USA
The United States offers a wide range of visa options for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and artists seeking to live and work in the country.
Visa types available
USATalentO-1A Visa
For people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, business, or athletics.
- Documented extraordinary ability in the field
- Sustained national or international acclaim
- Evidence meeting at least 3 of 8 USCIS criteria
2–6 months
$9,000–$13,000USATalentO-1B Visa
For people with extraordinary ability in the arts, film, or TV.
- Distinction in the arts, or film and TV
- Evidence meeting at least 3 of 6 USCIS criteria
- A peer group or union consultation
2–6 months$9,000–$13,000USATalentGreen cardEB-1A
For individuals with extraordinary ability.
- Extraordinary ability in field
- Sustained national or international acclaim
- At least 3 of 10 criteria met
6–12 months$12,500–$17,500USATalentGreen cardEB-1B
For outstanding professors and researchers.
- International recognition as outstanding
- 3+ years of teaching or research
- A permanent academic job offer
6–12 months$12,000–$17,000USAWorkGreen cardEB-1C
For multinational managers and executives.
- A qualifying US-foreign company relationship
- 1 year abroad as a manager or executive
- A managerial or executive role in the US
6–12 months$12,500–$17,500USAWorkGreen cardEB-2
For professionals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability.
- An advanced degree or exceptional ability
- A permanent US job that requires it
- PERM labor certification cleared
2–3 years$12,000–$19,500USATalentGreen cardEB-2 NIW
For researchers and founders serving the US national interest.
- An advanced degree or exceptional ability
- A proposed endeavor of national importance
- The three-prong Dhanasar test met
6–12 months$12,500–$17,500USAWorkGreen cardEB-3
For professionals, skilled workers, and unskilled workers.
- A degree, experience, or an unskilled role
- A permanent US job offer
- PERM labor certification cleared
2–4 years$12,000–$19,500USAInvestmentGreen cardEB-5
For investors making a major US investment.
- $800K (targeted area) or $1.05M invested
- Capital lawfully sourced and at risk
- At least 10 full-time US jobs created
2–5 years$30,000–$40,000USAWorkH-1B Visa
For professionals in specialty roles that require a degree.
- A specialty occupation tied to a degree
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in that field
- Employer sponsorship, and the lottery for most
2–6 months$8,000–$12,000USAWorkL-1A Visa
For executives and managers transferring to a US office.
- One year of qualifying employment abroad
- Executive or managerial role
- Qualifying relationship between the two companies
2–6 months$10,000–$13,500USAWorkL-1B Visa
For specialized-knowledge employees transferring to a US office.
- One year of qualifying employment abroad
- Specialized or advanced knowledge
- Qualifying relationship between the two companies
2–6 months$10,000–$13,500USA Guides
USAUSCIS Made Adjustment of Status Discretionary
A new USCIS memo lets officers deny green cards filed inside the US even when you qualify. Adjustment is not gone, but it is far less predictable, and no one yet knows how far it goes.
8 min read
USAFederal Court Vacates USCIS Pause for 39 Countries
A US District Court ordered USCIS to resume processing the green card, naturalization, asylum, and work-permit cases that had been on hold since January 2026. The underlying travel ban itself is not vacated.
9 min read
USAFederal Court Strikes Down Trump's $100k H-1B Fee
A US District Court in Boston ruled the $100,000 H-1B visa fee was an unauthorized tax. USCIS should not require the payment for now, but the government will appeal.
10 min read
USAO-1 vs EB-1A: Which is right for you?
Both are designed for top talent, but they serve different needs. This guide compares requirements, timelines, and pathways to permanent residency.
10 min read
USAO-1A vs O-1B Visa: What's the Difference?
O-1A covers science, business and athletics; O-1B the arts and film. Compare the standards, evidence and cost, and see which lane fits you.
9 min read
USAO-1 Visa for Startup Founders: How to Qualify
Founders can get the O-1A through their own US company. See how to qualify, which evidence counts, and how it compares to the H-1B and E-2.
10 min read
USAO-1 Visa Requirements: The 8 Criteria Explained
The O-1 needs a major award or 3 of 8 criteria, and meeting three is only step one. See each criterion, the evidence that wins, and the final test.
11 min read
USAO-1 Visa to Green Card: The Paths Explained
The O-1 bridges to a green card through EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or an employer route. See each path, how dual intent lets you file early, and the timeline.
10 min read
USAO-1 vs H-1B Visa: Key Differences and How to Choose
The H-1B has a cap, a lottery, and a six-year limit; the O-1 has none. Compare eligibility, cost, and timelines, plus how to switch from H-1B to O-1.
10 min readUSAO-1 Visa Processing Time: Regular vs Premium Timeline
Premium processing decides an O-1 in 15 business days; regular takes months. See the timeline, the premium fee, and how long the O-1 stays valid.
9 min read
USAO-1 Visa Cost: The Full 2026 Fee Breakdown
Most O-1 cases cost about $9,000 to $13,000 in 2026. See every government and legal fee, who pays, what premium processing adds, and three real budget scenarios.
10 min read
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