Work visas

H-1B specialty occupation visas require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and are subject to an annual congressional cap and electronic lottery, unless the employer is cap-exempt (such as universities and nonprofit research institutions).

L-1 intracompany transfers allow multinational corporations to transfer managers and executives (L-1A) or specialized knowledge staff (L-1B) from foreign offices. O-1 visas reward individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Canadian and Mexican professionals may qualify for streamlined TN status under USMCA.

Before filing an H-1B, H-1B1, or E-3 petition, the employer must submit a Labor Condition Application (LCA) to the U.S. Department of Labor certifying that they will pay the required prevailing wage and that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect domestic workers.