US Visas for IT Professionals
Software engineers, data and product people usually go for O-1, EB-2 NIW, employer-sponsored EB-3, L-1 for intracompany transfers, or H-1B. If the H-1B lottery did not work out, O-1 and NIW are the common alternatives. Consultation $150.
Selecting the visa type
Full-service support
Reducing rejection risks
Find out which U.S. visa is right for you
Get a consultation and an objective assessment of your chances from an immigration lawyer
You have more visa options than you think
There are at least 10 U.S. visas that are suitable for IT professionals:
EB-1A
A green card for people recognized in their field. No employer needed. More on EB-1
EB-2 NIW
A green card without an employer if your work matters to the US. A common route for strong engineers and researchers. More on NIW
EB2 and EB3
Employer-sponsored green cards - EB-2 for advanced degrees, EB-3 for bachelor's degrees and skilled workers. More on EB-3
H-1B
A work visa for up to 3 years, extendable to 6, for degree holders with a US employer, selected by lottery.
L-1
For managers and key specialists your company transfers to its US office, first period up to 1 or 3 years. More on L-1
O-1
Up to 3 years for people with extraordinary achievements, needs a US employer or agent. More on O-1
DV-lottery
Chance to win a green card for 10 years.
F-1
Student visa for studying in the U.S.
Family reunification
Visa for close relatives of U.S. citizens or residents.
For successful immigration to the USA it is important to:
Choose the right visa type
You need to match your situation with the US visa rules. It is important to choose a visa that will provide the shortest path to immigration.
Fill out the forms correctly
This is the first step in applying for a visa. Many people are rejected due to mistakes and inaccuracies. It's a shame to get a refusal after months of waiting.
Collect a full package of documents
You need to know exactly what documents will be required in your case and what else they may request. Documents are your rear. This is the only way you can confirm your right to a visa.
Prepare for the interview
The interview at the embassy is a crucial final stage. It is important to predict what questions the visa officer will ask and prepare the right answers.
Our experience will save you time and increase your chances of getting a visa
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have been assisting clients with immigration matters and helping with the processing of complex visas. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control issues.
Effective strategy for your case
We analyze the situation.
We choose the appropriate visa type.
We assess your real chances of success.
We create a well-thought-out step-by-step strategy.
Result: You get a clear plan of action for your visa application. No chaos, no rush.
Assistance with petitions and documents
We fill out the forms and petitions on your behalf.
We create an accurate list of documents you need to collect.
We provide consultation at every stage.
Result: You avoid mistakes and proceed thoughtfully with the support of experienced lawyers.
Interview preparation
We help you schedule the embassy interview.
We prepare you for the conversation with the visa officer.
We anticipate the likely questions and craft answers. We provide useful recommendations.
Result: You confidently answer questions and significantly increase your chances of getting the visa.
Handling organizational matters
We monitor the progress of your case and react to any changes.
We schedule your medical examination.
We arrange document translation.
Result: The process goes smoothly, and you are never left alone with your questions.
Individual chat with lawyers
We will create a personal chat in a messenger convenient for you. Together with you in the chat there will be a team of lawyers who will accompany the entire process in real time:
provide you with recommendations
answer questions
prepare documents
At certain stages of the work, you will have personal online consultations with a leading specialist or lawyer.
As a result, you will:
Get a real chance for immigration to the USA
Save time and effort on document preparation
Focus on your matters while we manage the process
Want to discuss cooperation or ask a question?
Our lawyers are available. Leave a request and get a consultation.
Why it is better to go this way with us
We are not a travel agency, not bloggers, and not “amateurs” who have applied for 10+ visas and consider themselves professionals.
We are immigration lawyers and have worked in immigration for almost 20 years.
Philipp Orlov
Owner of ReLocate, Immigration Lawyer
A team of professional lawyers will work on your case
Alina Bondarenko
paralegal
Yulia Golinevich
immigration expert
Victoria Ergakova
paralegal
Anastasia Tereshkina
paralegal
Natalia Chatskis
family and parental rights lawyer
Cost of visa processing
All options for IT people in detail are in our guide moving to the US for IT, all prices are on the price list.
from 10000 usd
EB-3 visa
from 4000 usd
O-1 visa
from 5500 usd
L-1 visa
from 10000 usd
EB-2 and EB-2 NIW
from 10000 usd
EB-1 visa
2500 usd
H-1B visa
*Official fees are calculated and paid separately. During the consultation, we will calculate the total cost of support with all official payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
In which cases can a green card be obtained without an employer?
There are two options: EB-1A for individuals with extraordinary achievements and EB-2 NIW if your experience and projects are valuable to the U.S. No sponsor-employer is needed in these categories, but you must prove your qualifications.
What is the difference between H-1B, L-1, and O-1?
H-1B is a work visa for specialists with higher education.
L-1 is a visa for transferring employees within an international company.
O-1 is a visa for specialists with extraordinary achievements that requires proof of success.
Can the H-1B visa be changed to a green card?
Yes, if the employer files a petition for a green card under the EB-2 or EB-3 categories. However, you must meet the requirements for these visa categories.
If I want to open an IT business in the U.S., which visa is best to apply for?
Two options to consider: L-1 visa if you already have a business outside the U.S., or EB-2 NIW visa if your business project will significantly benefit the U.S.
Can I apply directly for a green card without a temporary work visa?
Yes, if you meet the requirements for EB-1A or EB-2 NIW. You can apply for the petition directly.
What evidence is required to process EB-1A and EB-2 NIW?
Each situation will have its own list of required evidence. For EB-1A, suitable evidence could include publications in reputable media, awards, participation in conferences, recommendations. For EB-2 NIW, evidence of the importance of your work to the U.S. is required.
Can I move to the U.S. with my family on a work visa?
Yes, H-1B, L-1, and O-1 visas allow you to bring your family—spouse and children. However, not all visa types allow them to work in the U.S.
Can an IT specialist get a visa without a higher education?
Yes, but the options are limited. You can try O-1, EB-1A, or L-1 if you have strong experience.
Can I bring my parents to the U.S. with a work visa or green card?
No, neither a work visa nor a green card allows you to bring your parents. This is only possible after obtaining U.S. citizenship.
Can I include my spouse and children in the green card petition (EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, EB-2, EB-3)?
Yes, when applying for a green card, you can include your spouse and children under 21. They will receive the green card along with you.
How much does a US visa for an IT professional cost?
It depends on the visa. O-1 help starts at $4,000, L-1 at $5,500, H-1B is $2,500, and EB-1, EB-2 NIW and EB-3 green cards start at $10,000. Government fees are separate, the estimate for your case comes at a $150 consultation.