Working in the US

Types of U.S. Work Visas (Immigrant and Nonimmigrant)

Summaries of some of the most frequently obtained U.S. work visas.

Who Qualifies for a Work Permit in the United States?

Learn the categories of foreign-born people who can receive permission to accept employment in the United States.

Can I Work in the U.S. on a B-2 Tourist Visa? What If I Overstay?

If you've entered the U.S. on a tourist (B-1, B-2) visa, you may be able to apply for a work visa, but you'll need to maintain lawful status while waiting.

Unauthorized Employment While Your Green Card Is Pending

Even when you're about to get your green card, you must obtain a work permit before accepting employment.

What Can I Do If My Work Visa Petition Is Denied by USCIS?

Options for foreign workers when USCIS denies a visa application, whether the foreign worker is already in the U.S. in a different immigration status or currently outside the United States.

Applying for a U.S. Work Visa With a Criminal Record

If you have found a U.S. employer to sponsor you for an employment-based visa, any past criminal activity may come back to haunt you.

Who Qualifies for a Work Permit in the United States?

Learn the categories of foreign-born people who can receive permission to accept employment in the United States.

How to Apply for a U.S. Work Permit (EAD)

A step-by-step explanation of how to file Form I-765 for a work permit.

How Much Does a U.S. Work Permit Cost? Lawyers' Fees and Filing Fees

If you are going to file the I-765 to obtain an employment authorization document (work permit), here are the associated costs you can expect.

How Long Does a U.S. Work Permit Last?

Learn about typical expiration periods for U.S. employment authorization documents.

Is a Green Card the Same as a Work Permit?

Understand when you can and should get a work permit versus a green card.

If I Marry a Green Card Holder Can I Work in the U.S.?

Marrying a lawful permanent resident is not a fast-track to working in the U.S.

Can I Get a U.S. Work Permit If I'm Out of Status (Expired Visa)?

It's very difficult for out-of-status immigrants to obtain a U.S. work permit.

Timeline for Filing the I-129 Form for an Nonimmigrant Worker

Failure to file the I-129 form at the right time may lead to denied U.S. immigration status or the continuation of existing legal employment status.

Form I-129: A Legal Guide for U.S. Work Visas

Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, is filed by U.S. employers sponsoring foreign nationals for non-permanent positions in the United States.

I-129 Supplements: A Legal Guide for U.S. Work Visas

Get helpful legal information on completing the necessary supplement(s) when filing an I-129 work visa petition.

Improving Your Chances of Getting an H-1B Visa

Guidance to foreign nationals who are interested in obtaining H-1B visas so that they may come and work for a U.S. employer.

How to Change From an F-2 Visa to an H-1B Visa

If you are in the United States on an F-2 visa—that is, as the dependent of an academic student on an F-1 visa—and an employer offers you a job, getting an H-1B visa might be a good possibility.

Changing Status From F-1 Student Visa to H-1B Work Visa

If you are a foreign student in the U.S. who is interested in getting a temporary visa to work in the U.S. after graduation, an H-1B visa, for temporary specialty workers, is a possibility.

How to Apply for an Extension of Your H-1B Visa

The maximum period you'll be allowed to stay on your initial H-1B visa is three years. After that, you can apply for extensions up to a maximum of an additional three years.

What Happens If an Employee on an H-1B Work Permit Quits?

Possible consequences of quitting and ways you may be able remain in lawful status after ending the employment.

What Happens If an H-1B Holder Loses Their Job?

H-1Bs workers can, unfortunately, end up losing the job upon which their visa and status are based. Find out how an H-1B worker can nevertheless maintain lawful status in the United States.

Tips for Mexicans Applying for TN Visa

Procedures and cautions for Mexican citizens applying for a TN visa to the U.S. based on NAFTA.

How to Prepare a Job Offer Letter for a TN Visa

If you want to get a TN visa to work in the U.S., make sure you employer's offer letter helps to show your eligibility.

How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a TN Visa?

Current U.S. laws and regulations say that Mexican and Canadian citizens can stay in the U.S. in TN status for periods up to three years. Even better, TN workers are supposed to be able to extend their stays indefinitely, in three-year increments, so long as they satisfy the requirements under the TN program.

Can a Mexican Citizen With TN Status Get a Green Card?

Although certain work-authorized statuses, such as the H-1B or L-1 classifications, benefit from the concept of “dual intent,” the law says that a TN nonimmigrant cannot have dual intent. Here's how this plays into your quest for a green card.

H-2B Work Visa Requirements, Fees, and Application Process

Overview of the required documents and procedures to apply for an H-2B temporary work visa.

Extending Your L-1 Work Visa Stay in the U.S.—Or Staying Permanently

Tips on the application process to extend your L-1 visa.