Table 5
Annual numerical limit, number of visas granted in fiscal 2013, and period of stay for the most common nonimmigrant visa classifications that permit employment
| Visa classification | Annual numerical limit | Total visas granted, fiscal 2013 | Period of stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B | 65,000 (for-profit employers); 20,000 additionally available for workers possessing master’s degree and working for a for-profit employer; no annual limit for non-profit and research organizations | 153,223 | Six years; renewable annually until a permanent residence visa becomes available, if employer has petitioned for an immigrant visa or filed for permanent labor certification |
| H-2A | No annual limit | 74,192 | Typically 10 months, but also renewable in one-year increments up to three years |
| H-2B | 66,000 | 57,600 | Typically 10 months, but also renewable in one-year increments up to three years |
| L-1 | No annual limit | 66,700 | Seven years for managers and executives (L-1A); five years for employees with “specialized knowledge” (L-1B) |
| O-1 | No annual limit | 12,359 | Up to three years; renewable in one-year increments at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services discretion |
| P-1 | No annual limit | 23,269 | 10 years for athletes and essential support personnel |
| TN | No annual limit | 9,548 | Up to three years; may petition for extension or depart U.S. and apply for new three-year period |
| F-1 | No annual limit | 534,320; 123,328 for OPT | Duration of academic program; one year of OPT; 29 months for OPT with qualifying STEM degree |
| A-3 | No annual limit | 1,135 | Initially valid for up to three years, and may be extended in two-year increments. However, Department of State practice is to issue for a maximum period of 24 months, and the visa is renewable. Overall, length of stay may not exceed that of the employer. |
| G-5 | No annual limit | 736 | Initially valid for up to three years, and may be extended in two-year increments. However, Department of State practice is to issue for a maximum period of 24 months, and the visa is renewable. Overall, length of stay may not exceed that of the employer. |
| J-1 | No annual limit, except in Summer Work Travel (SWT) program (109,000) | 312,522; 91,763 for SWT (fiscal 2012) | Duration of program; four months for SWT; 12 months for interns; 18 months for trainees, three years for teachers |
| B-1 | No annual limit | 41,956 | Duration of visa approved by State Department; admission normally valid for six months |
Source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, accessed July 2014; U.S. Department of State, “Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics”; U.S. Department of State, “J-1 Visa Basics: Facts and Figures”; U.S. Department of State, Foreign Affairs Manual; Immigration and Nationality Act
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