Many foreign nationals are interested in working in the US. The United States has a solid track record of welcoming foreign employees to the nation. The many forms of US nonimmigrant work visas in 2023, their requirements, and eligibility conditions should be understood before applying for a temporary work visa in the US. The interview served as the foundation for granting the US Work Visa. For the interview, each person must personally visit the embassy.
The US has long welcomed tens of thousands of foreign employees annually. In 2021, over 550,000 visas were issued, compared to 846,000 in 2019. The most popular temporary work visas for foreign workers in the US are the H1B, H2A, H2B, and H4 visas. Both seasonal and nonseasonal positions are open to foreign applicants. Don't wait if you have the necessary abilities, education, and/or professional experience. Apply.
Number of USA Temporary Work Visa issued in the Past
In 2021, the United States issued nearly 470,000 visas for the H1B, H2A, H2B, and H4 programs, and 616,000 were issued in 2019.
The exact numbers are unknown.
What are the largest foreign worker visa programs?
The H1B, H2A, H2B, and H4 are the most common US temporary work visas for nonimmigrants. Their success rate is high compared to other US Work visas.
Categories of US Temporary Work Visa 2023
To work in the United States, you will have these options.
- H-1B
- H-1B1
- H-2A
- H-2B
- H-3
- L
- O
- P-1
- P-2
- P-3
- Q-1
Now let’s discuss the purpose of these visas that which visa is required for what purpose.
1# H-1B Work Visa
H-1B Work visa is the most common and popular type of US Work Visa for temporary foreign workers. On this Visa, you can work in a specialty occupation.
Like if you have completed your education and degree and you are looking for a Job in the United States in any company, then you need to apply for H-1B Work Visa.
- Visa Duration: Three Years, and it can be renewable.
- No. of Visas: 85,000/Year
- Issued in 2021: 61,569
2# H-1B1 Work Visa
The H-1B1 Work Visa allows employing of foreign workers from Chile and Singapore with a higher education qualification. This Visa is the same as the H-1B Work visa, but only for Chile and Singapore.
3# H-2A Work Visa (Temporary Agriculture Worker)
The H-2A Work Visa is a Temporary agriculture Visa that allows Employers to hire foreign nationals in the Agriculture Fields. Such as Fruit Picking, Farm Jobs, and Dairy Farms. Applicants from all countries can apply.
- Visa Duration: One year maximum; eligible for renewal up to three consecutive years
- No. of Visas: No Limit
- Issued in 2021: 257,898
4# H-2B Work Visa (Seasonal workers other than agriculture)
The H-2B is another popular Seasonal work Visa in USA. This Visa can be used for seasonal as well as non-agriculture work. If you have heard about Truck Driver Jobs, then H-2B is the Visa that applies.
- Visa Duration: One year maximum; eligible for renewal up to three consecutive years
- No. of Visas: 66,000/year
- Issued in 2021: 95,053
5# H-3 Work Visa
This Visa allows individuals to receive Trainee or Special Education other than Medical from the United States. Such as people go for Giving Exams if that exam is not available in their home country.
- Visa Duration: the trainee may be allowed to remain in the United States for up to 2 years.
- Trainees
Any field including but not limited to:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Communications
- Finance
- Government
- Transportation
- Other Professions
6# L Visa
Suppose you working in an international company in any country. And your company is happy with you and they want to promote and transfer you to one of its offices in the United States. Then the company will apply for the L Visa on your behalf.
- Stay Duration: Three years, renewable to 2 years, or maximum stay 7 years.
7# O Visa
The US O1 visa is for one who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
- Stay Duration: Up to three years, and can be extended for 1 year.
The O nonimmigrant classification is commonly referred to as:
- O-1A
- O-1B
- O-2
- O-3
8# P-1A (For Athlete)
If you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition.
9# P-1B Work Visa
If you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of entertaining people. If you are coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group.
10# R-1 Visa
This Visa allows individuals Ministers and non-ministers in religious vocations and occupations may come to the U.S. temporarily for the purpose of performing religious work.
11# TN Visa
This Visa is only for Mexico and Canada.
Useful Link: If you want to see detailed eligibility criteria, required qualifications, and application process for the specific work visa then do visit https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers
How Does the US Temporary Work Visa Process Works?
Now if you have Idea about US Temporary Work Visas, and you have a Job offer letter from the US Employer then the following process will work:
Note: Not All Visas Require a Job Offer from the United States.
Labor Certification (Done by the Employer)
Some US temporary work visas required a Labor certification. The Labour certification form will be filled and applied by the company/employer in the United States who offered your a Job on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS.
Petition Approval (Done by the Employer)
Some temporary worker categories are limited in the total number of petitions which can be approved on a yearly basis like H-1B Visa, and H2-B.
Before you apply for a Temporary Work Visa at the US Consulate, a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, must be filed on your behalf by a prospective employer and approved by USCIS.
How to Apply for US Temporary Work Visa in 2023?
You have to apply Online from your home and select the appointment. After USCIS approves the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), you may apply for a visa
- Complete The Online Visa Application (Filled by the applicant), Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
- Pay the Visa Application Fee
- Select the Appointment Date and time
Visa Cost for US Temporary Work Visa
- $190
Some Useful Links for Types of US Non Immigrant Work Visas in 2023:
- For Visa Application Process: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment/temporary-worker-visas.html
- For All US Visa Details and Information: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-nonimmigrant-workers
Number of temporary work visas issued by the United States in recent years
| Year | Number of Visas issued | Visa Category | No of Visas issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 470,000 | H-1B visas | 293,000 |
| 2020 | 387,000 | L-1 visa | 132,000 |
| 2019 | 616,000 | H-2A visa | 65,000 |
| 2018 | 582,000 | H-2B visa | 32,000 |
| 2017 | 583,000 |
