Find Your Path to the United States
There is no single “immigration visa.” The right pathway depends on who you are, what you bring, and what you want your life in the U.S. to look like. This page is your starting point.
Program Categories
All Pathways, Organized for You
Each category represents a different life situation. Read the description, see which visas are inside, and click through for the full detail page.
Permanent
Permanent Residency
You want to live in the U.S. permanently — for good.
These pathways lead directly to a green card. No annual renewal. No employer dependency. Once approved, you and your family can live, work, and travel freely as U.S. permanent residents.
Who this is for
Investors, high-achieving professionals, executives, and researchers who are ready to commit to the U.S. long-term.
Visa Options Inside This Category
EB-5
Investor Green Card
Invest $800K–$1.05M and obtain green cards for your entire family.
EB-1A
Extraordinary Ability
Top scientists, artists, athletes, and executives — self-petition, no sponsor needed.
EB-1C
Multinational Manager
Green card for executives transferred to a U.S. company from a foreign affiliate.
EB-2 NIW
National Interest Waiver
Skip labor certification if your work benefits the U.S. nationally. Self-petition eligible.
EB-2 / EB-3
Employment-Based Green Card
Employer-sponsored residency for professionals with advanced degrees or skilled roles.
Business
Investors & Business Owners
You’re buying or building a business in the United States.
These visas are designed for people who want to invest capital and run a real business in the U.S. — not just work for someone else. They give you the legal right to operate, employ, and grow.
Who this is for
Entrepreneurs, franchise buyers, business acquirers, real estate operators, and company founders from treaty countries.
Visa Options Inside This Category
E-2
Treaty Investor Visa
Invest in a U.S. business, manage it yourself, and renew the visa as long as it operates. Best for entrepreneurs from treaty countries.
EB-5
Investor Green Card
Larger capital path ($800K+) that leads directly to permanent residency — no employer needed, no renewals.
L-1
Intracompany Transfer
Expanding your existing foreign business to the U.S.? Transfer yourself or key staff through an L-1.
Talent
Talented Professionals
You’re recognized at the top of your field.
These visas reward documented excellence. If you have awards, published work, international recognition, or a strong professional track record — you may qualify for a fast-track visa or green card without an employer.
Who this is for
Scientists, researchers, artists, musicians, athletes, architects, tech founders, and acclaimed professionals across any field.
Visa Options Inside This Category
O-1
Extraordinary Talent Visa
Non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. Start working in the U.S. quickly while pursuing permanent status.
EB-1A
Extraordinary Ability Green Card
Self-petition for permanent residency. No employer, no labor certification, no waiting on a job offer.
EB-2 NIW
National Interest Waiver
Permanent residency for professionals whose work benefits the U.S. — researchers, doctors, engineers, and more.
Work
Work & Employer-Sponsored
You have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
These are the standard work visa and residency pathways for professionals employed by U.S. companies. Your employer sponsors the process — you provide the credentials.
Who this is for
Engineers, doctors, finance professionals, researchers, corporate transfers, and anyone hired by a U.S. company in a specialty role.
Visa Options Inside This Category
H-1B
Specialty Occupation Work Visa
The main U.S. work visa for degree-holding professionals in tech, finance, healthcare, and more. Subject to annual lottery.
L-1
Intracompany Transfer
Transfer from a foreign office to a U.S. company within the same multinational organization.
EB-2 / EB-3
Employment-Based Green Card
Your employer sponsors you for permanent residency. Best for professionals on H-1B or L-1 who want to stay long-term.
Still comparing options?
Our Visa Comparison Tool lets you put any two programs side by side to see exactly what differentiates them.