Three visas that will allow a programmer to come to the USA for work

How can a programmer move to the USA? Is this possible and what options can be considered? The good news is that in 2024 there are several types of visas that will allow an IT specialist to move for work.

Green Card Lottery

This method will allow you to try your luck. The country raffles off 50 thousand visas annually. It would seem that this is enough to have a chance to win. However, the number of applications usually exceeds 14 million questionnaires. From Ukraine alone, one and a half million applications are received each year. The lottery does not seem to be a reliable method of moving, but up to 4 thousand Ukrainians win. Therefore, it makes sense to try. Applications are submitted in mid-autumn, the results are announced in late spring.

EB-1A Visa

This is a way to move for the most exceptional applicants who are recognized internationally. If the applicant has amazing skills and extraordinary abilities, then there is a chance. Of course, these qualities must be demonstrated in the professional field in which the person plans to work in America.

H1/B Visa

The visa will be available only to those who have received a work invitation and confirmed their high qualifications. That is, the applicant must already find a place of employment, and if the employer is interested, then the opportunities are open. But there is a time limit. This visa is issued for three years and is extended for a maximum of six years. At a minimum, to apply, you must have a bachelor's degree and confirm long-term work experience in the specialty. Obtaining permission will take a lot of time and will require the collection of many types of documents. And these are not all the obstacles. The US annually provides only 85 thousand work visas, a quarter of which are intended for the highest-class specialists. And applicants submit more than 200 thousand applications, so this method also involves chance and luck.

L-1 Visa

This visa is suitable for those who have already found a job in a company with branches abroad. If the management is interested, it will be able to provide an internal corporate transfer of a professional to the desired location. This method of moving is suitable for those who have an established professional life. The visa is issued for only one year, extended to three, but there is an advantage in the form of a chance to get a green card.

When submitting applications, you must pay a consular fee of $ 190. There are other work visas for representatives of other professions, as well as tourist and guest permits, but the above are suitable for programmers.