Managing Attorney
You’ve received a job offer in the United States—or maybe you’re exploring employment opportunities—and now you’re wondering what visa options you might have. U.S. immigration law offers several work-based visas, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. The right one for you depends on your background, job type, and goals. Some visas are temporary, allowing you to work for a set amount of time. Others can open the door to permanent residency. This blog will help you get a better sense of the difference between temporary and permanent work visas and which path might fit your situation best.
Temporary Work Visas: A Starting Point for Many
Temporary work visas—also called nonimmigrant visas—allow you to live and work in the U.S. for a limited period. These visas are typically tied to a specific employer and job. You’ll usually need a job offer before applying, and some visas have annual limits or require specific qualifications.
Here are some of the most common temporary work visas:
- H-1B: For workers in “specialty occupations” that generally require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- L-1: For employees transferring within a company, such as from a foreign office to a U.S. branch.
- O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, education, business, or the arts.
- TN: For Canadian and Mexican citizens working in certain professional roles under the USMCA agreement.
- E-2: For investors and employees of companies investing in the U.S. from countries with qualifying treaties.
- H-2A/H-2B: For seasonal workers—agricultural (H-2A) or non-agricultural (H-2B).
While these visas can be a great way to get started, they typically don’t lead directly to a green card. Still, they can provide a valuable stepping stone if your long-term plan includes permanent residency.
Permanent Work Visas: Building a Long-Term Future
Permanent employment-based visas, or immigrant visas, offer a path to a green card. With the correct visa and sponsorship, you can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. These visas are usually based on a job offer and often require a labor certification process to show that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job.
There are five preference categories for employment-based green cards:
- EB-1: For priority workers like multinational executives, outstanding professors and researchers, or those with extraordinary ability.
- EB-2: For individuals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in their field. Some may qualify for a National Interest Waiver.
- EB-3: For skilled workers (with at least 2 years of experience), professionals (with a bachelor’s degree), and other workers.
- EB-4: For certain special immigrants, including religious workers and some international organization employees.
- EB-5: For investors who contribute significant capital to a U.S. business and create jobs.
The permanent visa process takes longer and requires more documentation, but it offers long-term stability and opens the door to U.S. citizenship down the road.
Which Visa Might Be Right for You?
Every person’s situation is a little different, and the right visa depends on your job, your credentials, and your goals. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want to work in the U.S. for a short period or stay long-term?
- Do you already have a job offer from a U.S. employer?
- Do you have a bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, or years of experience in a specific field?
- Are you being transferred from a foreign office to a U.S. office within your company?
- Are you planning to invest in a U.S. business?
- Are you from a country with a treaty agreement with the U.S.?
If you’re looking for short-term work and have a job offer, a temporary visa like the H-1B or TN might be a good fit. If you have more long-term plans—or if your employer is willing to sponsor you for a green card—an EB category may be the better option.
We’ll help you figure out what you’re eligible for and guide you through the process. Immigration law can be overwhelming on your own. We’re here to help.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Worth Visa Attorneys
Choosing the right employment visa is one of the most important steps in your journey to working in the U.S. Whether you’re seeking temporary work or a long-term move, Zepeda Law Firm can help you take the next step with confidence. Contact us today to discuss your options and get the support you need to move forward.