First of all, it is known that the American visa, whatever its category, is an essential document that allows foreign citizens to enter and stay in the United States for various purposes. Therefore, this document is nothing more than the legal authorization granted by the United States consulates and embassies. It authorizes the entry and temporary stay of foreigners in the country and is stamped on the passport with the visa category and its validity, in addition to the purpose of the trip. In this article, we will list some of the main types of US work visas.

In this sense, the objective of the American visa is to ensure that people entering the United States meet legal requirements. Furthermore, it serves to regulate and control the flow of foreign visitors into the country. Therefore, a valid US visa is a prerequisite for applying to enter the US. However, having your visa approved is not a guarantee that you can enter the country, as the final decision will always be made by the immigration officer upon arrival in the United States.

Brazil is on the extensive list of countries that require a visa to enter the United States. Therefore, the question is knowing which type of visa is right for each situation, as each category of visa has its requirements and objectives, such as tourism, business, studies, work, or immigration. For information, for example, there are more than 180 types of visas available and here you can find out about the main ones.

Work visa in the United States and its purpose

Just like any other purpose of entering the United States, if you intend to work in the country, you certainly need a visa that authorizes this practice. In other words, the US work visa serves as a legal authorization for you, as a foreign worker, to be employed in the country.

Therefore, each type of work visa is designed to meet specific objectives. For example, attracting qualified professionals, promoting cultural exchange, or addressing labor shortages in various areas of activity. Therefore, below, we will highlight the different types of work visas available in the United States. Clarifying their unique characteristics and requirements so that you know which visa is ideal in your case.

Types of US Work Visas

Firstly, it is worth remembering that there are different types of work visas, and, below. We will list and detail each of them. Therefore, you will have more information about each type of visa and will be able to better understand which one is ideal for your specific case.

As we saw previously. The work visa is an essential document for those who want to work legally in the United States. In other words, without it. You will not be able to practice any profession whatsoever, otherwise, you will certainly have complications with immigration. And you don’t want that, do you?

So, let’s go to the list of available work visas and their characteristics:

1- H-1B Visa:

The H-1B visa is one of the types of US work visas. Designed for highly skilled foreign workers in specialized occupations, such as technology, science, and engineering. However, this type of visa requires an employer to sponsor you and demonstrate that the position you will occupy cannot be filled by a US worker.

2- L-1 visa (types of US work visa ) :

The L-1 visa is for intra-company transfers, that is. If you work in a multinational and are transferred from one unit to another within the same organization in the United States. There are two subcategories for this visa: the L-1A for managers and executives and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.

3- Visa O:

If you have extraordinary skills or achievements in fields such as arts. For sciences, education, business, or sports, O visas are for you. In this sense, these visas require extensive documentation to prove your exceptional expertise in these areas.

4- E Visa:

The E visa category, in turn, is aimed at traders and investors from countries that maintain commercial treaties with the United States. E-1 visas are for treaty traders, while E-2 visas are for treaty investors.

5- TN visa (types of US work visa ) :

The TN visa is specifically focused on Canadian and Mexican citizens under the NAFTA agreement (currently USMCA). Therefore, it covers various professions, such as engineers, scientists, and health professionals.

6- J-1 Visa:

If your interest when traveling to the United States is to experience a cultural exchange. You can seek a J-1 visa. This is because it allows you to integrate education, training, and cultural exchange programs in the country.

7- EB-2 Visa with National Interest Release (EB2-NIW):

The EB-2 visa category is similarly reserved for people with exceptional skills in their respective fields. Likewise, it is ideal for you and other professionals with advanced degrees, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.

The National Interest Waiver – NIW, in turn, is a special provision within the EB-2 category. This provision frees you from the need for the labor certification process and the requirement for a specific job offer from a U.S. company. In other words, with cultural exchange. You can work in the United States without needing a job offer from a company in the country.

Therefore, to qualify for the EB2-NIW visa. You and applicants in this category must demonstrate that your work benefits the United States on a national level. Therefore, it is possible to include contributions to areas such as health, technology, education, and entrepreneurship, for example.

However, if you don’t fit into one of the professions, don’t worry. We have good news for you: all areas of activity apply to the EB-2 NIW visa. Furthermore, applying for this visa category requires that you provide substantial evidence of exceptional ability and the impact that your work will bring to the national interest.