By: Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, August 10, 2022
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published that professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers have different legal avenues to work in the American nation, thanks to its temporary and permanent visa programs.
F-1 OPT, H-1B, L-1 and O-1 visas, also known as “nonimmigrant” pathways, open the door to temporary jobs.
According to USCIS, “many individuals who work through one of these nonimmigrant pathways eventually transition to permanent residency pathways and, ultimately, to U.S. citizenship.”
F-1 OPT Visa
If you studied your degree in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, you can obtain a job by applying for the 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extension for F-1 students. It is not required to have an offer of employment for the initial 12-month OPT, but it is required for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This permit can be extended up to 36 months if you meet the requirements.
H-1B Visa
H-1B visas are granted at the request of employers in need of highly skilled and specialized foreign workers. Applicants should have extensive theoretical or technical experience in fields such as science, engineering or programming.
They must prove it with their CV and academic qualifications. It is subject to a tax cap and is valid for three years, but USCIS can extend it for an additional three years if the employer requests it. “Additional extensions may be available for individuals who are in the process of obtaining permanent resident status,” USCIS states. It is required to have a job offer and a university degree in the required specialty.
L-1 Visa
Multinationals that have headquarters in the United States and in a foreign country may use this visa to transfer their employees to the United States for up to one year for the purpose of specialized, managerial or executive training. Employment must be continuous at a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary of the petitioning U.S. company. The job offer must demonstrate that you are coming to work in your area of extraordinary ability.
O-1 Visa
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or have demonstrated a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally and internationally for those achievements.
This material from ElUniverso.com was edited for clarity, style and length.
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