Moving to the US for IT: Which Visa or Migration Program is Right for You? A Complete Guide

IT specialists are still very much in demand and highly paid almost all over the world. And you also have a unique opportunity to work and live anywhere in the world. The United States is a country that offers maximum opportunities for realizing potential, which makes it so tempting for talented specialists. However, the US immigration system is not simple. In this guide, we will help you at least to start deciding on the direction in which you should move. And if you want to dive deeper, then start by following the links to official sites, visit our YouTube channel, where we share many videos on this topic. And when you figure it out, please do not try to go this way alone - write to us, and we will help you do everything right.

Visas related to the IT sphere

In this section, we analyze visa options related to work in IT.

These visas can be divided into immigrant - provide an opportunity to obtain a green card, and non-immigrant - provide a temporary stay with an extension. Some of them require an employer in the United States. Others allow you to apply for a visa on your own.

EB-1A for outstanding specialists

This is a visa for people with outstanding abilities in their field of activity. It can be obtained by IT specialists with special achievements and contributions to the industry. International and national awards, publications in reputable publications, commercial success in IT, etc. are taken into account.

Visa type: immigrant. With this visa, you can apply for a green card. You will have the right to live and work in the United States without restrictions.

Link to the government website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1

What opportunities does it provide: green card, the ability to move your family - your spouse and unmarried children under 21, work in any company or open a business.

Who can get it: IT specialists with outstanding achievements.

Is an employer needed: no. How to apply for a visa?The first step is to collect evidence of your achievements. It is important to prove that you meet at least 3 of the 10 criteria (or have one major internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize):

• nationally or internationally recognized awards for excellence in your field;
• membership in professional associations that require outstanding achievements of their members;
• publications about you in reputable publications;
• judging in competitions and reviewing scientific papers;
• contribution to innovation and the presence of patented technologies;
• high salary compared to other industry specialists;
• a leading or critical role in organizations with a distinguished reputation;
• your author's publications in specialized publications;
• display of your work at exhibitions (rare in IT);
• commercial success - under the regulation, only in the performing arts, shown by box office receipts or record sales.

If the criteria do not readily apply to your occupation, the regulation allows comparable evidence.

The next step is to fill out and submit the I-140 petition. Once approved, you submit Form DS-260 if you are outside the United States. Then you just need to collect documents for the interview, have a successful conversation with the visa officer, and get a visa.

If you are already in America, then you submit Form I-485 to change your status. If the form is approved, you will receive a green card.

EB-2 NIW for talented specialists

This is a visa for talented experts who have an idea for a project in the IT field, the implementation of which can serve the national interests of the United States. The main task is to prove your value to the country.

Visa type: immigrant.

Link to the government website: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-eb-2-national-interest-waiver-petitions What opportunities does it provide: green card, the ability to move your family - your spouse and unmarried children under 21, live and work in the United States without restrictions.

Who can get it: IT specialists with an advanced degree or exceptional ability and a project (business plan) in the national interests of the United States.

Is an employer needed: no.

How to apply for a visa? Evaluate whether you meet the criteria. For EB-2, you need a master's degree or higher (or a bachelor's degree plus 5 years of progressive experience in the specialty) or exceptional ability. The criteria are covered in the EB-2 section below. Since January 2025, USCIS has stated clearly that it first checks whether you qualify for EB-2 and only then looks at the waiver itself.

The NIW (National Interest Waiver) criteria determine whether your project really meets the interests of the United States. US immigration authorities use the three-prong Matter of Dhanasar test, which includes:

• the importance of the project. Your work must bring significant benefits to key areas of the United States - the economy, security, medicine, etc.;
• the level of qualification.It is important to prove that you are able to implement this project and achieve the stated results. Successful experience in previous IT companies may be taken into account, awards, availability of already implemented unique solutions;
• US interest.You need to show that it benefits the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. Prove that you will bring more benefit to the US if you can work freely and develop your activities.

Collect all possible evidence that you meet these criteria. Then fill out and submit the I-140 petition. After its approval, submit the I-485 or DS-260 form. The final step is to pass the interview.

EB-2 for professionals with exceptional ability

Visa for professionals with higher education or exceptional skills.

Visa type: immigrant.

Link to government website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2

What opportunities does it provide: green card, the ability to move your family, work for a specific employer with the right to change jobs.

Who can get it: IT specialist with higher education (master's degree and above), with a bachelor's degree + 5 years of work experience or exceptional abilities.

Do I need an employer: Yes.

