US Work Visas Explained: H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN and E-2

You've got skills, maybe a job lead, and you keep hearing letters and numbers: H-1B, L-1, O-1. It's confusing, and one wrong guess can waste months. Each US work visa fits a specific kind of person, and most people qualify for only one or two.

This guide explains the main US work visas in plain English, what each costs, and which can lead to a green card (permanent residence). It reflects official rules as of September 2026. Several rules are in court or newly changed, so check the official pages before acting.

How US work visas work

Most US work visas follow the same pattern. First, a US employer or agent files a petition (a formal request) with USCIS, usually on Form I-129. For some visas, the employer must get approval from the Department of Labor first.

If USCIS approves, you apply for the visa at a US embassy or consulate in your country. You pay a visa application fee and attend an interview. Only then can you travel.

A work visa is temporary. It ties you to a job, an employer or an activity. A green card is a separate step, which we cover below.

The main US work visas at a glance

USCIS fees below are from the USCIS fee schedule as of September 2026. Small employers and nonprofits often pay less, and extra fees can apply. Confirm them before filing.

The State Department also charges a visa application fee. As of September 2026, it's $205 for H, L and O visas and $315 for E visas.

H-1B: the work visa for degree jobs

The H-1B is for a specialty occupation, meaning a job that normally needs at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Think software engineering, accounting or engineering roles.

Demand is far higher than supply. There's an annual cap of 65,000 visas, plus 20,000 for people with a US master's degree or higher. Jobs at universities and certain nonprofit research groups are exempt. Your employer registers you online, and only selected registrations can file a petition.

Two big changes are in play. A final rule effective February 27, 2026 introduced weighted selection, which gives better odds to registrations with higher wage levels. And a presidential proclamation required a $100,000 payment for many new H-1B petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025.

Say you're a software developer in Pune with a bachelor's degree and four years of experience. A US company offers you a job. It registers you in the H-1B selection, and if you're picked, it files your petition. A higher offered salary may improve your odds under the new weighted system, but nothing is guaranteed.

L-1, O-1, TN and E-2 explained

L-1: transfers within one company

The L-1 lets a multinational company move you to its US office. You generally need at least one continuous year working for the company abroad within the last three years. L-1A covers managers and executives. L-1B covers workers with specialized company knowledge. L-1A spouses can work.

O-1: extraordinary ability

The O-1 is for people at the very top of their field. O-1A covers sciences, education, business and athletics. O-1B covers the arts, film and TV. A US employer or agent must file, usually with a written advisory opinion (an expert review) from a peer group. Family members can't work.

TN: for Canadians and Mexicans

The TN is only for citizens of Canada or Mexico working in a profession on the USMCA trade agreement list, with a job offer. Canadians can often apply at the border. Mexicans must get a visa at a US consulate first. TN family members can study but not work.

E-2: treaty investors

The E-2 is for nationals of countries with a US trade treaty who invest in and run a US business. There's no fixed minimum. The investment must be substantial compared with the business's cost, and the business can't be marginal (earning only enough to support your family). E-2 spouses can work.

H-2A and H-2B: seasonal work without a degree

The H-2A covers temporary or seasonal farm work. The H-2B covers temporary non-farm work, such as landscaping or seafood processing, and has an annual cap of 66,000. Neither requires a degree, and employers can't charge you recruitment fees. Our guide to H-2A and H-2B seasonal work visas explains how they work.

Which US work visas can lead to a green card?

No work visa turns into a green card by itself. You need a separate immigrant petition, usually Form I-140. Here's how the common paths look:

1. H-1B to EB-2 or EB-3. Your employer gets a labor certification, then files Form I-140. H-1B workers with an approved immigrant petition may extend past the six-year limit in some cases.
2. L-1A to EB-1. Multinational managers and executives may qualify for EB-1, which doesn't need a labor certification.
3. O-1 to EB-1 or EB-2. Top talent may self-petition under EB-1 extraordinary ability or the EB-2 National Interest Waiver.
4. TN and E-2. These are built for temporary stays, and E-2 holders must intend to leave when status ends. Get legal advice before filing for a green card.

EB-3 covers skilled workers, professionals and other workers with a full-time job offer. If you'd rather not rely on an employer, compare the DV lottery vs EB-2 visa.

Common mistakes with US work visas

• Paying for a "visa sponsorship" job offer. Real employers file petitions. Be wary of anyone selling offers.
• Picking a visa by salary or rumor instead of by your nationality, degree and employer.
• Assuming a selected H-1B registration means approval. The petition still has to be approved.
• Forgetting family. Check whether your spouse can work before you move.
• Skipping legal advice. A licensed attorney is worth it for O-1, E-2 and green card planning. See our guide to immigration lawyer costs.

What to do next

Match yourself to one or two visas using the table above. Then gather your degree certificates, work references and passport, and ask any employer which visa they plan to file.

Budget for more than fees: flights, deposits and health insurance from day one. Our guide to moving to the USA: housing and insurance helps you plan. Check the USCIS page for your visa before you sign anything, because rules and fees are shifting.