Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Work Visa Options

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H-1B Visas for Temporary Specialty Workers

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Yes, it's easier to sponsor someone for, or obtain, a temporary or "nonimmigrant" worker than a permanent one -- but the worker needs to fit within some fairly narrowly defined categories of eligibility, as set forth by federal immigration law. Here's a breakdown, with details on all the most commonly used U.S. nonimmigrant visas.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas

E-1 Visa for Treaty Traders in the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Depending on the worker's country's treaty arrangements with the U.S. and your company's business activities, a worker may be eligible to spend time in the U.S. for international trade purposes.
E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors in the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
The United States has entered into trade treaties with several countries and established the E-2 visa to allow businesspeople from certain countries to work in the U.S. for a business in which people from their country have invested.
H-1B Visas for Temporary Specialty Workers
Access Nolo's series of articles on H-1B eligibility, the application process, likely job categories, and much more.
H-2B Visa for Temporary Nonagricultural Workers: Who Qualifies?
The H-2B visa allows people to come to the U.S. temporarily as nonagricultural workers, to fill positions for which U.S. workers are in short supply.
L-1, Intracompany Transferee Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Learn which managers, executives, and especially knowledgeable employees who work outside the U.S. for a company that has an affiliated entity inside the U.S. can get an L-1 visa to come work temporarily in the United States.
O-1 Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Short-term work visas are available to certain people doing specialized work, including the O visa for outstanding workers in the sciences, arts, athletics, education, or business.
P-1, P-2, or P-3 Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
A short-term U.S. work visa known as the P visa is available to bring outstanding athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment companies (including circuses) to the U.S.
R Visa to the U.S. as a Religious Worker: Who Qualifies?
Ministers, rabbis, monks, religious instructors, and various other religious leaders or workers can be brought to the U.S. on an R visa.
H-3 Visa to the U.S. as a Temporary Trainee: Who Qualifies?
The H-3 visa is useful for a limited group of people; namely those who have been invited to participate in a training program in the United States.
A TN Visa to the U.S. From Mexico or Canada: Who Qualifies?
For Mexican and Canadian citizens who practice certain professional occupations and have a job offer from a U.S. employer, TN status offers a simple route to obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa.
Professions That Qualify Canadians or Mexicans for TN Visas
Certain Canadian and Mexican professionals are granted special work privileges under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
U.S. Employers: How to Hire Students From Abroad for Seasonal Work on a J-1 Visa
There's a visa for that!

Additional Resources

U.S. Immigration Made Easy
This comprehensive guide to U.S. immigration law and procedures contain in-depth information on both eligibility and application processes.