Work Visas: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Workers

Fact checked by Suzanne KvilhaugReviewed by Samantha SilbersteinFact checked by Suzanne KvilhaugReviewed by Samantha Silberstein

What Is a Work Visa?

A work visa is a government-issued document that enables a foreign worker to live and work in another country for a set amount of time.

The host country’s immigration authorities control the issuance of work visas based on the nation’s immigration laws, the need for foreign workers, employer requirements, and the specific employment qualifications and work experience of the applicant. Work visas enable and regulate the lawful entry and employment of foreign workers.

Key Takeaways

• Work visas permit foreign nationals to live and work in another country. 
• Different types of work visas include temporary worker visas, employment-based nonimmigrant visas, and immigrant work visas. 
• Obtaining a work visa requires meeting specific rules the host country sets, including educational qualifications and work experience. 
• The application process for a work visa includes submitting necessary immigration and employment documents, paying fees, and adhering to processing times. 
• The issuance of a work visa comes with certain rights and responsibilities determined by the host country’s standards, including employment rights, tax obligations, and compliance with immigration laws.

Types of U.S. Work Visas

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks employment in the United States must first obtain an appropriate visa. Work visas are divided between temporary and permanent (also known as nonimmigrant and immigrant, respectively) status.

Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Worker Visa Classifications 

If the employment is fixed, the applicant will apply for a temporary work visa. The process of applying for a temporary work visa requires an approved petition filed by their prospective U.S. employer on the applicant’s behalf. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) then reviews the petition. Temporary agricultural workers, athletes, artists, entertainers, fashion models, physicians, and Department of Defense workers are in this category.

Here is a summary of the 11 different categories of temporary work visas available in the U.S.:

• H-1B visa for applicants working in a specialty field. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• H-1B1 visa, a variant of the H-1B visa, is for applicants from Chile or Singapore working in a specialty field.
• H-2A visa for applicants from designated countries performing temporary or seasonal agriculture work.
• H-2B visa for applicants from designated countries performing temporary non-agricultural work.
• H-3 visas are available for applicants in the special education field who work with children with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities.
• L visa for managers and executives or those with specialized knowledge who have worked for at least one year over the prior three years abroad with the same company
• O visas are for applicants with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, athletics, entertainment, motion pictures, or business.
• P-1 visa for athletes or members of sports or entertainment groups.
• P-2 visa for artists or entertainers participating in reciprocal exchange programs between the U.S. and participating countries.
• P-3 visa for entertainers, artists, and performers coming to the U.S. to perform in culturally unique events.
• Q visa for applicants of designated cultural exchange programs.

Additional classifications include the E-1, E-2, and E-3 visas. These categories are summarized as follows:

• Treaty Trader (E-1) visa for eligible nationals of countries with which the U.S. maintains treaties of commerce or navigation.
• Treaty Investor (E-2) visa is for investors who have invested substantial capital in an enterprise they operate.
• Australian in Specialty Occupation (E-3) visa for nationals of Australia working in a specialty occupation.

Permanent (Immigrant) Work Visa Classifications

Unlike a temporary work visa, an immigrant visa enables holders with a combination of skills, education, and work experience to live and work permanently in the U.S. According to USCIS, there are five employment-based immigrant visa categories. These are known as five “preferences” and numbered EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5.

Note

According to the U.S. Department of State, around 140,000 employment-based immigrant visas are made available per fiscal year.

• EB-1: This first preference covers persons of “extraordinary ability,” professors, researchers, and multinational executives.
• EB-2: The second preference includes advanced degree holders and those with exceptional arts, sciences, and business abilities.
• EB-3: The third preference is for professionals and skilled workers.
• EB-4: The fourth preference is for “special immigrants,” including religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organizations, noncitizen minors who are wards of courts in the U.S., and other classes of noncitizens.
• EB-5: The fifth preference is for business investors who invest $1.8 million in a new commercial venture and employ at least ten full-time workers. The investment threshold can be reduced to $900,000 if made in a “targeted employment area.”

Responsibilities of a Work Visa Holder

A work visa in the U.S. comes with certain responsibilities that the holder must follow to maintain legal status. Here are some of the key responsibilities:

• Ensuring valid immigration status: Visa holders must maintain a valid work visa throughout their stay, including renewing or adjusting before the expiration date. 
• Obtaining legal work authorization: Working in the U.S. requires authorization from immigration authorities. Unauthorized employment is against the law and can lead to serious consequences, including deportation. 
• Paying taxes: Visa holders must pay applicable federal, state and local taxes on income. 
• Compliance: They must comply with the specific employment terms of their visa category and avoid unauthorized activities, including limitations on switching employers, job types, or locations.  
• Reporting requirements: Visa holders must report any changes in job, employer, or current residential address to immigration authorities within a specified timeframe. 
• Carrying proper documentation: Visa holders may be required to present their valid work visa, passport, and other immigration documents upon request. 
• Maintaining health insurance: Certain work visa categories may require visa holders to maintain health insurance coverage during their stay. 

