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Employee sponsored by a US employerThe H-1B specialty-occupation visa, applied for by the employer through an annual selection. 7 steps Transfer within your companyThe L-1 visa, for staff moving to a US office of the same group. 6 steps StudentThe F-1 visa, for a degree or full-time programme at a certified school. 6 steps Extraordinary abilityThe O-1 visa, for people with sustained recognition in their field. 5 steps Founder from a treaty countryThe E-2 treaty investor visa, for a substantial investment in a US business you run. 4 steps Canadian or Mexican professionalTN status under the USMCA, for listed professions with a US job offer. 4 steps Open a step on the roadmap to see what it involves. Rules change
US immigration policy changed repeatedly through 2025 and 2026, and several measures are being contested in court. Treat every step here as the usual shape of the route, have the employer's immigration counsel confirm the details, and expect the consular interview to be in your country of nationality or residence. This is a general guide, not legal advice. Confirm each step with the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov) and USCIS before you rely on it.
Your roadmap · Employee sponsored by a US employer 7 steps 9–18 months before → to Year 3 onwards 1 Step 1: Secure an offer and a sponsoring employer9–18 months before + The job has to need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, and the employer files everything. Most H-1B petitions are subject to the annual cap; universities and some research bodies are exempt and can file at any time of year. 2 Step 2: Employer enters the March registrationMarch, about 6 months before + The employer registers you online with USCIS in March. Since the FY2027 season, selection is weighted by the offered wage level, so higher-paid roles stand a better chance. Results arrive by the end of March. 3 Step 3: Employer files the petitionApril–June + If selected, the employer files the petition between April and June, with a labour condition application certified by the Department of Labor. Ask the employer whether any extra payment imposed by proclamation applies to your case; its status was contested in court through 2026. 4 Step 4: Apply for the visa at a consulate6–10 weeks before + Once the petition is approved, complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee and book the interview, normally in your country of nationality or residence. Bring the approval notice, passport, employment letter and degree certificates. 5 Step 5: Enter and check your I-94Day 0 + You can enter up to ten days before the start date, which for cap cases is usually 1 October. Download your I-94 record from the CBP website after you land and check the dates and class are right. 6 Step 6: Apply for a Social Security numberWeeks 2–3 + Unless you requested one with your visa application, apply at a Social Security office, ideally ten days or more after arrival so your entry record has reached their systems. 7 Step 7: Extend or move onYear 3 onwards + The first approval runs up to three years and can be extended to six in total. Many employers start a green card process during that time; a change of employer needs a new petition. Get help with the move to San Francisco → Chat with Eva