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
Visa Holders in Texas Keep 401(k) Withdrawals Tax-Free Under Substantial Presence Test
Texas offers $0 state tax on 401(k) withdrawals for visa holders in 2026, though federal taxes and residency tests still apply to all distributions.
U.S. Expands Social Media Checks for H-1B Visa Applicants March 30 2026
H-1B employers must navigate FY 2027 cap deadlines and strict social media vetting rules to ensure successful visa…
U.S. USCIS Hits H-2B Cap, Supplemental H-2B Visas Filings Due After March 10, 2026
USCIS reaches the FY 2026 second-half H-2B cap. Supplemental visas remain available for employers meeting specific eligibility and…
Labor Department, Office of Immigration Policy Struggle to Launch H-2A Joint Portal
Internal emails show the Labor Department struggling to build a 'one-stop shop' for H-2A visas due to lack…
H-4 Worker Faces Green Card Delay After Merger Blocks PERM Labor Certification
Corporate mergers can invalidate pending PERM cases if new owners refuse Successor in Interest status, causing years of…
Texas GOP House Candidate Nick Plumb Claims H-4 Visa Creates University Admissions Backdoor
Texas candidate Nick Plumb calls H-4 visas a 'backdoor' to university perks as DHS proposes stricter oversight on…
FY 2027 H-1B Cap Registration Opens March 2026 with New Lottery Rules
The FY 2027 H-1B cap registration opens March 2026. Employers must prepare for the beneficiary-centric lottery, strict fee…
Uscis Hits H-2B Visa Cap for First Supplemental Allocation
USCIS confirmed it reached the first supplemental H-2B visa cap for FY 2026 after a lottery. This tranche…
Trump Administration Adds 65,000 H-2B Guest Worker Visas for Fiscal Year 2026
The Trump administration announced on January 30, 2026, that it will add approximately 65,000 H-2B seasonal guest worker…
U.S. Confirms Seasonal Work Permits H-2B Program Under Deliberation
The U.S. government has authorized 35,000 supplemental H-2B visas for FY 2026, a 50% reduction from prior years.…