How to Obtain a Work Visa in California
What does it take for a foreign worker to be admitted to the United States?
By S.M. Oliva | Last updated on January 26, 2023Use these links to jump to different sections:
What Types of Work Visas Are Available?
- H-1B – This is for a worker in a “specialty occupation.” This visa is only available to highly qualified professionals, typically individuals with the equivalent of a four-year college degree related to the position they are seeking. These U.S. visas are commonly sought by technology companies in Silicon Valley.
- H-2A – This is a temporary visa for “temporary agricultural workers.” California is a major agricultural exporter, and given the seasonal nature of the industry, there is often a shortage of workers. If an employer can demonstrate there are insufficient U.S. workers to meet seasonal demand, they can seek to admit foreign nationals under an H-2A visa.
- H-2B – A H-2B visa is similar to an H-2A visa except that it applies to temporary non-agricultural workers.
- L-1A & L-1B – If a foreign company wishes to establish an office in the U.S.—or an American firm wishes to transfer an executive or manager from one of its overseas branches—it can seek to admit a senior executive or manager under an L-1A employment visa. There is also an L-1B visa for professional employees with “specialized knowledge.” Keep in mind, these visas are only available for existing employees of the petitioning employer.
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