# Options for Noncitizen STEM Professionals to Work in the United States

                -       English    
                -  中文 
                -  한국어 
****View additional languages
                  -  Русский 

The United States has long been a destination for top talent from all over the world. Our ability to attract global talent—especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)—has spurred path-breaking innovation, leading to the creation of jobs, new industries, and new opportunities for all Americans.

This online resource provides an overview of some of the temporary and permanent pathways for noncitizens to work in the United States in STEM fields. This guide also highlights some of the most important considerations for STEM professionals contemplating working in the United States. Subsequent sections outline these pathways in more detail.

More information on how to apply is available on uscis.gov for both temporary and permanent pathways as well as for optional practical training for students. In addition, a general guide to employment in the United States can be found in the Working in the United States section of uscis.gov. You may wish to consult with an attorney to evaluate the best classification for you.

**Key Questions to Consider When Choosing a STEM Pathway**

***Do I have the education, experience, or skills needed to qualify?***

Some pathways, such as the O-1 nonimmigrant visa classification and the EB-1A immigrant visa classification, are for those with “extraordinary ability.” These require that a person have widespread and sustained acclaim. Others, such as the H-1B, require at least a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent. And others, such as the L-1, require a pre-existing relationship with a company that does business both in the United States and abroad.

***Do I need to have a job offer? Do I need a company to submit a petition for me?***

Most pathways require you to already have a job offer, in which case an employer will submit a petition to USCIS on your behalf. However, some classifications do not require a job offer and permit you to directly submit an application or petition with USCIS (“self-petitioning”). For example, if you are seeking lawful permanent resident status (a Green Card) based on a classification as an individual with “extraordinary ability” (the EB-1A category), you do not need a job offer and do not need an employer to file the immigrant petition on your behalf (meaning, you may self-petition). Although a job offer is not required in this example, you must provide evidence establishing that you are coming to the United States to continue work in your area of expertise.

***Will I be working in the United States on a permanent basis as a lawful permanent resident, or will I be working on a temporary basis as a nonimmigrant?***

Some opportunities provide a basis for individuals, including STEM professionals, to obtain permanent resident status in the United States. Permanent resident status allows you to live and work in the United States permanently, and typically provides you with a path to citizenship. These opportunities are known as “immigrant” pathways.

Others (for example, F-1 OPT, H-1B, L-1 and O-1), also known as “nonimmigrant” pathways, allow you to temporarily live and work in the United States. Many people who do work through one of these nonimmigrant pathways eventually transition to permanent resident pathways, and eventually U.S. citizenship.

***Are there any other criteria that are required for a specific pathway?***

Some criteria that are not directly related to professional qualifications can affect visa eligibility. For instance, only citizens of Canada and Mexico qualify for TN visas. In addition, there can be some timing or other requirements particular to certain pathways. For example, some immigrant pathways require the employer to first obtain an approved labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. The labor certification verifies that there are insufficient able, available, qualified, and willing U.S. workers to fill the position and that such employment will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. citizens.

## Summary of Pathways for STEM Employment in the United States

**Nonimmigrant (Temporary) Pathways**

For more details, see our Nonimmigrant Pathways for STEM Employment in the United States page.

**Immigrant (Permanent) Pathways**

Lawful permanent residents may work in the United States without restriction. Before you obtain permanent resident status, you may be able to apply for employment authorization when you file an application to adjust your status to lawful permanent resident. 

For more details, see our Immigrant Pathways for STEM Employment in the United States page.

中文 (PDF, 253.39 KB)  | 한국어 (PDF, 322.1 KB)  | Русский (PDF, 280.01 KB)

07/31/2023

0 / 2000To protect your privacy, please do not include any personal information in your feedback. Review our Privacy Policy.