Not every visa that allows for entry into the United States also permits you to work. You will need a special type of visa to be allowed to work in this country. Otherwise, you would be violating the conditions of your visa, and it can mean both your removal from the country and an inability to enter the United States in the future. An experienced Florida immigration law attorney can help you apply for the proper type of visa that suits your needs, and they can handle the paperwork on your behalf.
Do Non-Immigrant Visas Allow You to Work in the United States?
Not all nonimmigrant visas allow you to work in the United States. Some visas, like the H-1B (for specialty occupations), L-1 (intra-company transferees), and O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), explicitly authorize employment for a specific employer. Others, like the F-1 student visa, may allow limited work under certain conditions, such as on-campus jobs or through programs like OPT (Optional Practical Training). However, many nonimmigrant visas, such as B-1/B-2 visitor visas, do not permit any employment while in the U.S.
Unauthorized work on a visa that doesn't allow it can lead to serious immigration consequences, including denial of future visas or removal. Always check the specific terms and conditions of your visa and consult an immigration attorney if you are unsure about your work eligibility because you can face significant consequences.
Immigrant Visas That Allow You to Work in Florida
Immigrant visas that allow you to work in the United States (including Florida) are commonly referred to as employment-based immigrant visas or green cards. These visas grant permanent resident status and, importantly, the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. The U.S. immigration system offers several categories of employment-based immigrant visas, each serving different groups of workers with various skills and qualifications.
EB-1: Priority Workers
This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; outstanding professors and researchers; and certain multinational executives and managers. No labor certification is required, and applicants can often self-petition, especially if applying under the "extraordinary ability" subcategory.
EB-2: Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability
This visa is for individuals holding advanced degrees or possessing exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business. Most EB-2 applicants must go through the PERM labor certification process to prove that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the job. However, a National Interest Waiver (NIW) can bypass this requirement if the applicant's work is deemed beneficial to the U.S.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
The EB-3 category covers a broad group of workers, including skilled workers (with at least two years of experience), professionals (with a bachelor's degree), and unskilled workers (for positions requiring less than two years of experience). This category generally requires labor certification and a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer.
EB-4: Special Immigrants
This category includes religious workers, employees of certain international organizations, U.S. government employees abroad, and other special immigrants. Many EB-4 categories are exempt from the labor certification requirement that would otherwise add time on to your application
EB-5: Immigrant Investors
The EB-5 visa is for individuals who invest a minimum of $800,000–$1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. This visa leads to a green card and is a direct path to lawful permanent residence.
Each of these immigrant visas results in lawful permanent resident status, which allows the holder to work for any employer in the U.S. and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. Given the complexity of the application process, consulting an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended.
Nonimmigrant Visas for Foreign Workers in the United States
Nonimmigrant visas are temporary visas granted to foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for a specific purpose and period of time. Unlike immigrant visas, which lead to permanent residency, nonimmigrant visas are designed for those who plan to visit, study, work temporarily, or participate in cultural or business activities in the U.S.
There are many types of nonimmigrant visas, each tailored to a particular need. For example, the B-1/B-2 visa is for business or tourism visits, while the F-1 visa is issued to international students enrolled in accredited academic institutions. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require a college degree or equivalent experience. Other common work-related visas include the L-1 (intra-company transferees), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and TN (for Canadian and Mexican professionals under NAFTA/USMCA).
Each nonimmigrant visa comes with specific requirements and limitations, such as duration of stay, eligibility for employment, and travel conditions. Some allow for dependent family members to accompany the primary visa holder. Overstaying or violating visa terms can jeopardize future immigration benefits. Because rules vary widely, consulting an immigration attorney can help ensure compliance and maximize your options under U.S. immigration law.
Call a Florida Immigration Lawyer to Help You Obtain the Right to Work in the United States
An immigration lawyer can be instrumental in helping you obtain the legal right to work in the United States. They begin by evaluating your specific background, education, and goals to determine which visa or employment-based immigration option best fits your circumstances. Whether you are applying for a temporary work visa like an H-1B, an investor visa like the E-2, or seeking permanent residency through employer sponsorship, an attorney ensures that all documentation is accurate and complete, minimizing delays or denials.
Immigration laws are complex and constantly evolving, and a lawyer stays updated on policy changes that can affect your eligibility. They can also represent you in communications with USCIS or during consular processing abroad. If you're facing visa denials or work authorization issues, a trusted Florida immigration lawyer can provide legal remedies or file appeals. Their guidance improves your chances of securing the legal right to work and building a stable future in the U.S.