What are the most common work visas for international employees?

1 H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa is one of the most popular work visas for foreign professionals who want to work in the United States. It is designed for workers in specialty occupations that require at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a specific field. The H-1B visa is valid for up to six years, and it allows the visa holder to bring their spouse and children under 21 years old as dependents. However, the H-1B visa is subject to an annual cap of 85,000 visas, which means that the demand often exceeds the supply. Therefore, applicants need to go through a lottery system to get selected for the visa.

2 Tier 2 Visa

The Tier 2 visa is the main work visa for foreign workers who want to work in the United Kingdom. It is divided into four categories: general, intra-company transfer, minister of religion, and sportsperson. The Tier 2 visa is valid for up to five years, and it allows the visa holder to bring their partner and children under 18 years old as dependents. However, the Tier 2 visa requires the applicant to have a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK, and to meet certain salary and skill level thresholds. Moreover, the Tier 2 visa is subject to an annual limit of 20,700 visas for the general category, which excludes some occupations and sectors.

3 Working Holiday Visa

The working holiday visa is a special type of work visa that allows young people to travel and work in different countries for a short period of time, usually up to one year. The working holiday visa is ideal for those who want to experience a new culture, learn a new language, or explore a new career path. The working holiday visa is available for citizens of certain countries that have reciprocal agreements with each other, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and many European countries. However, the working holiday visa has some restrictions, such as age limits, work duration limits, and work type limits.

5 Z Visa

The Z visa is the work visa for foreign workers who want to work in China. It is issued for workers who have a contract with a Chinese employer, and who have the necessary qualifications and credentials for their occupation. The Z visa is valid for up to one year, and it allows the visa holder to bring their spouse and children as dependents. However, the Z visa is not a residence permit, and it needs to be converted into a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in China. Furthermore, the Z visa requires the applicant to obtain a work permit from the Chinese authorities, and to undergo a medical examination and a background check.