Rights of a Work Visa Holder

Work visa holders are entitled to certain rights and legal protections under federal and state laws. Here is a summary of some of the key rights and legal protections that work visa holders have in the U.S.:

• Right to fair labor practices: Work visa holders are entitled to the same labor-law protections as U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This includes minimum wage and overtime pay, protections against discrimination, and requirements for a safe working environment. 
• Right to join labor unions and participate in collective bargaining: Work visa holders have the right to join labor unions and participate in collective bargaining activities. 
• Right to due process: Work visa holders have the right to due process, including the right to legal representation and a fair hearing in immigration or deportation proceedings. 
• Right to file complaints with government agencies: Work visa holders can file complaints with the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and other relevant government agencies if they experience workplace discrimination or violations.
• The right to access public benefits: Work visa holders can access certain public benefits, including public education for their children and emergency services such as police, fire, and medical services, without fear of immigration consequences. 

Eligibility Requirement for U.S. Work Visas

While the eligibility criteria for work visa holders in the U.S. may vary depending upon the specific visa category, here are some common requirements:

• A valid job offer, proof of employment, and employer sponsorship from a U.S.-based employer: This is required as the employer will sponsor the work visa application. 
• Labor certification from the Department of Labor: This is needed for some types of work visas to demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. 
• Non-immigrant intent: For temporary work visas, the applicant may need to demonstrate that they have a residence abroad that they plan on returning to after their authorized stay in the U.S. 
• Educational requirements and professional credentials: Many work visas require the applicant to have a sufficient level of education, including advanced degrees, in the relevant field. In addition, professional certifications and licenses may be necessary. 
• Proof of vaccinations and health requirements: Some work visa applicants may need to undergo medical exams and provide proof of vaccinations. 
• Proof of sufficient financial resources: Some work visa applicants must demonstrate that they have the financial resources to support themselves while working in the U.S. 
• Fingerprinting and background check: All work visa applicants must undergo security and background checks. 
• Payment of filing fees: The applicant must pay fees that vary depending on which visa category they are seeking.

Application Process for U.S. Work Visas

In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements mentioned above, there are several additional steps in the application process, including:

1. Employer-based petition: The employer must file a petition for a visa on the applicant’s behalf. This process step includes requirements such as an applicant’s job offer, qualifications, and the employer’s ability to pay the applicant’s salary.  
2. Visa application and fees: Once the petition is approved by USCIS, the applicant must complete the appropriate work visa application forms and pay the filing fees. In addition, the applicant must include supporting documentation, including passports. 
3. In-person interview: Most work visa categories require an in-person interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country to assess eligibility and review documentation. This is in addition to any medical examinations and background security checks. 
4. Visa issuance and entry into the U.S.: Once the application is approved, the consular officer issues the work visa, which allows for travel and entry into the U.S.

Is It Difficult to Obtain a Work Visa for the United States?

The difficulty of obtaining a work visa in the U.S. depends upon factors such as the application’s qualifications, the category of visa sought, and the employer. Some categories such as the H-1B are in high demand and have strict quotas, making them harder to obtain.

How Long Does a Work Visa Last in the United States?

The duration of a work visa varies based on its classification. The length of time could be as short as several months to effectively indefinite based on renewals.

How Much Does a Work Visa Cost in the United States?

The price of a visa can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars or more depending up on the visa category. In addition to the cost of a visa itself, applicants should prepare to cover the cost of associated fees, such as:

• Petition fees costing $460
• Application fees costing $185
• American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act charges from $750 to $1,500
• Fraud Prevention and Detection fees costing $500

The Bottom Line

A work visa is a government-issued permit that authorizes a foreign worker to live and work in another country for a pre-determined amount of time.

A citizen of foreign country who seeks employment in the U.S. must first obtain the appropriate visa. Visas are divided between temporary and permanent work status. If the employment is for a fixed duration, the applicant would apply for a temporary employment visa, whereas an immigrant visa enables holders to live and work permanently in the U.S. While a work visa offers certain legal rights and protections within the U.S., it comes with a list of responsibilities that must be adhered to.

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