Work visas

Overview

Employment-based nonimmigrant visas

U.S. work visas require an employer sponsor, or in some treaty cases your own investment or nationality. Each category ties you to a specific role and employer. Below: how the main work visa types differ, official tools, and the latest policy updates.

Most work visas are employer-specific: you can only work for the petitioner listed on the approved petition. A new employer generally needs to file their own petition before you can start.

The H-1B is the most common employment-based path but is subject to an annual cap and lottery. Other categories (L-1, O-1, TN, E-2) have different eligibility criteria and are cap-exempt or treaty-based.

Fees, processing times, and policy guidance change frequently. Always verify current requirements at USCIS.gov and the Department of Labor before filing or relying on any figures here.

Activity · daily, last 90 days
9 indexed updates
Jun 21, 2026 → Sep 18, 2026 · 90 days
Policy climate · last 90 days
Tone of coverage
22% restrictive78% neutral
Based on 9 indexed updates in the last 90 days

Visa types in this category

H-1BSpecialty occupations: the most common employer-sponsored work visa, subject to annual cap and registration lottery.L-1Intracompany transfers for managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge.O-1Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.TNUSMCA professionals from Canada and Mexico in eligible occupation categories.E-2Treaty investors: nationals of treaty countries who invest substantially in a U.S. business.H-2BTemporary non-agricultural workers for seasonal, peak-load, or one-time need.H-2ASeasonal agricultural workers from designated countries.E-1Treaty traders: nationals of treaty countries engaged in substantial trade with the U.S.E-3Australian nationals in specialty occupations, separate from H-1B and cap-exempt.P visaAthletes, artists, and entertainers performing at specific events.R visaReligious workers sponsored by a qualifying nonprofit religious organization.

High-signal items · last 90 days

What to watch

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