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 ShutdownH-1B/H-4 Interviews in India Delayed by Enhanced Vetting
A Dec. 3 policy introduced an online presence review for certain visas, prompting Indian consulates to reschedule many H-1B and H-4 interviews from Dec. 15, 2025 into March–June 2026. Applicants…
Mission India: H-1B/H-4 Interviews Rescheduled Under Presence Review
Mission India consulates rescheduled many H-1B and H-4 interviews after Dec. 8, moving dates often to March or…
U.S. Expands H-1B, H-4 Online Presence Screening for Visa Applicants
The U.S. expands social media screening for H-1B, H-4, and other visas, requiring public profiles and causing significant…
Step-by-Step H-1B/H-4 Visa Stamping Prep After Prudential Revocation
Prudential revocation voids the passport visa stamp but not a valid I‑94. Reentering needs a new H‑1B/H‑4 stamp.…
H-1B/H-4 Visa Cancellations in India Amid Social Vetting (Dec 2025)
Effective Dec. 15, 2025, the expanded online presence review requires social media checks for H-1B and H-4 applicants.…
H-1B/H-4 Visa Appointments in India Delayed by Social Media Vetting
The State Department’s December 15, 2025 expansion of social-media checks to H-1B and H-4 applicants has led Indian…
H-4 Spouse Status After an H-1B Spouse Dies: 204(l) Relief
The death of an H-1B worker ends H-4 status immediately. If an I-140 is pending or approved, INA…
H-4 EAD in 2026: Processing Times, Delays, and What Improves
H-4 EADs are still available in 2026 but processing is slower and less predictable. Eligibility requires H-4 status…
H-1B and H-4 Visa: What Expanded Online Presence Screening Means
Beginning Dec. 15, 2025, H-1B and H-4 applicants face Expanded Online Presence Screening at all U.S. posts. Officers…
Dream Act 2025, America’s Children Act, and H-4 EAD Reforms for Families
Dream Act 2025, America’s Children Act, and H-4 EAD Reforms target aging‑out youth, spouses’ employment rights, and green…