Employment & Immigration Pathways
Resources for international students, researchers and scholars on pathways to U.S. employment and immigration.
Featured Resources
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 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 scientists, and many others).
A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.
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 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.
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.
FAQs
Understand the J-1 212(e) waiver process, the four grounds for approval, and when to apply before pursuing H-1B or permanent residence.
Find out when you can change your J-1 category, why approval is rare, and how the process affects your status and future exchange programs.
Compare the J-1 Research Scholar and Professor categories, their primary activities, shared rules, and how to choose the right program.
Learn who qualifies for the J-1 Research Scholar category, eligible activities, the 5-year limit, and key requirements for participating in the program.
Explore your visa options after OPT or Academic Training, including J-1, H-1B, O-1, and green card pathways to remain in the U.S.
See when the reduced $800,000 EB-5 investment applies, which projects qualify, and how targeted areas can offer visa set-aside benefits.
Understand what qualifies as specialized knowledge for an L-1B visa, who meets the standard, and how USCIS evaluates eligible positions.
Find out how the H-1B annual cap works, who qualifies for the master's cap, and which employers are exempt from the H-1B lottery.
Understand how much you need to invest for an E-2 visa, what "substantial investment" means, and the requirements for a qualifying business.
Review the 10 EB-1A extraordinary ability criteria, the three-criteria requirement, and how USCIS makes its final eligibility decision.
Find out when you can file Form I-130 and Form I-485 together, who qualifies for concurrent filing, and how a spouse's status affects timing.
Understand how the National Interest Waiver (NIW) lets eligible EB-2 applicants self-petition without employer sponsorship or labor certification.
See which professions qualify for a TN visa, the education requirements, and how your job offer and qualifications must match USMCA rules.
Understand what extraordinary ability means for an O-1 visa, the evidence USCIS requires, and how applicants qualify under the eligibility criteria.
Find out when your J-2 spouse and children can stay in the U.S. while you travel abroad, and when your absence could affect their status.
Compare J-1 and H-1B visas for postdocs, including green card planning, work authorization, costs, and key differences before choosing.
Helpful Guides
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 spouses and children.
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.
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 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 scientists, and many others).
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.
A practical overview for employees being transferred to a U.S. office of a company they already work for.
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).
This guide covers the two paths most relevant to students, graduates, and academics: Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) and Outstanding Professors and Researchers (EB-1B).
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 scenarios.