VISAs in the US are real, especially in the tech world. After some years of research and living the struggle of VISAs myself, I decided to write down all my knowledge. Hopefully, it can be helpful for non-Americans trying to come to the US, and/or for people in the US who want to learn more about what their friends have to do in order to legally stay in this country.
I will only talk about the VISAs related to tech people, but tons of other VISAs exist. You can find the list here.
I currently have an H1B, and I’m in the process of getting a green card!L1 —> H1B —> green card
ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is not a VISA per se, but kinda is, and is valid for a maximum of 90 days. You need to apply for an ESTA when you want to come to the US as a tourist. Most ESTAs are approved automatically. So if my parents want to visit me in SF, they will need to apply for this visa.
All work VISAs must have a sponsor, which is usually an American company.
This is probably the most well-known VISAs of all tech workers, also my current VISA. This VISA is valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years, only once. In order to get it, you need to get selected for the H1B lottery. There is about a 25% chance to win this golden ticket.
In 2021, there were 308,613 applicants for 87,500 selected, which is a 28% chance to get it. (details)
After being selected, lucky winners can legally enter and work in the US on H1B starting on October 1st of the same year.
Tricks exist in order to extend indefinitely, for instance when you have a valid I140, see more details in the green card section down below.
This is the VISA that I used when I first worked in San Francisco. This VISA is valid for 5 years and cannot be extended.L1, by the full name L1 Intracompany Transferee, is used for people working for 12+ months in an American company outside of the US. After 12+ months, they’re allowed to transfer within the same company inside the US. This VISA has some pros and cons, cons being that you cannot change your job, ever. If you want to change your job/employer, you need another VISA like H1B.
Lots of people start with L1, then apply every year for H1B until they get the lottery.
What I personally did was to work at Uber in Amsterdam for 12+ months (actually 24 months because I liked it) and then I was able to move to SF.