US Work Visas Explained: A Quick Guide to H, L, O and C Visas And How They Differ | WATCH

The United States offers several non-immigrant visas that allow foreign nationals to work temporarily, but not all work visas are the same. From skilled professionals and company transfers to artists and transit

crew, H, L, O and C visas serve very different purposes. For Indians, who form one of the largest groups of US non-immigrant workers, visas like H-1B, L-1 and O play a crucial role in jobs ranging from IT and management to entertainment and research. Here's a quick breakdown of what each visa means and who qualifies.

This week's #VisaFriday spotlight is on H, L, C, and O non-immigrant visa categories! Ever wondered how these visas differ — or which one might apply to your travel or work plans?Whether you're heading to the United States for tourism, transit, or employment, the right visa… pic.twitter.com/xcHUMzfKtK

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 12, 2025

HL and O Visas

HL and O visas provide opportunities for certain professionals to work temporarily in the United States. Most temporary worker categories require that your U.S. employer file a petition, which must be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

H-1B Visa

H-1B visa, required to perform services in a pre-arranged professional job. To qualify, you must hold a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific speciality for which you seek employment. This is the program that is currently facing a big shakeup after US President Donald Trump announced a $100,000 fee hike on it, along with increased scrutiny during application screening. A group of states have sued the Donald Trump administration for this hike, calling it "unlawful".Also Read: Visa Chaos in India: US Defers Hundreds Of H-1B Appointments To 2026 - What's Happening?

L-1 Visa

L-1 visa, required for temporary transfers within your company to a position in the United States. You must generally be an executive, manager, or subject matter expert and have been employed in your company for at least one full year out of the last three.

O Visa

O visa is issued to individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

C-1D Visa

C-1D visa, crew member. If you work as a crew member on a ship or aircraft, travelling to or from the United States, you'll need a C-1D visa.Otherwise, common visas exist for specific categories of travellers, such as diplomats, government officials, journalists, and performers.

Watch the detailed explanation here