Compare United States visas side by side
Picking between two similar routes is where most people get stuck. These guides put the most-confused US visas next to each other - cost, processing time, work rights and the pathway to permanent residence.
Guides
14 comparisons
Source
travel.state.gov
Updated
June 2026
H-1B vs L-1A vs O-1H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa vs L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) vs O-1 Extraordinary Ability VisaH-1B vs E-3H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa vs E-3 Specialty Occupation Visa (Australians)L-1A vs L-1BL-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) vs L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialized Knowledge)EB-1 vs EB-2 vs EB-3EB-1 Priority Worker Green Card vs EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card vs EB-3 Skilled Worker Green CardEB-2 vs EB-5EB-2 Advanced Degree / NIW Green Card vs EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green CardE-2 vs EB-5E-2 Treaty Investor Visa vs EB-5 Immigrant Investor Green CardK-1 vs IR-1/CR-1K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa vs IR-1/CR-1 Spouse of US Citizen Green CardF-1 vs J-1 vs M-1F-1 Academic Student Visa vs J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa vs M-1 Vocational Student VisaB-1/B-2 vs ESTA/VWPB-1/B-2 Visitor Visa (Business/Tourism) vs Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)O-1 vs EB-1O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa vs EB-1 Priority Worker Green CardTN vs H-1BTN USMCA Professional Visa vs H-1B Specialty Occupation VisaJ-1 vs H-1BJ-1 Exchange Visitor Visa vs H-1B Specialty Occupation VisaL-1A vs EB-1L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Manager/Executive) vs EB-1 Priority Worker Green CardH-2A vs H-2BH-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa vs H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa
Figures are indicative for 2025-26 and government fees and rules change. Confirm current costs and processing times at travel.state.gov before applying. General information only - not immigration advice.