Employment & Immigration Pathways

Resources for international students, researchers and scholars on pathways to U.S. employment and immigration.

Featured Resources

  • E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas

    Learn about work and business options for citizens of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the U.S. in this overview of E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas.

  • The H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

    The H-1B is for working in a “specialty occupation” — a job requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and the application of highly specialized knowledge (e.g., engineers, computer…

  • The TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals

    How citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the U.S. under the free-trade agreement.

  • L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

    A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.

  • The O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

    The O-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (and those with a record of extraordinary achievement in film/TV recognized nationally or internationally).

  • The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

    The J-1 program is the U.S. Department of State’s framework for international educational and cultural exchange. This overview explains what it is and how it’s run, then links to the details.

  • Postdoctoral Positions: Special Considerations

    Postdocs face choices that other scholars don’t — especially J-1 vs H-1B and how those choices might affect a future green card. Here’s what to weigh.

Guides

  • H-4 Dependent Visas (Spouses & Children)

    Your eligible family members can join you in the U.S. on H-4 visas, tied to your H-1B status. Learn what you need to know in this overview of H-1B Dependent Visas for…

  • E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas

    Learn about work and business options for citizens of countries that have a qualifying treaty with the U.S. in this overview of E-1 and E-2 Treaty Trader and Investor Visas.

  • The EB-5 immigrant investor green card

    How to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates American jobs and with no employer sponsor needed.

  • The H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa

    The H-1B is for working in a “specialty occupation” — a job requiring at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and the application of highly specialized knowledge (e.g., engineers, computer…

  • The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

    The B visa is for temporary visits for business (B-1) or pleasure (B-2) — with no U.S. employment or compensation allowed. For immigration purposes, “visitor” and “B-1/B-2” mean essentially the same thing.

  • The TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals

    How citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the U.S. under the free-trade agreement.

  • L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa

    A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.

  • The O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

    The O-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (and those with a record of extraordinary achievement in film/TV recognized nationally or internationally).

  • EB-1 First-Preference Green Cards

    This guide covers the two paths most relevant to students, graduates, and academics: Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) and Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B).

  • EB-2 and EB-3 Employer-Sponsored Green Cards

    The most common employment green cards for graduates with a U.S. job offer, plus the National Interest Waiver, which can skip the job offer entirely.

  • Family-Based Green Cards for Spouses

    Learn how a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can sponsor a spouse for lawful permanent residence in this overview of family-based green cards for spouses.

  • J-1 Academic Categories: Eligibility & Requirements

    Your J-1 category is chosen by your sponsor based on your qualifications, role, activities, and length of stay. Here’s how the academic and research categories compare.

  • The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program

    The J-1 program is the U.S. Department of State’s framework for international educational and cultural exchange. This overview explains what it is and how it’s run, then links to the details.

  • Postdoctoral Positions: Special Considerations

    Postdocs face choices that other scholars don’t — especially J-1 vs H-1B and how those choices might affect a future green card. Here’s what to weigh.

  • Employment, Teaching & Study on J-1 Status

    While holding J-1 visa status in the U.S., your activities must center on your program objectives, and most work opportunities will need your RO/ARO’s prior written approval. Here’s the framework, with real…

FAQs

Reports