Unsure which work visa you should apply for? Check them out here

There are a lot of interesting and satisfying jobs in Tennessee. We have great music, delicious cuisine and some of the largest manufacturing companies in the country. But with so many visas to choose from, how do you know which one you need?

We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly applied for visas in Tennessee, in the hopes that it will make your meeting with an immigration lawyer go more smoothly.

  • H-1B: Person in a Specialty Occupation. You might need an H-1B visa if you’re in R&D or seeking a government position.
  • H-2A: Temporary Agricultural Worker. You have to be a citizen or a national of a specific country for the H-2A, granted for seasonal agricultural work.
  • H-2B: Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker. All the same rules apply as for an H-A2, except this is the visa you need if you’re not in an agricultural industry.
  • H-3: Trainee or Special Education visitor.  With so many colleges here in Tennessee, we see a lot of requests for the best and brightest in terms of research. The H-3 visa is for immigrants who can’t receive a certain kind of training in their own home country.
  • L: Intracompany Transferee. The L visa is mostly for managers and executives, but any position which requires a specialized knowledge base may prove eligible.
  • O: Individual with Extraordinary Ability of Achievement. The O visa applies to those in the sciences, arts and education, mostly, but outstanding achievements in business, film, TV or sports may also be accepted.

Because Tennessee has so many athletic arenas and music halls, the P visas are popular here, too. A P visa is limited to athletes, artists and entertainers who want to perform here, teach here or be part of a cultural exchange. (A Q visa can be used for that last category, too.)

The most important thing to remember is that immigrant laws are complicated, and applying for a visa without the help of an immigration attorney could be more difficult than you think. If you’re ready to enjoy all Tennessee has to offer, make sure to come see us. We’re always happy to explain the process to you, and help you apply for the right visa for your needs.