{"id":352872,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:51","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/employment-based-visas.html"},"modified":"2026-05-14T15:23:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T20:23:00","slug":"employment-based-visas","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/employment-based-visas.html","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Employment Visas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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U.S. Employment Visas<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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An employment visa lets foreign nationals<\/span> work in the United States, often for a designated period. U.S. law offers both immigrant employment visas that can lead to a green card<\/span> and temporary work visas for short\u2011term jobs or specialized roles. Each category has its own rules, timelines, and employer requirements, so understanding the basics helps you choose the right path and prepare a strong application.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Employment visas can raise many questions for workers and employers alike, especially when navigating U.S. visa processes for the first time. This is especially true when trying to understand the difference between temporary and permanent options.<\/p>\n

This article will help you understand which visa fits your employment situation and how the process works. Learn about the different visa categories<\/span>, eligibility<\/span> rules, and the steps both workers and employers must follow.<\/p>\n

Whether you are seeking an employment-based green card<\/span> or a temporary work visa, getting expert legal help can streamline the process and help avoid snags. Contact an immigration attorney<\/a> for legal guidance tailored to your career and immigration goals.<\/p>\n

What Is an Employment Visa?<\/h2>\n

Filing the\u00a0appropriate visa application<\/span><\/a>\u00a0requires a firm understanding of the goals of the foreign national<\/span> employee and the business seeking to hire a foreign national<\/span>. The unique facts of each situation will determine which visa to apply for and the necessary documentation to submit to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>).<\/p>\n

There are two types.<\/p>\n

Immigrant Employment Visa<\/h3>\n

Foreign nationals<\/span> seeking employment in the United States get these work visas. The visa could lead to lawful <\/span>permanent residency<\/span> or a “green card<\/span>.” Here, the foreign worker<\/span> gets offered work by a U.S. employer<\/span>.\u00a0Employment-based immigrant<\/span> visas<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are based on categories such as:<\/p>\n