What Types of Visa Sponsorship Can I get from a US Company?

For many international professionals, landing a job in the United States is a major goal—but it often depends on securing visa sponsorship from a U.S. employer. Fortunately, there are several types of visa sponsorships that companies can offer, depending on the role, your qualifications, and whether you’re looking for temporary work or a path to permanent residency. From temporary work visas like the H-1B and L-1 to employment-based green cards such as the EB-2 and EB-3, each option comes with its own requirements and benefits. Understanding these visa types can help you target the right opportunities and approach your job search with confidence.

What is Visa Sponsorship and How Does It Work?

Visa sponsorship means a U.S. company takes responsibility for filing immigration paperwork on your behalf. Typically, your employer:

Provides a job offer.
Submits petitions (e.g., Form I-129 for nonimmigrant visas, I‑140 for immigrant visas).
Demonstrates that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the job. Wikipedia+3WIRED+3USCIS+3Manifest LawWIRED+3WeWork+3Wikipedia+3Velocity Global+1Wikipedia+1

Benefits of Getting Sponsored by a US Employer

✔️ Access visa categories with dual intent (like H‑1B, L‑1, and EB‑2).
✔️ Work legally with benefits and dependents via H‑4, L‑2, or others.
✔️ Pathway to long‑term employment and permanent residency.
✔️ Employer covers most filing fees and legal costs. WeWorkVelocity Global

Who is Eligible for US Visa Sponsorship?

Eligibility varies by visa type, but general requirements include:

A qualifying degree or equivalent experience.
A job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor.
In some cases, nationality restrictions (e.g., TN for Canada/Mexico, E‑1/E‑2 treaties).
For immigrant visas, meeting U.S. labor certification and priority rules. WeWork

Employment-Based Visa Sponsorship Explained

These visas are employer‑driven. They include both non-immigrant work visas and immigrant visas (green cards). The employer files petitions, often first through the Department of Labor.

H‑1B Visa Sponsorship For Skilled Workers

A specialty occupation visa requires a bachelor’s or higher degree. Wikipedia
Duration: up to 3 years initially, extendable to 6 (or longer under AC21 if a green card is pending).
Annual cap: 65,000 plus 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders. Exempt if the employer is cap‑exempt (e.g., universities, non‑profits). Wikipedia
Dual intent: You can pursue a green card.

L‑1 Visa Sponsorship For Intra‑Company Transfers

For employees of an international company being transferred to its U.S. affiliate.
L‑1A: managers/executives (up to 7 years); L‑1B: specialized knowledge (up to 5 years). Wikipedia
Blanket petitions are available for large qualifying employers.

O‑1 Visa Sponsorship For Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

Designed for individuals with sustained acclaim in science, arts, business, sports, or education.
Requires strong documentation of awards or published recognition. USCIS
Dual intent allowed; typically valid up to 3 years, renewable.

TN Visa Sponsorship For Canadian and Mexican Citizens

Under USMCA (formerly NAFTA), only certain professional occupations are eligible.
No formal petition is needed, but an employer letter defining the role, qualification, and context is required.

E‑2 and E‑1 Visa Sponsorship For Treaty Traders and Investors

Restricted to nationals of countries with treaties (e.g., Japan, UK).
E‑1: trade in goods/services; E‑2: substantial investment in a U.S. business.
Employee sponsorship is possible when you form or work in a qualifying enterprise.

Green Card (EB‑2, EB‑3) Sponsorship Through Employment

EB‑2: advanced degree or exceptional ability; EB‑3: professional or skilled workers.
Typically requires PERM labor certification and an employer‑filed I‑140 petition. Wikipedia
Leads to permanent residency; often, long wait times for high‑demand countries.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extension Sponsorship

F‑1 student visa holders in the U.S. can work post‑graduation under OPT.
Employers may offer unpaid or paid internships; STEM grads may get a 24‑month extension.
Employers must enroll in E‑Verify for STEM OPT.

J‑1 Visa Sponsorship For Interns, Researchers, and Trainees

Exchange visitors doing approved training or academic programs.
Employer or sponsoring agency issues DS‑2019; not all J‑1 programs allow work.
Duration varies (from a few months to a few years).

H‑2A Visa Sponsorship For Agricultural Workers

Seasonal agricultural visa.
The employer must obtain labor certification showing no U.S. workers available and wage protections. Wikipedia
Valid for specific seasonal periods; non-immigrant intent only.

Religious Worker Visa (R‑1) Sponsorship

U.S. religious organizations can sponsor nonprofit religious workers.
Requires affiliation with a recognized religious denomination and 2 years of prior experience.

B‑1 Visa for Business Visitors – Limited Sponsorship

Not a true work visa.
Eligible to attend meetings and conferences and negotiate, but not for paid employment.
The employer may support via an invitation letter but cannot pay a salary.

Cap‑Exempt H‑1B Sponsorship Options (Universities & Nonprofits)

Certain institutions (e.g., universities, nonprofit research) are exempt from the regular H‑1B annual cap.
These employers can sponsor H‑1B at any time and are safer during difficult lottery seasons. Velocity GlobalWeWorkWikipedia

Which Industries Commonly Offer Visa Sponsorship in the US?

IT and software development
Engineering and R&D
Healthcare and medical research institutions
Academic and research universities
Finance and consulting firms
Startups with strong backers or a link to international operations

Top US Companies That Regularly Sponsor Visas

Leading employers for sponsorship include:

Tech firms: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple
Consulting giants: Deloitte, Accenture, Infosys, Cognizant
Universities and medical research centers
These organizations file thousands of H‑1B and green card petitions annually. WeWork + 2 Wikipedia + 2 boundless.com + 2

How to Find US Jobs That Offer Visa Sponsorship

Use search terms like “H‑1B visa sponsorship,” “employer-sponsored green card jobs,” or “OPT STEM employers” on job boards.
Check MyVisaJobs or H‑1B filer databases to see companies’ track records.
Network on LinkedIn, join expat forums, or target industries known to hire foreign workers.

FAQ

Which U.S. work visas require employer sponsorship?

Non-immigrant visas like H‑1B, L‑1, O‑1, TN, E‑1/E‑2, R‑1, H‑2A, J‑1 (in most cases), and immigrant visas (EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3) all require an employer to submit a petition on your behalf.

What is the H‑1B visa, and how does it work?

H‑1B is a non-immigrant visa for “specialty occupations” requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Employers file Form I‑129 and a Labor Condition Application. If selected in the annual lottery, you may work up to six years and apply for a green card. Wikipedia

Do startups or small businesses in the U.S. sponsor visas?

Yes—but they’re often cap-exempt if affiliated with nonprofit research or universities. Small companies must demonstrate the ability to pay wages and typically sponsor fewer visas, though well-funded startups still do.

Can I get a green card through a U.S. company sponsorship?

Yes. Employer‑sponsored immigrant visas (EB‑1, EB‑2, EB‑3) lead to permanent residency. This requires labor certification and filing an I‑140 petition on your behalf. travel.state.gov Wikipedia

Are internships or training programs eligible for visa sponsorship?

Under OPT (for F‑1 students) and J‑1 trainee/intern categories, employers can support your work authorization via documentation. These are temporary and often unpaid or modestly paid roles.