Foreign citizens who wish to live and work legally in the USA, they need the Green Card. To obtain this document, one of the most common ways is through a long-term residence visa, such as a work visa.

To obtain it, it is essential to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in a specific location in the United States.  Unlike the tourist visa, This requires prior approval to occupy a job position.  In this note, you will discover the information you require if this route is the one chosen or an option for you.

Who can request it?

People of legal age and who meet specific requirements such as education and skills suitable for the desired job.  It is important that the applicant's employer has certification from the work Department of the USA.

How to process the work visa?

The process for processing this visa involves the following steps:

• File an Immigrant Petition for a Foreign Worker using the Form I-140 or an Amerasian, Widow(er) or Special Immigrant Application using Form I-360.
• Process the immigrant visa application, completing the Form DS-260.
• Complete a medical examination and complete the required vaccinations.

What are the significant dates to apply for a work visa?

For employers requesting workers for the start of the second half of fiscal year 2024:

• Starting March 22, USCIS will accept visa requests for workers returning to work, without taking into account the country of nationality.  This period runs from April 1 to May 14.

For employers requesting workers by the end of the second half of fiscal year 2024:

• The period covers from May 15 to September 30. USCIS will accept visa requests for workers returning to work, without taking into account the country of nationality.

What types of work visas exist?

Currently, you can apply for three types of visas to work legally in the United States:

H, L, O, P and Q visas

• These permits have the characteristics of being temporary, they have a specific date that determines when the activities you want to do in the country end.  They include jobs related to agriculture, branches, sports, and art.

Visa J

• Exchange visitor visas are intended for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States.  Teachers or professionals who do summer jobs can apply.

Visa I

• Media visas are for people who work in the media, including members of the press, radio, film, and print industries, who travel temporarily to the United States to perform tasks related to their profession.