The biggest job market for international talent, but most work visas are capped, sponsored and slow.
Permanent residence: no fixed period. Green cards come through employer or family sponsorship; waiting times depend heavily on your country of birth.
Citizenship: 5 years. 5 years as a green card holder (3 if married to a U.S. citizen).
| Route | Valid for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B specialty occupation Employer-sponsored visa for degree-level roles, allocated by a yearly lottery. New petitions for workers abroad carry a large additional fee since 2025. | 3 years, renewable to 6 | — |
| O-1 extraordinary ability For people with sustained national or international acclaim in their field; needs a U.S. employer or agent. | Up to 3 years | — |
| L-1 intracompany transfer Transfer to a U.S. office of your current employer after at least one year working for it abroad. | Up to 7 years | — |
| EB-2 National Interest Waiver Self-petitioned green card for people with an advanced degree or exceptional ability whose work benefits the U.S. | Green card | — |
| F-1 student For admitted students; Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows work after graduating. | Length of the programme | — |