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Temporary Work Visas: Which is right for me?

A nonimmigrant visa allows foreign persons to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. The nonimmigrant visas which pertain to business or employment are among the most popular. The following are the most common visas that can be obtained for temporary business or employment purposes. Click on each visa type for more detailed information and requirements for each visa.

H-1B visa - The H-1B visa is the most common non-immigrant visa. It allows a US company to employ a foreign individual for up to six years.

H-2A visa - The H-2A visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.

H-2B visa - The H2B visa is designated for individuals who will be employed in non-agricultural positions which are seasonal, intermittent or a onetime occurrence. Examples of qualifying positions include theme park workers, resort or spa workers, and landscape workers.

H-3 visa - The H-3 visa classification is designed for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States to receive training in a particular area. An H-3 visa requires that the foreign national intend to use his or her training in his or her home country.

L-1 visa - Also known as the "intra-company transfer" visa, the L-1 visa is designed to ease the transfer or rotation of foreign executives of an international company into the United States. It allows foreign executives and managers to transfer to the United States and continue their employment.

O-1 visa - The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa classification for foreign nationals who have international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics.

O-2 visa - The O2 visa is designated for persons that accompany and assist an O-1 visa holder in an athletic or artistic events or in the motion picture or television industry.

P- 1 visa - The P1 visa is designated for groups of entertainers, artists, and athletes who are coming to the US temporarily to perform at a specific competition or event.

P-2 visa - The P-2 Visa classification is for foreign individuals who are entertainers or a part of a performance group that perform in a reciprocal exchange program with an organization within the United States.

P-3 visa - The P-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign individuals to enter into the United States to perform, instruct, or coach as artists or entertainers in a culturally unique program. The person with this visa may do this individually or as part of a group.

Q-1 visa - The Q-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa classification applies to participants in an international cultural program approved by the Attorney General for the purpose of providing practical training, employment, and to share the history, culture, and traditions of the alien's home country.

If you have any questions about nonimmigrant visas please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.