What is the H-1B annual cap?

The H-1B has an annual cap of 65,000 visas plus 20,000 for U.S. master degree holders. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) are not subject to the cap.

Can I apply for an O-1A without an employer?

Yes. An O-1A can be filed by a U.S. agent on your behalf without a direct employer sponsor.

Who qualifies for a TN visa?

Only Canadian and Mexican citizens in USMCA-listed professions qualify: engineers, scientists, accountants, computer systems analysts, lawyers, and others.

What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?

L-1A is for managers and executives, extendable to 7 years, direct path to EB-1C green card. L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers, extendable to 5 years.

U.S. Work Visas — H-1B, O-1A, L-1, TN

H-1B Visa — Specialty Occupation

FY2026 H-1B Key Dates: Cap-subject H-1B registration was March 2025. New H-1B status starts October 1, 2025. FY2027 registration expected March 2026.

Eligibility

Specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree
U.S. employer willing to sponsor and file the petition
Employer must pay prevailing wage
Employer-employee relationship must exist

Key Features

Dual intent — can pursue green card while on H-1B
Initial 3-year period, extendable to 6 years
Cap-exempt: universities, nonprofits, gov research
Premium processing available (~2-5 business days)

H-1B Process

1
LCA Filing
Employer files Labor Condition Application with DOL (7 business days).
2
Lottery Registration (cap-subject)
USCIS opens registration each March. Lottery randomly selects petitioners.
3
I-129 Petition
Employer files I-129. Standard: 3-6 months. Premium: ~5 days.
4
Visa/Status
Consular stamping (if abroad) or change of status (if in U.S.).

The H-1B has an annual cap of 65,000 visas plus 20,000 additional for U.S. master's or higher degree holders. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits, government research) are not subject to the cap and may file any time.

Yes. Under H-1B portability (AC21), you can change employers if you have an I-140 approval and pending H-1B extension. New employer files an H-1B transfer petition.

Alternatives include O-1A (no cap), TN visa (for Canadians/Mexicans), L-1 (intracompany), cap-exempt employers, or E-3 (for Australians).

O-1A Visa — Extraordinary Ability

No lottery, no cap, no annual wait. O-1A can be filed at any time of year. No strict employer required — a U.S. agent can file on your behalf.

Evidence Criteria (need 3+ of these)

Nationally/internationally recognized prizes or awards
Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement
Published material about you in major trade publications or media
Judging the work of others in your field
Original contributions of major significance
Authorship of scholarly articles
Critical role for distinguished organizations
High salary relative to peers

O-1A vs H-1B Comparison

Feature	O-1A	H-1B
Annual Cap	None	85,000
Lottery	No	Yes (cap-subject)
Employer Req.	Agent OK	Yes
Processing	2-5 months	3-6 months
Green Card Bridge	EB-1A	EB-2/EB-3

Yes. O-1A is the strongest bridge to EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability Green Card). Meeting O-1A criteria often aligns closely with EB-1A requirements.

L-1 Visa — Intracompany Transferee

L-1A (Managers/Executives) vs L-1B (Specialized Knowledge)

L-1A: For managers who manage a function, department, or organization, or executives who direct organization activities. Maximum 7 years. Leads to EB-1C green card.

L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, procedures, techniques, or proprietary systems. Maximum 5 years.

Requirements

Employed by foreign entity for at least 1 of last 3 years
U.S. and foreign entities must be related (parent, sub, affiliate, branch)
Qualifying managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role

Key Benefits

No annual cap or lottery
Dual intent allowed — can pursue green card
Blanket L petitions for qualifying multinationals
L-1A is direct path to EB-1C green card (no PERM)
New office petitions for establishing a U.S. entity

Yes. L-1 new office petitions allow executives/managers to establish a new U.S. entity. Initial period is 1 year; extensions as the business grows.

TN Visa — USMCA Professional

Canadians only: TN status can be obtained same-day at a U.S. port of entry with a job offer letter and required documents. No advance filing with USCIS required.

Qualifying USMCA Professions (selected)

Engineers (all disciplines)
Computer Systems Analysts
Scientists (Biologist, Chemist, etc.)
Accountant (CPA)
Lawyer (LLB or JD)
Pharmacist
Physician (teaching/research only)
Graphic Designer
Management Consultant

TN vs H-1B

No annual cap or lottery
3-year increments, renewable indefinitely
Canadians: same-day at port of entry
Mexicans: must apply at U.S. consulate (2-8 weeks)
No dual intent — cannot directly pursue green card
Low filing fees vs H-1B

Note: While TN does not have dual intent, TN holders may pursue green cards through other means (e.g., EB-1A, EB-2 NIW) while maintaining TN status.

Yes. Canadian citizens can present to CBP at a U.S. land border or airport with a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and $56 fee to obtain TN status on the spot.

U.S. Work Visas

H-1B Visa — Specialty Occupation

Eligibility

Key Features

H-1B Process

LCA Filing

Lottery Registration (cap-subject)

I-129 Petition

Visa/Status