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Employment Visas
Employment visas allow foreign professionals to work in the United States. Key categories include H-1B for specialty occupation workers, L-1 for intracompany transferees, and O-1 for individuals with extraordinary ability. For permanent residence, EB categories are available: EB-1 (extraordinary ability), EB-2 (advanced degree/NIW), and EB-3 (skilled workers).
📋Requirements
- •H-1B: bachelor's degree or equivalent + specialty occupation
- •L-1: minimum 1 year of employment with the company abroad
- •O-1: evidence of extraordinary ability
- •EB-1/2/3: meet the qualifications for the specific category
- •PERM Labor Certification for most EB-2/EB-3 cases
- •Job offer from a U.S. employer (except NIW, EB-1A)
📄Required Documents
- •Form I-129 (for nonimmigrant H/L/O visas)
- •LCA (Labor Condition Application) for H-1B
- •Form I-140 (for EB immigrant petitions)
- •Diplomas and credential evaluations
- •Resume and recommendation letters
- •Evidence of qualifications (publications, awards for O-1/EB-1)
- •Employer corporate documents
⏱️Processing Times
- •H-1B: lottery in March, start date October 1
- •H-1B Premium Processing: 15 business days ($2,805)
- •L-1: 3-6 months (Premium: 15 days)
- •O-1: 3-6 months (Premium: 15 days)
- •PERM: 6-18 months
- •I-140 (EB): 6-12 months (Premium: 45 days)
- •Green card (EB): depends on country and category, 1 to 10+ years
💰Costs
- •H-1B: $1,710 - $6,460 (varies by company size and fees)
- •L-1: $1,385 - $5,060
- •O-1: $1,055
- •Premium Processing: $2,805
- •PERM: recruitment costs + attorney fees
- •I-140: $700
- •Attorney fees: $3,000 - $20,000+
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