What tips should I keep in mind?

H-1B has a lottery with ~15% selection odds. Always have a backup plan. O-1 has no cap but requires demonstrating extraordinary ability. TN is fastest and cheapest but only for Canadians and Mexicans.

Work Visa Comparison Tool

Compare H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and E-2 work visas side by side based on your situation.

Education Level(Your highest degree)

Nationality(Affects TN and E-2 eligibility)

Employer Type(Affects L-1 and cap-exempt eligibility)

Urgency(How soon you need to start working)

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The US offers several work visa categories, each with different eligibility requirements, costs, and processing times. The best visa depends on your nationality, education, employer type, and urgency. Some visas have annual caps (H-1B), while others (O-1, TN, L-1) do not.

The Formula

Suitability Score = Education Points + Nationality Points + Employer Points + Timeline Points
Higher score = better fit for your situation

Variables

H-1B — Specialty occupation visa (requires degree, annual lottery)
L-1 — Intracompany transfer (requires multinational employer)
O-1 — Extraordinary ability (requires exceptional achievements)
TN — USMCA professional (Canadian/Mexican citizens only)
E-2 — Treaty investor (requires treaty country nationality + investment)

Example

A Canadian software developer at a US company needing to start quickly: TN visa is the clear winner (same-day at the border, $50 fee). An Indian engineer at a multinational should consider L-1 or H-1B.

Tips

H-1B has a lottery with ~15% selection odds. Always have a backup plan.
O-1 has no cap but requires demonstrating extraordinary ability.
TN is fastest and cheapest but only for Canadians and Mexicans.
L-1A holders can get a green card through EB-1C without PERM labor certification.
Consult an immigration attorney for complex situations involving multiple options.