Nonimmigrant visas allow temporary work in the US. The period of time allowed may be capped at a number of years (H1b and L1), or it may be extendable indefinitely (E1, E2, E3, H1b1, O1, and TN). Although none of these visas lead to permanent residence (a “green card”), some are “dual intent” (H1b, L1, and O1), allowing a green card application to be filed while a person is also pursuing a nonimmigrant visa. Others are “nonimmigrant intent” (E1, E2, E3, H1b1, and TN). Because these require the holder to show she intends to leave the US when her nonimmigrant status expires, they may be complicated by a concurrently-filed green card application.
E Treaty Trader or Investor VisaH1b Specialty Occupation Visa
H1b1 Specialty Occupation Visa for Chileans and Singaporeans
E3 Specialty Occupation Visa for Australians
O1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
L1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Professionals