How to apply for a visa? You must meet one of two criteria: higher education or exceptional ability. To prove exceptional ability, you must meet at least 3 of the following:

• a degree or other form of academic training related to your profession;
• at least 10 years of professional experience;
• certification or licensing in your field;
• membership in professional organizations, associations;
• high salary compared to other specialists;
• significant contribution to the industry.

If you meet the necessary criteria and can prove it, the next step is to find an employer in the United States. The employer must obtain PERM labor certification from the US Department of Labor and prove that there are no able, willing and qualified US workers for the position.

Once PERM is approved, the process is standard. Completing and filing the I-140 petition. Then you wait in the Visa Bulletin queue. You can file the DS-260 or I-485 when your priority date is current, and the wait depends on your country of birth. Then comes the interview and the visa or green card.

EB-3 for mid-skilled workers

This is a visa for workers with a mid-skill level, who do not have a master's degree in their field, but have at least minimal work experience. Visa type: immigrant.

Link to government website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-third-preference-eb-3

What opportunities does it provide: green card, the ability to move your family, long-term employment.

Who can get it: IT specialist with a bachelor's degree. As well as qualified workers who have undergone special training and have at least 2 years of work experience. Do you need an employer: Yes.

How to apply for a visa? For this visa, you only need to confirm your education or training and work experience. Then everything is the same as for EB-2. Find an employer. The employer obtains PERM labor certification. Submit the I-140 petition. Wait for your priority date in the Visa Bulletin, then submit I-485 or DS-260 and pass the interview.

O-1 for people with extraordinary ability

A visa for people with extraordinary ability that does not lead to a green card. The requirements are similar to EB-1A, but less stringent.

Visa type: nonimmigrant. The first approval is for up to 3 years. After that, it can be extended in increments of up to 1 year to continue the same work. There is no limit on the number of extensions.

Link to the government website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement

What opportunities does it provide:employment, the ability to move your family (without the right to work), the ability to change employers.

Who can get it: IT specialist with international or national achievements and recognition in the industry. Is an employer needed: Yes. An agent can also be used instead of an employer. This could be a recruiting center, producer, manager.

How to apply for a visa? Collecting a list of achievements. You need to prove that you meet at least 3 of the 8 criteria (or have a major internationally recognized award):

• national or international awards;
• publications about you in major media;
• membership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members;
• judging the work of others (hackathon juries, peer review);
• scientific publications;
• contribution to the development of the field;
• high salary;
• a critical role in organizations with a distinguished reputation.

Expert recommendation letters are needed in the package, but they are not a separate criterion.

Have you met 3 or more criteria and can prove them? Then you can move on. The next step is to find an employer or agent. Then the employer files the I-129 petition. Once approved, you fill out the DS-160, prepare documents, and go through an interview at the embassy.

L for executives and employees of international companies

The visa is suitable for executives, managers, and valuable employees of international IT companies. You must have a real operating office in the United States or plans to open one. The US office must be legally connected to the parent company as a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

Visa type: nonimmigrant. The first petition is approved for up to 3 years, or 1 year for a new office in the US. Extensions are granted in increments of up to 2 years. The total limit is 7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B.

Link to the government website: L-1A https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1a-intracompany-transferee-executive-or-manager

L-1B https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/l-1b-intracompany-transferee-specialized-knowledge

What opportunities does it provide: employment, the opportunity to move your family with the right to work in the United States. With an L-1A visa, you can apply for a green card in the EB-1C category for multinational executives and managers.

Who can get it: The L-1A visa is issued to managers and executives who have worked for a related company abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years and are transferring to a managerial or executive role in the US office. The L-1B visa is issued to employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, technology, and processes. This knowledge does not have to be unique. Is an employer required: Yes.

How to apply for a visa? The employer files Form I-129 with Supplement I-129L, as well as evidence of an office in the United States and your qualifications. Once approved, you complete Form DS-160, prepare documents, and go through an interview at the embassy.

H-1B for work of specialists with higher education

This is a work visa for foreign specialists who have a bachelor's degree in the field of activity for which they plan to apply, as well as an offer from an employer in the United States.

Visa type: nonimmigrant. Valid for 3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 6 years maximum.

Link to the government website: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations What opportunities does it provide: employment, the opportunity to move your family with the right to live and study in the United States. In the future, you can apply for a green card by switching to EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visas.

Who can get it: specialists with a bachelor's degree or higher. Is an employer needed: Yes.

How to apply for a visa? The first step is to find an employer willing to register you in the H-1B lottery. Registration takes place in March, and the fee is $215. Since the 2026 season (FY 2027), the selection has been weighted. A registration with a Level IV wage for your occupation and area under the Department of Labor scale is entered into the selection four times, Level III three times, Level II twice, and Level I once. Each year there are 65,000 visas plus 20,000 for graduates of US master's programs.

