North America
United States immigration and visa guide
The United States offers specialized non-immigrant work visas (H-1B, O-1, L-1) and employment-based immigrant Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2 NIW, EB-3, EB-5).
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) & Dept of State
- Processing time
- 8 – 52 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in United States
Key requirements
- Approved USCIS Form I-129 (for non-immigrant worker) or Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition)
- Labor Certification (PERM) via Department of Labor (unless waived via EB-1 or EB-2 NIW)
- Consular DS-160 (Non-immigrant) or DS-260 (Immigrant) and consular interview appointment
- Certified academic degree evaluations and letters of experience
How to apply for a United States visa: step by step
- 1
Petition Filing with USCIS
Employer or applicant files Form I-129 or I-140 petition with evidence of specialty occupation or extraordinary ability.
15 calendar days (Premium Processing) to 6 months
- 2
Consular Processing & DS-160 / DS-260
Upon USCIS approval notice (Form I-797), submit consular application and schedule interview.
2 - 8 weeks
- 3
Adjustment of Status (I-485) or Entry
Enter the US on approved immigrant visa or adjust status to Permanent Resident Green Card holder.
6 - 18 months
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
Can I self-sponsor a US Green Card without a job offer?
Yes, both EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) allow foreign nationals to self-petition for a Green Card without an employer sponsor or Department of Labor PERM certification.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
- USCIS: find legal services
Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives may give immigration legal advice.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) lawyer search
Directory of immigration attorneys.
General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) & Dept of State on the official website before applying.