Welcome to your U.S. immigration journey
I’m Gabriela Urizar, an immigration attorney based in New York. If you’re reading this, you’re likely a talented professional who has worked hard to build your career and are now considering how to bring your skills and expertise to the United States.
This guide is designed to give you clear, practical information about the most common work visas available for foreign professionals. My goal is to help you avoid costly mistakes, plan ahead, and feel confident as you take your next steps.
Let’s get started.
Which visa is right for you
O-1 visa – individuals with extraordinary ability
Best for artists, entertainers, scientists, athletes, and professionals who have achieved significant recognition in their field. You’ll need strong proof of your talent, such as awards, media coverage, or high-level projects. The O-1 can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue your extraordinary work.
H-1B visa – specialty occupations
Ideal for professionals in fields like technology, engineering, medicine, or business. You’ll need a U.S. employer to sponsor you for a role that generally requires at least a bachelor’s degree. The H-1B is subject to an annual lottery due to high demand.
L1 visa – intra-company transfers
Perfect for employees transferring from a company abroad to a U.S. branch. There are two types:
- L-1A for managers and executives.
- L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
This visa helps multinational businesses bring key talent to the United States.
TN visa – professionals under the USMCA treaty
Available for citizens of Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). You’ll need a job offer in a qualifying profession, such as engineering, accounting, or scientific roles. TN visas are often processed quickly without a lottery.
Mistakes that delay approval
Avoiding mistakes is critical to your success. Some of the most common issues I see include:
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation.
Missing evidence can seriously harm your case. Gather strong proof of your experience and accomplishments. - Choosing the wrong visa category.
Each visa has specific requirements. Selecting the wrong option wastes time and money. - Poor communication with employers or sponsors.
For visas like H-1B and L1, working closely with your employer’s HR or legal teams is essential. - Missing deadlines.
Some visas, such as the H-1B, have strict filing windows. Missing them could mean waiting another year. - Underestimating the value of legal guidance.
Even highly skilled professionals can run into complications. Having a lawyer ensures your case is prepared correctly and presented strongly.
Key documents you’ll need
Every visa type is different, but most applications require:
- A detailed resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation from respected professionals in your field
- Job offers or contracts from U.S. employers
- Proof of significant achievements such as awards, press coverage, publications, or important projects
- Financial records if relevant
- A valid passport and any prior immigration documents
For the O-1 visa, strong evidence of extraordinary ability may include:
- Awards and recognitions
- Leading roles in significant projects
- Articles written about your work in reputable publications
- Memberships in associations that require exceptional achievements
- Evidence of high salary compared to peers in your field
Timeline and costs
O-1 visa
- Typical processing time: 2 to 3 months
- Premium processing available for a faster decision (15 days)
- Government filing fees start around $460, plus legal fees
H-1B visa
- Timeline varies due to the annual lottery
- Lottery conducted each March
- Government fees typically range from $1,710 to $6,460 depending on employer size
L1 visa
- Often processed in 2 to 4 months
- Premium processing available
- Government filing fees usually start around $960, with additional potential costs
TN visa
- Processing can take just days at the border or a few weeks through USCIS
- Government filing fees are often under $500
How Urizar Legal can help
Choosing the right visa and preparing a strong application is critical for your career and future. At Urizar Legal, I personally guide clients through:
- Evaluating which visa fits your goals
- Preparing clear, persuasive applications
- Avoiding mistakes that could delay or damage your case
- Supporting you through every step of the process
If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, I invite you to book a consultation so we can discuss your best path to working and thriving in the United States.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique.