The H-1B lottery is the best known route into the U.S. workforce, but it is only one of many. Students, researchers, founders and specialists all have options that do not depend on a random draw each March.
Main work visa
H-1B (lottery, cap 85,000/yr)
Lottery-free options
O-1, L-1, cap-exempt H-1B, EB-2 NIW
Student work
OPT 12 months, +24 months STEM OPT
Green card routes
EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, EB-2/EB-3 PERM
Visa pathways in United States
7 routes, what each one requires, and where it leads.
Building a company in the U.S. through O-1A, E-2 treaty investor, International Entrepreneur Parole or a properly structured H-1B.
Who it's for
International founders with traction, funding or a treaty-country passport.
Duration
Varies by route (E-2 renewable indefinitely)
Work rights
Work for your own company when governance is structured correctly
Path to residence
EB-1A or EB-2 NIW once the venture shows impact
Your startup can sponsor you if a board or third party controls your employment
IEP requires qualified U.S. investment of $311,071+
Getting to permanent residence
Most U.S. permanent residence runs through employment categories: EB-1A and EB-2 NIW allow self-petition, while EB-2/EB-3 need an employer and PERM labor certification. Country-of-birth backlogs are the single biggest timing factor.
•H-1B registration opens each March for an October start.
•Maintaining status matters more than any single filing - never let a gap open.
Salary thresholds, fees and processing rules change frequently. Figures are indicative and for educational purposes only, not legal advice - always confirm with the official government source or a licensed adviser.
