Working in the U.S.

Learn about the many ways to work and conduct business acitivities in the U.S.

Important things to keep in mind

While some other popular destinations tend to split work visas in two (ex:seasonal and long term employment), the U.S. first splits it into permanent and temporary classifications and then situation specific work visas instead. Outside of Q-1 visa holders, all other visa groups have visas available for dependent spouses and children.

Permanent Worker Visa Preference Categories

First Preference EB-1

This preference is reserved for persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors or researchers; and certain multinational executives and managers.

Second Preference EB-2

This preference is reserved for persons who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees or for persons with exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.

Third Preference EB-3

This preference is reserved for professionals, skilled workers, and other workers.

Fourth Preference EB-4

This preference is reserved for “special immigrants,” which includes certain religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organizations, alien minors who are wards of courts in the United States, and other classes of aliens.

Fifth Preference EB-5

This preference is reserved for business investors who invest $1,050,000 or $800,000 (if the investment is made in a targeted employment area) in a new commercial enterprise that employs at least 10 full-time U.S. workers.

Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Worker Classification