How to Apply for a United State of America USA Work Visa

  There is no single "work visa"—common nonimmigrant types include H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transfer), O-1 ...

 

There is no single "work visa"—common nonimmigrant types include H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transfer), O-1 (extraordinary ability), etc. These are temporary; for permanent, employment-based green cards.

Focus on popular: H-1B.

H-1B Visa Overview

For specialty occupations requiring bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Capped at 85,000/year (lottery if oversubscribed).

Steps:

1. Employer Files LCA (Labor Condition Application) with DOL.
2. Employer Registers (electronic, annual period) and, if selected in lottery, files Form I-129 petition with USCIS.
3. Approval → Employee applies for visa abroad (DS-160, interview) or changes status if in US.

Other types (e.g., L-1): Employer petitions directly.

Always employer-sponsored. Check uscis.gov and travel.state.gov.