Work Visa Eligibility Calculator — United States

The H-1B visa is subject to an annual statutory cap of 65,000 visas (plus 20,000 for US master's degree holders). USCIS receives far more petitions than available visas each year — in 2024, approximately 780,000 registrations competed for 85,000 slots, giving an approximate 18% selection rate. Employers register electronically in March, and selections are announced in April. Cap-exempt employers (universities, non-profits affiliated with universities, government research organizations) can file H-1B petitions year-round without the lottery.

The TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in approximately 63 listed professional categories under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). Common categories: accountants, engineers (all disciplines), lawyers (LLB/JD + Canadian bar admission for Canadian citizens), scientists, pharmacists, management consultants, computer systems analysts, architects, and medical/dental professionals. The position must match a listed category and the applicant must hold the required qualifications. Canadians can apply at the port of entry same day — no consular appointment required.

Yes, and most do. H-1B is a 'dual intent' visa, meaning you can simultaneously hold H-1B status and pursue an employment-based green card (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3). The green card process through employment typically requires: (1) PERM labor certification (7–24 months); (2) I-140 immigrant petition approval (3–12 months); (3) waiting for your priority date to become current (immediate for most countries; 10+ years for India EB-2); (4) filing I-485 adjustment of status or consular processing.