Employment-Based Visas
Best for: Workers with a US sponsor or extraordinary qualifications
United States
Immigrating to the United States: how the categories connect
US routes split between temporary and permanent categories, each with very different wait times.
- Work routes usually depend on a petition filed by an employer
- Some categories are numerically limited and allocated by lottery
- Family sponsorship wait times vary widely by category
Visa routes to United States
Every route has its own eligibility rules. Use these summaries to know which official pages are worth your time.
Student Visas
Best for: Students accepted at an accredited US institution
Family Sponsorship
Best for: Relatives of citizens and permanent residents
Diversity Visa Lottery
Best for: Nationals of eligible countries entering the annual drawing
What to know before you apply
US immigration is divided into temporary work visas, permanent employment-based green cards and family-sponsored immigration. The right path depends on your qualifications, job offer, family ties and nationality.
- H-1B, L-1 and O-1 are the main temporary work visas, all requiring employer sponsorship.
- Employment-based green cards usually need a job offer and sometimes labour certification.
- Family sponsorship is divided into immediate-relative and preference categories.
- Maintain lawful status and be truthful in visa interviews.
Frequently asked questions about immigrating to United States
- How long does it take to get a US green card?
- It varies from months for immediate relatives of US citizens to many years for employment-based or family-preference categories from high-demand countries.
- Can I apply for a green card while on an H-1B?
- Yes, if your employer is willing to sponsor you through the labour certification and immigrant petition process, or if you qualify for a self-petitioned category.
- Can I change employers on an H-1B?
- Yes, but the new employer must file a petition or transfer before you start work. Some portability rules apply if the petition is filed promptly.