Capital: Washington, D.C.

Currency: US Dollar (USD)

Language: English (de facto)

Passport ranking: 10th in 2025 - 182 destinations visa-free

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations requiring a high level of expertise. These are typically roles in IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and other specialized sectors.

Requirements for Applicants:

• A U.S. employer willing to sponsor the visa.

• Job offer in a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

• Relevant academic qualifications or work experience.

• Labor Condition Application (LCA) approval from the U.S. Department of Labor.

In short: The H-1B is the most common U.S. work visa for skilled professionals.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

The L-1 visa is for employees of multinational companies transferring to a U.S. office. It covers executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Must have worked at least 1 year in the past 3 years with the same company abroad.

• Transfer must be to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, parent, or affiliate.

• Role must be either managerial/executive (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B).

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In short: The L-1 visa enables international companies to move key employees into the U.S. workforce.

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, demonstrated through sustained national or international recognition.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Proof of extraordinary achievements (awards, publications, media recognition, etc.).

• A U.S. employer or agent as sponsor.

• Evidence of being at the top of the field.

In short: The O-1 visa is the U.S. option for top talent with proven international recognition.

O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

EB-1, EB-2, EB-3 Employment-Based Green Cards

Employment-based (EB) green cards provide permanent residency through U.S. employment.

EB-1 (Priority Workers): For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors/researchers, or multinational executives/managers.

EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability): For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Can qualify under National Interest Waiver (NIW) without employer sponsorship.

EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers): For workers with at least 2 years’ experience, bachelor’s degrees, or unskilled roles.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Employer sponsorship (except NIW under EB-2).

• Labor Certification (PERM) for most categories.

• Proof of qualifications/experience.

In short: EB visas lead to U.S. permanent residency through employment.

EB-5 Investor Green Card

The EB-5 program grants permanent residency to foreign investors who create jobs in the U.S. economy.

Requirements for Applicants:

• Investment of $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a U.S. business or Regional Center project.

• Must create or preserve at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs.

• Lawful source of investment funds.

In short: The EB-5 is the U.S. pathway to a green card through investment and job creation.

Get in touch

Have questions about immigrating abroad?

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