Immigrate to United States

The H-1B is for roles that normally require at least a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, in a related field. The US employer obtains a certified Labor Condition Application from the US Department of Labor and then files a petition with USCIS. Most first-time petitions from private-sector employers go through an annual electronic registration, and when registrations exceed the places available, USCIS runs a selection that now gives more weight to higher wage levels. Universities and certain research organisations are exempt from this annual limit. The route generally suits graduates and experienced professionals with a firm US job offer.

NOTERegistration opens once a year. A large additional payment for certain new petitions, introduced by presidential proclamation in 2025, is not being collected while federal court orders against it remain in place. The government has said it plans to collect it if those orders are lifted, so check the current position before your employer files.

The L-1 lets a multinational organisation transfer an employee from an office abroad to a related US office. L-1A covers managers and executives, and L-1B covers employees with specialised knowledge of the organisation’s products, processes or procedures. You usually need to have worked for the related company outside the US for a continuous qualifying period before the transfer. It can suit people working outside the US for a group with a US parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate, including employees sent to open a new US office.

The O-1 is for people who can show sustained national or international recognition in the sciences, education, business or athletics (O-1A), or distinction in the arts or extraordinary achievement in film and television (O-1B). A US employer, or in some cases a US agent, files the petition. It is supported by evidence such as awards, publications, press coverage, leading roles and letters from experts in your field. It suits established professionals, researchers, founders and creative people with a well-documented record.