If your registration is selected, the employer obtains a certified LCA from the US Department of Labor. It is a commitment to pay at least what similar employees earn and no less than the prevailing wage. After that, and no earlier than April 1, the employer files the I-129 petition with your employment contract and evidence of your qualifications.

There is a separate risk - the $100,000 payment. A presidential proclamation of September 19, 2025 requires it for petitions filed on or after September 21, 2025 for workers outside the US who do not have a valid H-1B visa. In September 2026, it was extended until September 21, 2027. However, on June 8, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts vacated the guidance on collecting the payment. The appeal did not stay that decision, and for now USCIS is complying with it. DHS has also proposed a $103,265 fee for all cap-subject petitions, which is still only a proposal. Before filing, check the status of the payment on the H-1B page of the USCIS website.

Once your petition is approved, you complete the DS-160 and prepare for your interview.

Alternative options

These are visas that are not directly related to the IT profession. They can be used by anyone who meets the criteria for receiving them. If you are serious about moving to the United States, we recommend that you consider all visa options.

Green Card Lottery (DV Lottery)

This is the most accessible way to obtain the right to immigrate to the United States in terms of requirements - no employer and no investment needed. Registration costs $1 (the fee was introduced on September 16, 2025), and a selected entrant pays a $330 consular fee when applying for the visa. Up to 55,000 green cards are available through the DV Lottery each year.

To participate, 2 criteria are enough:

• be a citizen of a country with a low level of immigration to the United States. The list of countries whose citizens cannot participate in the lottery changes every year. You can check your country in the official DV Program instructions.
• have completed secondary education comparable to 12 years of school in the US, or at least 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years in an occupation that requires specialized knowledge.

You can check your occupation on the website https://www.onetonline.org/. It must be at least Job Zone 4 or 5 (SVP 7.0+).

Registration usually ran in October and November through the website https://dvprogram.state.gov/. But DV-2027 did not open in the fall of 2025. On November 5, 2025, the State Department announced that it was changing the entry process and would announce the dates later. As of October 9, 2026, there are no dates yet. Since April 10, 2026, an entry must include the details of a valid passport and a scan of its biographic and signature page.

If you are married, we recommend submitting 2 applications - one from you and one from your spouse. This doubles your chances. If one of you gets a green card, the other will be an additional applicant in the case.

The results are usually published in May. For DV-2027, the State Department has promised to announce the date separately. It is important to monitor the results on the website yourself - no one reports them in person.

Winning the lottery does not guarantee immigration. If your application is selected, you will have to submit documents for a visa and have an interview with a visa officer. Only there will you receive a final verdict - whether your immigration is approved or not.

F-1 Student Visa

This is a non-immigrant visa for students who are applying to study in the United States. For now, the stay is tied to the length of study (duration of status). A DHS rule setting a fixed period of stay was due to take effect on September 15, 2026, but a court postponed it. As a rule, F-1 visas are obtained by students of:

• US colleges and universities;
• private high schools;
• academic language courses;
• music schools, art academies, conservatories.

Before admission, we recommend checking whether your educational institution gives the right to a visa. This can be done on the website https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search.

To apply for a visa, you need to receive Form I-20 from the school, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), and fill out Form DS-160. Then we collect documents and go through an interview with a visa officer.

Family Reunification

This is the most reliable path to a green card if your immediate relative is a U.S. citizen or green card holder. The visa category available to you depends on the degree of your relationship.

Through family reunification with a U.S. citizen, the following can immigrate:

• spouses;
• fiancés and fiancées (a separate K-1 visa, Form I-129F);
• unmarried children under 21;
• married and unmarried adult children are different visa categories with different waiting periods;
• parents of a U.S. citizen, if he or she has reached the age of 21;
• brothers and sisters, if the U.S. citizen is at least 21.

By family reunification with a green card holder the following can immigrate:

• spouses and
• children under 21;
• unmarried children over 21.

A family visa is processed in stages. First, your sponsor (relative in the US) files an I-130 petition. It is reviewed by USCIS. If there are no questions, the petition and documents are transferred to the National Visa Center.

After their approval, you fill out the DS-260 form and submit a package of documents to the embassy. The final step is an interview with a visa officer.

Immigration to the US is one of the most difficult in the world. The slightest mistake or inaccuracy delays the process and leads to a refusal. If you are not ready to experiment and want to increase your chances from the start, enlist the support of our immigration lawyers.