Working in the U.S., with sponsorship
Most work-based immigration runs through a U.S. employer — either a temporary visa to work for a set period, or a green card for the long term. Here’s how the options break down, whether you’re the professional or the employer doing the sponsoring.
Temporary or permanent?
Every work-based option is one of two kinds. Knowing which you’re after points to the right category.
A nonimmigrant visa (NIV) lets you work in the U.S. for a set time, usually tied to a specific employer and role — H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, E-3, and more. Most are renewable within limits, and many are the natural first step before a green card.
The immigrant route (IV) leads to a green card. Most work-based green cards are employer-sponsored through an EB category — often after PERM labor certification — though some categories can be self-petitioned.
Temporary work visas
The right one depends on your role, your background, and sometimes your nationality. These are the common categories — explore any that fit.
For roles that require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specific field. Employer-sponsored, and subject to an annual lottery for most new petitions.
For executives, managers (L-1A), or specialized-knowledge employees (L-1B) transferring from a related company abroad to a U.S. office.
For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. Requires a U.S. employer or a U.S.-based agent to petition.
TN is for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the USMCA; E-3 is for Australian nationals in specialty occupations. Employees of an E-1/E-2 treaty enterprise who share the employer’s treaty nationality can also qualify in an executive, supervisory, or essential-skills role. All are efficient where you qualify by nationality.
Post-graduation work for students (F-1 OPT), with a STEM extension for qualifying degrees. We assist employers with STEM OPT applications where required, and assist with F-1 change of status or reinstatement.
Athletes and artists (P-1), religious workers (R-1), trainees (H-3), and exchange visitors (J-1) each fit specific situations.
A green card through work
Employment-based green cards fall into a few lanes. Which fits depends on your role and your record.
EB-1A (extraordinary ability, self-petition), EB-1B (outstanding researchers and professors, employer-sponsored), and EB-1C (multinational managers and executives). Generally skips PERM labor certification.
For advanced-degree professionals (EB-2) and skilled workers (EB-3). The employer first completes PERM — testing the U.S. labor market — before the immigrant petition.
If your work serves the U.S. national interest, the NIW waives the job offer and labor certification — and you petition for yourself. See the self-petition walkthrough
Sponsoring an employee
Sponsoring talent is very doable with the right process. Here’s what it involves on your side.
That portal is jimmi™ — your immigration companion. A glimpse of what you and your employee see:
Find your category
With categories that overlap in eligibility or their potential benefit to employers, employees and their families, the fastest way forward is a focused look at your situation — your role, your background, and your timeline.
Eligibility, lottery odds, and timelines depend on the category, the role, and your country of birth. We assess your situation individually.
An illustrative roadmap — not legal advice or a guarantee of any outcome.
© Jrada Immigration, P.C. 2026