The United States offers skilled individuals and professionals a range of non-immigrant work visa and permanent resident immigrant visa options. In most (but not all) cases, a U.S. based employer must first petition (sponsor) the interim work visa or permanent resident status application.

Typically the first step for professionals transferring to the United States is to obtain a relatively expeditious "work visa". Processing times range from same-day service (for example under NAFTA) to several months, depending on the category. For an overview of work visa options for the United States please see: Executive Transfers & Other Work Visas - USA.

Permanent Resident status options for professionals include:

- "EB-1" Employment-based first preference options for people of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Professors and Researchers, and Multinational Managers and Executives;

- "EB-2" Employment-based second preference options for certain Professionals (with Masters or higher degree), or Persons of Exceptional Ability, including " National Interest Waivers" for example for doctors in underserviced areas;

-"EB-3" Employment based third preference options for Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers.

First preference categories have immediately available visas and can often be processed within 10 - 18 months, depending on the category and the circumstances. Other categories can take much longer, and often a non-immigrant visa strategy for maintaining status in the United States, including the ability to leave and re-enter the U.S. while the process is underway, is needed.

For other options consider the EB-5 visa: Investors - USA.

For more information about the options that might best fit your circumstances, please visit our Getting Started page and complete our free on-line questionnaire.