Work authorization (visa) in USA

Visa Status/Work Status in the US

        

1. H1B Visa

• Description: Work authorization for consultants from Asia Pacific countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, and Gulf Countries.
• Key Points:
• Valid for 3 years, extendable for another 3 years. Maximum duration: 6 years.
• Eligible to apply for a Green Card after 4-5 years.
• Restricted to work only on C2C.

2. TN Visa

• Description: Work authorization for consultants under NAFTA (e.g., Mexican/Canadian).
• Key Points:
• Valid for 3 years.
• Eligible to work on C2C/1099/W2.

3. EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

• Description: Work authorization for consultants, enabling independent or employer-based work.
• Key Points:
• Valid for 1 year, extendable.
• Obtained during the Green Card process.
• Eligible to work on C2C/1099/W2.

4. GC (Green Card)

• Description: Work authorization for permanent residency in the US.
• Key Points:
• Takes 2 years to acquire after application.
• Eligible for US Citizenship after 5 years of residency.
• Eligible to work on C2C/1099/W2.

5. US Citizen

• Description: Americans by birth, having permanent residency and voting rights.
• Key Points:
• Can work independently or under any employer.
• Eligible to work on C2C/1099/W2.

6. F1 Visa

• Description: Student visa for obtaining a degree from the US.
• Types:
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): For post-Masters practical experience outside college.
• CPT (Curriculum Practical Training): For practical training within college.

7. M1 Visa

• Description: Student visa for vocational and technical schools, prohibits on/off-campus work.

8. H4 Visa (Dependent Visa)

• Description: For family members (Spouse, Mother, Father, Siblings, Children under 21 Years).
• Restriction: Not authorized to work without visa sponsorship.

9. L1 Visa

• Description: Non-immigrant visa for international company employees with offices in the home country and the US.

10. L2 Visa

• Description: For dependent spouses and minor unmarried children of qualified L-1 visa holders.

11. B1 Visa (Business Visa)

• Description: For short-term (3 months) business visits. Prohibits work in the US.

12. B2 Visa

• Description: For medical treatment, tourism, or visiting friends. No work authorization in the US.

13. E1/E2 Visa

• Description: Visas for Australia and New Zealand.