Non-immigrantEmployer-sponsoredAnnual cap
H-1B — Specialty occupation workers
For professionals with a bachelor's degree in specialty occupations (IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, etc.).
- Initial duration: 3 years, extendable up to 6 years (longer in some cases).
- Annual lottery with a cap of 65,000 + 20,000 (US master's degree holders).
- Allows dual intent: holders can apply for a Green Card.
- Employer files Form I-129 with USCIS.
Non-immigrantNo lottery
L-1 — Intra-company transferee
For employees of multinational companies transferred to a US office, branch or parent company.
- L-1A: managers and executives (up to 7 years).
- L-1B: employees with specialized knowledge (up to 5 years).
- Requires having worked 1 of the last 3 years for the company outside the US.
- Can lead to EB-1C Green Card for managers/executives.
Non-immigrantNo cap
O-1 — Extraordinary ability
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics or entertainment.
- Requires evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.
- Initial duration: up to 3 years, with annual extensions.
- No annual numerical cap.
- Subcategories: O-1A (sciences, business, etc.) and O-1B (arts and entertainment).
Non-immigrantMX/CA only
TN — Mexican and Canadian professionals (USMCA)
Special category under USMCA for certain Mexican and Canadian professionals.
- Duration: up to 3 years, indefinitely renewable as long as the offer continues.
- Closed list of occupations (engineers, accountants, scientists, lawyers, etc.).
- Requires a job offer from a US employer.
- Does not allow direct dual intent.
Non-immigrantSeasonal
H-2A / H-2B — Temporary workers
H-2A for seasonal agricultural work; H-2B for temporary non-agricultural jobs (tourism, construction, etc.).
- Limited to nationals of designated countries.
- Employer must show shortage of US workers.
- H-2B has an annual cap of 66,000.