Work Visas
U.S. employment visa categories compared — H-1B, O-1, L-1, TN, E-2, H-2B, and R-1. Side-by-side eligibility, processing times, costs, and employer obligations for each work visa type.
Are E-2C CNMI-Only Investor Applications Processed During Shutdown?
USCIS remains open for fee-funded E-2C CNMI-Only filings as of October 1, 2025; file Form I-129 with Supplement E. Extensions valid in two-year steps through December 31, 2029. Expect possible…
H-4 EAD During Government Shutdown: Spouse’s H-1B Pending
USCIS, funded by fees, usually continues processing H-1B and H-4 EAD filings during shutdowns. A timely-filed, pending H-1B…
Can Treaty Investors File E-2 Petitions or Extensions During Shutdown?
E-2 visas are issued at consulates, not by USCIS. During the 2025 shutdown most E-2 interviews continue, but…
H-4 EAD Renewals: Standalone Filing Without H-1B Extension in Shutdown
H-4 spouses can file standalone H-4 EAD renewals with Form I-765 without concurrent H-1B filings. If filed timely…
What Happens to O-1 Extension Petitions During a Federal Shutdown?
Because USCIS is fee-funded, timely-filed O-1 extension petitions generally continue processing during federal shutdowns, allowing beneficiaries to keep…
L-1 to H-1B Change of Status Pending During a Shutdown: What Happens
During a shutdown, USCIS usually keeps adjudicating L-1 to H-1B petitions filed with certified LCAs, but the DOL…
TN Visa at Canadian Border During Shutdown: Are Officers Processing?
After the October 1, 2025 shutdown, CBP continues essential operations so TN processing at ports generally proceeds. Canadians…
Can I File H-1B or L-1 Extensions During a US Shutdown?
USCIS operations continue during the 2025 shutdown, allowing H-1B/L-1 and other filings; DOL processes like LCAs and PERM…
Bipartisan Push to Tighten H-1B and L-1 Rules for Greater Oversight
A bipartisan bill from Senators Grassley and Durbin aims to tighten H-1B and L-1 rules—public job postings, stricter…
L-1 Visa as an H-1B Alternative After the $100k Fee Hike
A $100,000 H-1B fee starting September 21, 2025, is driving interest in L-1 intra-company transfers. L-1 avoids the…