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Moving to the US: Types of Work Visas in US and How to Get One in 2025

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Moving to the US: Types of Work Visas in US and How to Get One in 2025

Want to work in the USA? Learn about the most popular work visas in 2025, requirements, application procedure, and how to legally move to America

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Is it difficult to get a work visa to the USA? Many people think that it is almost impossible. In fact, every year hundreds of thousands of foreigners come to the United States on work visas - both temporary and immigrant. Most often, these are citizens of Mexico, China, India, Canada, Turkmenistan, the Bahamas, Moldova and the Philippines.

America offers more than 10 types of work visas that are suitable for professionals, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, seasonal workers and many others. Whether you dream of living in New York, working in an IT company in California or a seasonal contract on a farm in Texas - there is an option for you.

Read about the most popular types of work visas in the USA and find out how to get one of them in 2025.


When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during the trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.




What is a work visa to the USA?


A work visa is a permit that gives a foreigner the right to legally live and work in the USA. Visas are divided into:

- non-immigrant (temporary);

- immigrant (with the right of permanent residence - Green Card).


Temporary work visas to the USA


Foreigners with temporary visas have the right to work in the USA for a limited period and only for the employer who sponsored the application. The most popular categories:


- H-1B - for highly qualified specialists


This visa allows you to work in areas that require higher education: IT, engineering, medicine, finance.

Quota: 65,000 basic visas are issued annually + 20,000 for graduates of American master's degrees. Due to high demand, a lottery system is in place.

Requirements: bachelor's degree or higher, an official job offer from an American company.


- L-1 – for managers who are transferred to a US branch


This visa allows the transfer of an employee from a foreign company to its US representative office.

Requirements: at least 1 year of work in the company in the last 3 years, a position of manager or specialist with unique knowledge.


- O-1 – for people with outstanding abilities


This type is intended for professionals who have achieved international recognition in the field of science, art, sports, business, cinema.

Requirements: proven national or international achievements, recommendations, publications, awards, etc.


- E-1 / E-2 – for traders and investors


These visas are available only to citizens of countries that have relevant agreements with the US.

E-1: for individuals who conduct a significant amount of trade with the US.

E-2: for those who have invested a significant amount in a business in the US (usually from $100,000).


- TN – for citizens of Canada and Mexico


This visa exists within the framework of the USMCA Agreement (formerly NAFTA) and is available only for certain specialties – lawyers, scientists, accountants, etc.


- E-3 – exclusively for Australian citizens


Intended for highly skilled workers with a bachelor's degree or higher.


- H-2A – for seasonal agricultural workers


The visa is granted to those who are hired by an American farmer for seasonal work.

Requirements: job offer, citizenship of one of the 86 participating countries, temporary and seasonal contract.


Immigrant work visas (Green Card)


US immigration law has approved several ways to obtain a permanent residence permit (green card) based on employment in America.

After obtaining a temporary residence permit, qualified migrants can change their status to permanent residents. Workers have the right to apply for these work visas after moving to the USA.


EB-1 First Preference 


Depending on the criteria, three categories of foreigners can apply for this visa:

- Expats with extraordinary achievements - those who have special achievements in the fields of science, art, education, business or sports can obtain a visa.

- Outstanding professors and researchers: for scientists whose discoveries are internationally recognized and on the condition that the foreigner has at least three years of teaching or research experience.

- Highly skilled workers – for foreigners who work as a manager or director of an international company with an office in the United States.


EB-2 Second Preference


Foreigners who have a degree or exceptional abilities in their field can apply for this work visa. However, compliance with the requirements will need to be confirmed by certain documents: official academic transcripts, letters from employers confirming at least 10 years of work experience, licenses or certificates for scientific inventions, confirmation of wages that demonstrate your exceptional abilities, membership in a professional association, recognition of your achievements and significant contributions to the field of activity.


EB-3 Third Preference


This type of immigration visa is available to those who have a work certificate and an offer of full-time work in the United States. Three categories of workers are eligible for this visa:

1. Skilled workers – foreigners who have at least two years of work experience in their specialty.

2. Professionals – foreigners who have a bachelor’s degree and perform work that cannot be performed by US workers.

3. Other workers – whose profession requires less than two years of experience and for this job it is also not possible to find candidates in the US.


How to get a work visa to the US: step-by-step instructions


1. Find an employer in the US who will agree to act as your sponsor.

2. Sign a contract and collect documents.

3. The employer files a petition (form I-129 or other).

4. Receive confirmation from USCIS if the petition is approved.

5. Have an interview at the US consulate in your country.

6. Get a visa and enter the US.


The USA in 2025 remains a popular destination for work and career. Although competition for work visas is high, there are many opportunities - the main thing is to choose the right type of visa and have a reliable employer.

Remember: all documents must be completed without errors, and violation of visa conditions may affect future visas or immigration.


To learn more about the procedure for obtaining a work permit in the USA, consult a highly qualified lawyer.




Let's remind you! What mistakes most often lead to a refusal of a US visa? In this article, we will tell you how to correctly fill out the DS-160 form, which points cause suspicion in consulates, and why it is important to be honest and detailed. Tips for those who want to increase their chances of obtaining a US visa in 2025.




Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in the USA;

Legal advice on immigration to the USA;

Travel insurance for foreigners in the USA;

Medical insurance all over the world.



We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.

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