Work Legally in United States
The land of professional opportunity
The United States offers unparalleled career opportunities across technology, finance, healthcare, engineering, and academia. With the world's largest economy and home to global industry leaders, the US attracts top talent from around the world through a range of employer-sponsored and skills-based visa programs.
Why Work in United States?
Available Job Sectors
Requirements
Application Procedure
1. Secure a job offer from a US employer (most categories require employer sponsorship). 2. Employer files a petition with USCIS (e.g., I-129 for H-1B, L-1, O-1; PERM for EB green cards). 3. For cap-subject visas (H-1B, H-2B), participate in the annual registration/lottery process. 4. Once the petition is approved, apply for a visa at the US embassy or consulate (DS-160). 5. Attend a visa interview and submit biometrics. 6. Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician. 7. Receive visa and travel to the US.
Embassy Updates
The US Embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos process visa applications. H and L visa appointments may have wait times — book early. The H-1B cap registration opens in March each year. The US has introduced a pilot domestic visa renewal program for H-1B holders. Check the embassy website for current appointment availability and processing times.
Embassy information is updated periodically. Please confirm current requirements directly with the relevant embassy before applying.
Work Visa Types in United States
Explore the various work visa pathways available for United States. Our consultants will help you identify the best option for your qualifications and goals.
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupation visa for roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific specialty field.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specialty field, employer sponsorship (Labor Condition Application), and selected in the annual cap lottery (or cap-exempt employer).
H-2A Visa
Temporary agricultural worker visa for seasonal farm labour when US workers are unavailable.
Job offer from a US agricultural employer with a approved temporary labour certification and seasonal/temporary need.
H-2B Visa
Temporary non-agricultural worker visa for seasonal, peak-load, or one-time labour needs.
Job offer from a US employer with an approved temporary labour certification, demonstrating temporary need (cap-limited).
L-1 Visa
Intra-company transferee visa for multinational employees moving to a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Employed by the overseas entity for 1+ continuous year in the last 3 years; L-1A (managers/executives) or L-1B (specialised knowledge).
O-1 Visa
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
Demonstrated extraordinary ability with sustained national/international acclaim, evidenced by awards, publications, or memberships; employer or agent sponsorship.
TN Visa
Work visa for Canadian and Mexican professionals in USMCA-listed occupations (formerly NAFTA).
Canadian or Mexican citizen with a qualifying USMCA profession, relevant qualifications, and a job offer from a US employer.
E-3 Visa
Specialty occupation visa exclusively for Australian citizens, similar to the H-1B.
Australian citizen, bachelor's degree or equivalent in a specialty field, and a job offer from a US employer with an LCA.
Employment-Based Green Card (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3)
Permanent residency visas for priority workers, advanced-degree professionals, and skilled workers.
EB-1: extraordinary ability/outstanding researchers; EB-2: advanced degree or exceptional ability; EB-3: skilled workers with 2+ years experience. Most require employer sponsorship and PERM labour certification.
Document Checklists
Student Visa
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay
⏱ 1-2 weeks
Form I-20
Certificate of Eligibility issued by a SEVP-certified institution
⏱ 1-3 weeks
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application with barcode
⏱ 1 day
Passport Photo
One 2x2 inch photo on white background
⏱ 1 day
Visa Fee Receipt
MRV fee payment receipt ($160 for F-1)
⏱ 1 day
SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901)
Proof of SEVIS fee payment ($350 for F-1), paid before interview
⏱ 1-3 days
Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship covering tuition and living expenses
⏱ 3-5 days
Academic Transcripts
Diplomas, transcripts, and standardized test scores (TOEFL/SAT/GRE)
⏱ 1-2 weeks
Admission Letter
Acceptance letter from the US educational institution
⏱ 1 week
Processing time: 2–6 weeks. F-1 visa interviews are required. Apply no more than 120 days before the course start date.
Work Permit
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay
⏱ 1-2 weeks
Approved I-797 Petition
Notice of Approval (Form I-797) from USCIS for your visa category (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
⏱ 3-6 months
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application with barcode
⏱ 1 day
Passport Photo
One 2x2 inch photo on white background, taken within the last 6 months
⏱ 1 day
Visa Fee Receipt
MRV fee payment receipt
⏱ 1 day
Employment Offer Letter
Detailed offer letter from the US employer including salary and position
⏱ 1 week
Labor Condition Application (LCA)
Certified LCA from the Department of Labor (for H-1B)
⏱ 1-2 weeks
Academic and Professional Credentials
Degree certificates, transcripts, and professional licenses
⏱ 1-2 weeks
Previous Visa and Pay Slips
If renewing: previous visa, recent pay stubs, and employer letter
⏱ 1 day
(optional)
Processing time: 1–4 months. The employer must file the petition with USCIS before the employee applies for the visa.
Visitor Visa
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay
⏱ 1-2 weeks
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160) with barcode confirmation
⏱ 1 day
Passport Photo
One 2x2 inch photo on white background, taken within the last 6 months
⏱ 1 day
Visa Fee Receipt
MRV fee payment receipt (currently $160 for B1/B2)
⏱ 1 day
Interview Appointment Confirmation
Printed confirmation of your visa interview appointment at the US Embassy
⏱ 1 day
Proof of Ties to Home Country
Evidence of employment, property, family, or other ties demonstrating intent to return
⏱ 1 week
Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letter showing ability to cover trip costs
⏱ 3-5 days
Travel Itinerary
Planned travel dates, accommodation, and purpose of visit
⏱ 1 day
(optional)
Processing time: 3–8 weeks depending on embassy wait times. Visa interview is mandatory for most applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our travel and immigration services.
A work permit is authorization to work in a country, while a work visa is the document allowing entry. Many countries require both. We handle the entire process to ensure you have both.
Most countries require a job offer or proof of employment. Some countries allow you to search for a job first and then apply. We advise on the specific requirements for your target country.
Costs vary significantly by country, ranging from $100 to $5,000+. Our service fees are transparent and based on the complexity of your application. We provide detailed cost breakdowns upfront.
Yes, most countries allow dependent family members to accompany you. We handle family visa applications as part of our comprehensive service.
Many work permit programs include pathways to permanent residency after 2-4 years of employment. We guide you through each step and help you transition to permanent status when eligible.
We process work permits for several countries across Europe, North America, and Oceania, including Poland, Germany, Croatia, Canada, and more. Visit our Work Permits section to explore destination-specific requirements, job sectors, and eligibility criteria.
Requirements vary by country and job sector. Some employers require IELTS or equivalent scores, while others assess English during the interview. We help you understand the specific language requirements for your target destination and role.
Most countries require a confirmed job offer or employment contract before you can apply for a work permit. Some destinations offer job-seeker visas that allow you to search for employment on arrival. We advise on the best route for your situation.
Start Your United States Application
Fill out the application form below to begin your work permit process. Our team will review your details and contact you within 48 hours.
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