Looking to enter the US on a work visa without the lengthy process and the H-1B visa lottery?
There are three visas that are significantly faster and easier to apply for, with no lottery that are excellent options for employers and employees alike. These programs are for citizens of Canada, Mexico, Australia, Chile and Singapore.
E-3, Work Visa for Australians
Australians may apply at the US Consulate in Australia for the E-3 visa. In order to apply, the applicant must show a job offer, proof the job requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and they have a Bachelor’s degree in the same field of the job offer. While the application can be made at a consulate outside Australia, it’s best to apply in Australia.
The E-3 allows for an initial entry period of two years and up to two-year extensions at a time. For the most part, there is not a maximum time limit on the number of years that they may stay and work in the US.
H-1B1, Work Visa for Chileans and Singaporeans
Chileans and Singaporeans may apply for the H-1B1 visa, the requirements for which are virtually identical to those for the H-1B visa. While these visas are limited in number, for Chile, in particular, that annual limit has never been reached.
The initial entry period is one-year, but has no maximum number of one year extensions.
TN or Trade NAFTA, Visa for Mexicans and Canadians
These visas are more streamlined processes as part of the trade agreement.
Since Canadians are visa-exempt for travel to the US, they may apply at the border for TN status and will be approved or denied on the spot, (or additional documentation may be requested). Applicants will need to allow additional hours for travel when applying at the airport or land border.
TN visas can be issued for over 50 occupations. The majority require a Bachelor’s degree and are not a good option for individuals without a degree.
A few categories that do not require a degree are:
- Management Consultant: Requires a Bachelor’s degree OR five years of experience working as a management consultant.
- Scientific Technologist: Requires that the individual will be working to support degreed scientists. This is a great option for students who are coming to participate in clearly defined internships in the hard sciences.
- Computer Systems Analyst: Requires a Bachelor’s degree OR Post-Secondary Diploma OR Post Secondary Certificate and three years experience.
Job categories included under the TN include zoologist, epidemiologist, veterinarian, economist, engineer, biochemist. They span varied industries.
One of the great benefits of applying for the TN is that a border agent will notify the applicant exactly what documentation may be missing. Hence, the applicant immediately has the opportunity to gather the needed documents, and apply again. This option has a clear roadmap to follow and allows for the applicant to have in person contact with a US border agent.
Mexican nationals are not visa exempt, and will need to apply at the US Consulate in Mexico.
The TN allows for an initial entry period of three years and up to three-year extensions at a time. For the most part, there is not a maximum time limit on the number of years that they may stay and work in the US.
How are these visas different from the H-1B Visa?
The E-3, H-1B1 and TN visas differ from the more well known H-1B visa in these three key ways:
- There is no lottery.
- The process is more streamlined.
- There is no time limit (the time limit is six years for the H-1B).
Whether you are a company, an employee, or an individual seeking assistance with immigration law, we will make the process as pain free as possible for you while providing you with effective legal counsel. Feel free to contact us by phone, by email, or using our online form.
