H / L / O / P

H / L / O / P · United States

Temporary categories have individual criteria. Where required, an approved petition precedes the consular application; it does not guarantee a visa.

What to check before applying

Guides to the main routes, not a list of every existing visa. Nationality, residence, age, family and consulate can change the required evidence.

Documents to organise

Prepare these documents and confirm your personalized checklist with the official source. Conditional items apply only when required for your case.

• Valid passport or travel document
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Identity document used for international travel.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Apply or renew with your country of nationality’s issuing authority or consulate. Check the required validity and pages to submit.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Category application, completed and signed where required
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Official application containing your details and intended category.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Open the form on the route’s official portal. Use the current version, complete applicable fields and follow signing and submission instructions.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Photograph meeting the specifications
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Identification photo with specified dimensions and framing.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Check the authority’s specifications before taking the photo. Ask for the required format and check background, date, dimensions and digital or printed submission.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Employer authorisation, sponsorship or petition where the route requires it
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Approval, sponsorship or petition that may precede a work application.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Confirm the required process and applicant with the employer. Obtain the reference and official decision or evidence; an ordinary company letter may not replace authorization.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗

Depending on your case and the official checklist

• Contract or job offer accepted for the category
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Document describing the job offer and its terms.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Ask the employer for the offer or contract required for the category. Check role, pay, duration, company details and required signatures.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Diplomas, transcripts and qualification recognition
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Diploma, academic transcript and any required qualification recognition.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Request the diploma and transcript from your institution. If assessment or recognition is required, use the body designated by the immigration or professional authority; this is separate from translation.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Evidence of experience and professional licensing
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Evidence of work performed and any required professional authorization.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Request employer references and professional-body documents where applicable. Compare with the official checklist: duties, dates, hours and pay may be needed.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗
• Evidence of lawful residence in the application jurisdiction
  ⓘWhat it is and how to get it＋

  What it is

  Evidence of lawful status in the country where you apply.

  How to obtain it and what to check

  Obtain the document from that country’s immigration authority. Check whether your status permits applying at that consulate and meets the required validity.

  Read this route’s official instructions ↗

How to proceed

1. 1

   Choose the category and check the authority/consulate checklist for your place of residence.

2. 2

   Ask the employer to complete the prior authorisation or sponsorship required by this route.

3. 3

   Use the official channel linked in the source and keep receipts. Attend interviews or biometrics when requested.

4. 4

   After the decision, check entry conditions, local registration, residence and permitted activities.

Fees, processing and validity

Check the authority’s current fee schedule before paying. Separate the application fee from translation, examination, insurance and optional service costs. Processing may depend on location, category and requests for further evidence. Validity is stated in the decision or issued document.

Official sources

U.S. Department of State

Check fees, minimum income, document validity and timing with the route source. Confirm translations and legalisation with the responsible consulate. Visa, entry, residence and permission to work are different steps; approval is not guaranteed.

Information for lawful migration. PassyGo does not issue visas or replace individual advice from a qualified professional.