The United States offers a range of nonimmigrant (temporary) work visa categories for foreign nationals seeking to work in the U.S. on behalf of a sponsoring employer or, in limited categories, on a self-employed basis. Given our firm’s cross-border focus, we regularly assist Canadian professionals and multinational employers with the categories below.
TN Professional (USMCA/CUSMA)
Canadian and Mexican citizens working in one of the professional occupations listed under USMCA/CUSMA may qualify for TN status, which does not require a labor certification and, for Canadians, can often be processed directly at a land border port of entry.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee
Executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who have worked abroad for a qualifying parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office may transfer to a related U.S. entity under an L-1A (executive/manager) or L-1B (specialized knowledge) visa.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
The H-1B classification is available to individuals working in a specialty occupation that requires at least a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in a specific field. H-1B status is subject to an annual numerical cap and registration process for most first-time petitions.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
Individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, may qualify for O-1 classification.
Other Employment-Based Categories
- E-1/E-2 – Treaty trader and treaty investor status for citizens of qualifying treaty countries (see: Invest in the USA)
- P-1/P-2/P-3 – Athletes, entertainers, and artists performing in the U.S.
- H-2B – Temporary non-agricultural workers for seasonal, peak-load, or intermittent needs
For guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, contact Caruso Law to schedule a consultation.
