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The Major USA Visa Types and a Work Permit

Learn What Types of the US Visas Authorize a Holder to be Employed

Feb 28, 2009 Alla Kondrat

A USA Green Card, as well as some types of USA visas, provides the holder with a US work permit. However, there is a number of other frequently issued types of US visas.

These visa types may or may not provide the holder with an official work permit. Some types of the USA visas provide a work permit under special conditions.

A USA Green Card and a TN Visa Provide a Work Permit

The Green Card and TN visa holders are authorized to work for any employer in the US. They can be hired for both contract and full time positions with no restrictions, unless a position requires a US citizenship.

A TN visa is issued to Canadian and Mexican citizens under the NAFTA Agreement. They are free to work in the US, and can apply for any vacant position.

An H-1B USA Visa Provides a Work Permit

H-1B is a non-immigrant visa category in the US. It allows US companies to temporarily employ skilled workers from abroad. Such individuals are required to have a higher education (an equivalent to the US Bachelor's Degree). H-1B visa holders are usually hired for temporary contract positions. This visa type may require a sponsorship.

An F1 USA Visa

F1 is a student status visa that allows a foreigner to remain in the U.S. for as long as he or she is a properly registered full time student. An optional practical training (OPT) program allows F-1 students to be officially employed during twelve months after graduation. They, however, cannot work without the USCIS authorization. F1 visa does not require a sponsorship. Its holders can be hired as full time employees only.

J Visa Types

J1 is a cultural exchange visa, and does not provide its holder with a USA work permit.

J-2 visa holders (the spouses and dependent children of J-1 visa holders) may apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a work permit. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) gives J-2 visa holders a right to be employed in the US.

L Visa Types

An L-1 visa allows foreign employees to relocate to the company's US office after having worked abroad for at least one year. For a person to be granted an L-1 status, the US organization must be a parent, child, or sister company to the foreign company where the employee works. L1 visa holder cannot work for any other employer in the US.

Spouses of L-1 visa holders are allowed to work in the US. They are issued an L-2 visa, and can apply for a work permit. Employment Authorization Document is required for an L-2 visa holder to work in the USA.

The most popular USA working visas are those of H type. H-visa holders are usually hired for contract positions. Green Card and TN visa holders are free to hold any position in the United States.

The copyright of the article The Major USA Visa Types and a Work Permit in Work/Study Abroad is owned by Alla Kondrat. Permission to republish The Major USA Visa Types and a Work Permit in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.