Temporary Work Visa Options
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
Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Nonimmigrant Visas
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E-1 Visa for Treaty Traders in the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Learn the key features of an E-1 Visa for international businesspersons to work in the U.S.
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E-2 Visa for Treaty Investors in the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
The E-2 visa allows businesspeople from certain countries to work in the U.S. for a business in which they invest.
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H-2B Visa for Temporary Nonagricultural Workers: Who Qualifies?
The H-2B visa was created to allow people to come to the U.S. temporarily as nonagricultural workers, to fill positions for which U.S. workers are in short supply.
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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.
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L-1, Intracompany Transferee Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Learn the eligibility requirements for an L-1 visa for intracompany transferees.
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O-1 Visa to the U.S. for Employment: 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.
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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 outstanding athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment companies (including circuses) with a job offer from a U.S. employer.
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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.
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Who Qualifies for TN Visa to the U.S. From Mexico or Canada?
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.
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U.S. Employers: How to Hire Students From Abroad for Seasonal Work on a J-1 Visa
Sponsor foreign college and university students for participation in work/travel programs.
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Can My Church Apply for a U.S. Visa for Me to Work There?
To begin, talk to the pastor of your church and try to determine whether you would qualify for the R visa and whether the church is both qualified and willing to file on your behalf.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
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This comprehensive guide to U.S. immigration law and procedures contain in-depth information on both eligibility and application processes.
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