employer. The list of employment visas below link to articles on this website that summarize the requirements for each
Employment Visas for Professionals
1. H-1B – For persons in a specialty occupation (eg. professionals)
2. TN – For professionals who are citizens of Canada or Mexico
3. E-3 – For Australian professionals
4. J-1 – For those participating in an internship, training program, or exchange program in the U.S.
5. O-1 – For persons with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, athletics, or education.
Employment Visas for Managers, Investors and Entrepreneurs
1. L-1 – For Intracompany transferees
2. E-1 – For managers/executives of companies that conduct most of their business with the U.S.
3. E-2 – For managers/executives of companies that invest a substantial amount of capital in the U.S.
Employment Visas for Members of the Media, Actors/Actresses, and Athletes
1. I-1 – For representatives of the foreign media
2. P-1 – For athletes and entertainers
3. O-1 – For persons with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, athletics, or education
