Moving to United States
8 visa pathways · Updated 2025
The United States remains one of the world's top destinations for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and international talent. With a diverse economy spanning tech, finance, healthcare, and more, the US offers multiple visa pathways — from employer-sponsored routes like the H-1B to self-petition options for extraordinary individuals.
Pathways
8
PR routes
5
Lowest fee
$185
- ✦World's largest economy with unmatched opportunity in tech and finance
- ✦Multiple pathways including employer-sponsored, self-petition, and investor routes
- ✦Green card (permanent residency) available across most work visa categories
- ✦Strong startup ecosystem in cities like San Francisco, New York, and Austin
Skilled Worker(8)
O-1A Extraordinary Ability
O-1A
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics. No job offer required — self-petition via agent.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver
EB-2 NIW
Permanent residency path for professionals whose work benefits the US national interest. No employer sponsorship needed.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
H-1B
The most common US work visa for specialty occupations. Requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual lottery.
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager)
L-1A
Allows multinational companies to transfer managers and executives to US operations. Strong path to EB-1C green card.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Green Card)
EB-1A
Permanent residency for individuals at the top of their field. Self-petition, no job offer or employer sponsor required.
TN Visa (CUSMA/NAFTA)
TN
Available exclusively to Canadian and Mexican nationals under CUSMA. No lottery, no employer petition — just a job offer in a qualifying profession. Canadians can often be approved at the border the same day.
E-3 Visa
E-3
Available exclusively to Australian nationals. Functionally similar to H-1B for specialty occupation roles, but with no annual lottery — renewals are indefinite as long as you have a qualifying job offer.
H-1B1 Specialty Occupation
H-1B1
Available exclusively to nationals of Singapore and Chile under Free Trade Agreements. Similar to H-1B but exempt from the annual lottery cap — a significant advantage over the standard H-1B.
Which United States visa is right for you?
Answer 8 questions and get a personalised score for every visa you qualify for — not just in United States, but across all 5 countries.
Take the free quizFree · No account required · 3 minutes