The US has 6 main work visa pathways and most people apply for the wrong one. H-1B has a 25-35% lottery. O-1 has 92%+ approval with no lottery. The right choice depends on your situation, not your preference.
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Which Visa Fits You?
✅ Tech worker with a job offer: H-1B or O-1
✅ Work for a multinational: L-1 — no lottery, no cap
✅ Founder or freelancer: O-1 with agent sponsor
✅ Want a green card directly: EB-2 NIW (self-petition)
✅ Canadian or Mexican: TN visa — same-day approval
❌ No degree, no offer, no achievements: No US work visa fits. [Consider Netherlands →](/blog/netherlands-highly-skilled-migrant-2026-guide)
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The Complete Comparison
| Visa | Who | Lottery? | Approval | Timeline | Duration | Green Card? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Specialty workers | Yes (25-35%) | High if selected | Oct start | 3+3 years | Yes |
| O-1 | Extraordinary ability | No | 92-96% | 15 days premium | Unlimited extensions | Yes (EB-1) |
| L-1 | Intracompany transfers | No | 75-80% | 2-6 months | 5-7 years | Yes (EB-1C) |
| TN | CA/MX only | No | ~95%+ | Same day | 3 years renewable | Limited |
| EB-2 NIW | Advanced degree | No | Varies | 12-18 months | Permanent | Direct |
What Most People Get Wrong
Applying for H-1B without a backup. 65% don't get selected.
Thinking O-1 requires being famous. You need 3 of 8 criteria. Most mid-career tech professionals qualify.
Ignoring TN. Canadians and Mexicans can skip the lottery entirely.
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