Which type of visa is typically used for temporary work in the U.S.?

The H-1B Visa is specifically designed for individuals seeking temporary employment in a specialty occupation in the United States. It allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specific professional roles, such as those requiring theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields like IT, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. The H-1B Visa has a defined duration of stay, typically up to three years, with the possibility of extension, making it ideal for companies looking to fill specific workforce needs on a temporary basis.

In contrast, the F-1 Visa is primarily intended for international students who wish to study in the U.S. rather than for work purposes. The O-1 Visa is designated for individuals with extraordinary ability in their respective fields, allowing them to work temporarily in the U.S., but it is not as general-purpose as the H-1B Visa. The I-140, meanwhile, is not a visa but a form used in the employment-based immigration process, typically related to permanent residency applications, and does not pertain to temporary work at all. This highlights the H-1B Visa’s distinct role in facilitating temporary employment for skilled foreign workers.