Tens of thousands of workers from across the world are invited by the Department of State and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) each year to temporarily join the American workforce in 2025–2026. Seasons, specializations, and skill levels are all catered to by these non-immigrant visas. The finest aspect? You can bring your family with you in some categories, and in some situations, you can even expedite your path to permanent residency (enter dramatic music).
Now, let’s look at these temporary work visas.
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Categories of US Temporary Work Visas With Eligibility Requirements
Here, we will examine the primary temporary work visas available in the United States in 2025, along with the kinds of occupations they cover.
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| Visa Type | For | Annual Cap | Examples of Qualifying Occupations | Apply | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B Visa | Professionals in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher | 85,000 (including 20,000 for U.S. master’s degree holders) | Software Developers, Engineers, Financial Analysts, Physicians, Professors | Apply Here | Lottery-based system, applications usually start in March |
| H-2A Visa | Temporary agricultural work (seasonal or peak-load basis) | No Cap | Crop Pickers, Livestock Handlers, Greenhouse Workers | Apply Here | Work in U.S. farms—think grape picking in California or strawberry harvesting in Florida |
| H-2B Visa | Seasonal or intermittent non-agricultural work | 66,000 | Hotel & Resort Staff, Restaurant Servers, Amusement Park Attendants, Construction Workers | Apply Here | High demand—especially for spring/summer season jobs like Disney parks |
| L-1 Visa | Employees of multinational companies transferring to U.S. offices | No Cap | Senior Managers, Executives, Specialists with company-specific knowledge | Apply Here | Must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 year in the past 3 years |
| O-1 Visa | Individuals with “extraordinary ability” in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics | No Cap | Nobel Prize Scientists, Oscar-nominated Filmmakers, Professional Athletes, Elite Businesspeople | Apply Here | Prestigious but requires substantial proof of extraordinary achievements |
| P Visa | Artists, entertainers, and athletes | No Cap | Rock Bands, Sports Teams, Circus Performers, Film Crews | Apply Here | Ideal for performers with a U.S. gig contract |
| R-1 Visa | Religious workers sponsored by a nonprofit religious organization | No Cap | Ministers, Religious Counselors, Monks, Nuns | Apply Here | Must be a member of the religious group for at least 2 years |
| TN Visa | Professionals from Canada and Mexico under USMCA (formerly NAFTA) | No Cap | Engineers, Lawyers, Pharmacists, Scientists, College Teachers | Apply Here | Quick processing, no lottery, and one of the easiest U.S. work visas |
Do you need a temporary work visa to enter the U.S. labor market? Begin by searching the following platforms:
FAQS
What is a temporary work visa?
Temporary Work Visa is a one-time entry visa granted to professionals who are invited by business organizations to provide specialized, skilled services for a brief period of time.
How long does a temporary US work visa last?
Depending on the category, the duration of the US nonimmigrant visas can vary from three months to ten years. You can live and work in the United States using a number of nonimmigrant visas; the H1B visa is appropriate for long-term employment, while the H2B visa is appropriate for temporary employment.
How long is a temporary work permit?
Temporary work permits may be granted for three, six, or twelve months. (d) A Temporary Work Permit may be renewed indefinitely, subject to subsection 2(1)(c), provided the Board-mandated costs are paid.
