Temporary Employment Visas

H-1B - The H-1B visa is available to aliens who work in a specialty occupation and already have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer. Generally, the job must be in a professional area and require at least a bachelor's degree. The employer must first obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor, showing that it will pay the alien worker the prevailing wage for the occupation and, usually, that there is no U.S. citizen or LPR to fill the position. The H-1B is initially issued for three years, with an additional three year extension available. Unlike most non-immigrant visas, the holder of an H-1B visa is allowed to have the dual intent of temporarily working in the U.S. and seeking to remain permanently.

H-2A - This visa allows an alien to enter the United States to perform seasonal agricultural work.

H-2B - This visa allows an alien to enter the United States to perform seasonal non-agricultural work.

L-1 - The L-1 visa is available to executives, managers, or designated employees of a foreign company who are being transferred to a United States location. The alien must be coming to the United States to work for the same company for which he worked abroad. There are very specific requirements regarding the type of employment functions that qualify under the L-1. Like the H-1B, the holder of an L-1 visa is allowed dual intent and is not required to show that he intends to return to his country of origin.

E-1/E-2 - These visas are available to traders or investors of designated countries with whom the United States has a trade agreement. The initial term of an E visa is two years, but there is no limit to the number of extensions granted.