Work visas
US US work visas (overview)
An overview of the US temporary worker visa categories — such as H, L, O and E — with links to the official directory of visa categories.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official United States government website before you apply.
- Route type
- Nonimmigrant temporary worker visas
- Sponsor
- Usually a US employer
- Petition
- Form I-129 (USCIS), for most routes
- Main route
- H-1B (specialty occupation)
Main work visa routes
- H-1B — specialty occupations requiring a degree; annual numerical cap and registration
- H-2A / H-2B — temporary agricultural and non-agricultural seasonal work
- L-1 — intracompany transfer of managers, executives or specialized-knowledge staff
- O-1 — individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement
- P — athletes, entertainers and artists
- E-1 / E-2 — treaty traders and treaty investors (see Business & talent)
- TN — Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA
How it generally works
- A US employer files a petition (usually Form I-129) with USCIS, where required
- Some routes need a Department of Labor step first (for example an LCA for H-1B)
- Once the petition is approved, you apply for the visa (DS-160) and attend an interview
- A CBP officer admits you at the port of entry
Frequently asked questions
For most work visas, yes — a US employer sponsors you and files a petition. A few routes (such as O-1 or certain E and immigrant categories) have different structures, but the great majority require an employer.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-20. Information only — not legal advice.
Related US visas
- WORKEMPLOYER-SPONSOREDDEGREE-LEVELH-1B specialty occupation visaPopularLets an employer temporarily hire a foreign professional for a specialised role that normally requires at least a bachelor's degree.View visa details
- WORKINTRACOMPANY TRANSFERL-1 intracompany transferee visaPopularLets a multinational company move an employee from a foreign office to a related US office as a manager, executive, or specialized-knowledge worker.View visa details
- WORKEXTRAORDINARY ABILITYO-1 extraordinary ability visaPopularA temporary work visa for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, business, education, athletics, or the arts, or a record of extraordinary achievement in film and television.View visa details
US guides & news
- Work visasWho is eligible to work in the US?Working in the US legally requires employers to confirm identification and right to work for employees, this is a comprehensive list on who's eligible 6 Apr 20232 min read
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- Family visasHow Long Can Parents Stay In The USA On A B2 Visa?Parents on a B2 visa can only stay in the country for six months. However, they can apply for extensions if they have a good cause. 21 Apr 20233 min read