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.
Top questions about Work Visas
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat are the major changes in employment-based visa processing in 2024?
In August 2024, the Biden administration plans to expand employment-based visa processing for U.S.-educated professionals and DACA recipients, helping them secure work visas more quickly.
Read: White House Employment Immigration Plans For Rest of the Year 2024How does the H-1B process work for employers and employees in 2025?
The H-1B process remains employer-driven, with the employer filing the petition and the employee maintaining status by staying employed in the approved job under the approved terms.
Read: US Immigration FAQ Update: H-1B, F-1, NRIs Amid 2025 ChangesWhat are some changes to the H-1B visa process as of January 17, 2025?
As of January 17, 2025, employers must use the new edition of Form I-129 and follow enhanced oversight rules for the H-1B visa program.
Read: Senator JD Vance Faces Criticism Over Meeting With Indian-American Investor Amid H-1B DebateWhat steps should applicants take to prepare for potential H-1B visa policy changes?
Applicants should start early by keeping an eye on policy updates, gather documents that meet the latest requirements, and work closely with their employers who will need to be proactive as well.
Read: The Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy Changes on the H-1B VisaWhat practical impacts should H-1B visa applicants expect after the 2025 government shutdown?
Applicants may face longer wait times, rescheduling, and reduced appointment availability, which can affect travel plans and project timelines for those who need to be stamped in person.
Read: Expected H-1B Stamping Delays at U.S. Consulates After 2025 Shutdown
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 working under automatic extension protections. DOL functions and E-Verify may pause, so…
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…
Bengaluru IBM Engineer Secures O-1 Visa After Three H-1B Rejections
After three H-1B lottery losses, AI professional Tanush Sharanarthi used documented achievements to secure an O-1 visa in…
H-1B & L-1 Visas: How They Work, Green Cards, Citizenship
H-1B and L-1 visas let U.S. employers hire specialized foreign talent; H-1B is capped at 85,000 with a…
O-1 and L-1 Visas Gain Traction After H-1B Fee Jump to $100K
Effective September 21, 2025, H-1B government fees rose to $100,000–$152,000 per petition with higher wage rules and stricter…
O-1 Visa Explained: A Viable Alternative to H-1B Constraints
Employers and top talent are increasingly using the O‑1 visa—uncapped and year‑round—to avoid H‑1B lottery uncertainty. The O‑1…