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U.S. Visa Guides

Requirements, step-by-step processes, timelines, costs, and paths to a Green Card — for the visas that matter most.

For informational purposes only. Immigration law is complex — consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.

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H-1B Work Visa

Specialty Occupation

The most common work visa for tech, engineering, finance, and other specialty fields requiring a bachelor's degree.

Duration:3 yrs, extendable to 6+
Cap:65,000 + 20,000 master's
Lottery:Yes (when oversubscribed)
Green Card path:EB-2 or EB-3 employer sponsorship
Read full guide Popular
O-1 Work Visa

Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or entertainment. No annual cap or lottery.

Duration:Up to 3 yrs + unlimited 1-yr extensions
Cap:None — no lottery
Degree:Not required
Green Card path:EB-1A (similar criteria)
Read full guide No Lottery
F-1 Student Visa

Academic Student

Full-time study at SEVP-certified U.S. institutions. Includes OPT and STEM OPT for work authorization after graduation.

Duration:Duration of status (D/S)
OPT:12 months (+ 24 STEM extension)
Cap:None
Green Card path:H-1B → EB-2/EB-3 (most common)
Read full guide
EB-1 Green Card

Extraordinary Ability / Outstanding Researcher

First-preference Green Card — fastest employment-based path. No PERM. EB-1A allows self-petition without employer sponsorship.

Subcategories:EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-1C
PERM:Not required
Wait (most):Often current or 1–3 yrs
Self-petition:Yes (EB-1A only)
Read full guide Fastest GC
EB-2 Green Card

Advanced Degree & National Interest Waiver

Second-preference Green Card for professionals with master's degrees or exceptional ability. EB-2 NIW allows self-petition.

NIW:Self-petition, no employer needed
Degree:Master's+ (or bachelor's + 5 yrs exp)
Wait (most):Often current or 1–3 yrs
PERM:Required (waived for NIW)
Read full guide NIW Self-Petition
EB-3 Green Card

Skilled Workers & Professionals

Third-preference Green Card for skilled workers (2+ yrs experience), professionals with bachelor's degrees, and unskilled workers.

Subcategories:EB-3A, EB-3B, EB-3C
PERM:Required for all
Employer:Required (no self-petition)
Wait (most):2–5 yrs (varies)
Read full guide

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