Visa Categories

Visas for Work in the United States (H, L, O, P, Q Visas)

If you are the spouse or child of someone who has an H or L visa and would like to visit your family member in the U.S., click here for more information on dependent visas.

If you are a parent whose child has an H or L visa, click here for more information on tourist visas.

An H, L, O, P, or Q visa entitles you to work in the United States. Work visas require the company in the United States to first submit a petition to the Department of Homeland Security for permission to hire a foreign worker. If the petition is approved, the company will be issued a “form I-797” enabling you to apply for a visa.

"H" VISA: The H visa is intended for temporary employment in the United States. The most common H visas in Shanghai are the H1B used for employment, or the H3 which is used for training.

"L" VISA: The L visa is intended for individuals who are being transferred from their company in China to a branch or related company in the United States. You must intend to fill a managerial or executive position, or have specialized knowledge, and have been continuously employed by the same employer or a related company for one year within the three years immediately preceding the visa application. There is an additional RMB 996 ($ 120) visa issuance fee if you are a Chinese citizen and would like a multiple entry visa. A single entry visa has no extra fee. If you are applying under a “Blanket L” petition, you must pay an additional USD $500 fee.

To apply for an H or L visa, you must have the following:

• A petition approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States.
  
• An approved original I-797 and a certified copy of your I-129.
  
• If you adjusted status within the United States, you must bring the original I-797 to your interview.
  
• You may also need a certified copy of the I-129 application material.
  
• If you are a returning H1B, you should also bring a letter from your employer confirming your continuing employment.
  

Some H and L visa applicants are subject to additional security processing based on their backgrounds and experience. In order to make this additional processing proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible, we suggest that you bring the following documents in English to your interview:

• Your resume or curriculum vitae including a list of all published research articles.
• A detailed research plan, if you are involved in research.
• A letter from your employer describing your work.
• A copy of your advisor’s web page, if you are employed by a university, lab, or research center.

This processing can take four weeks or longer to complete. Please keep this in mind when making your application and travel plans. The Shanghai Consulate has no method of expediting or speeding-up this processing.

"O","P" or "Q" VISA: These visas are for performers or trade workers possessing unusual or extraordinary skills who plan to perform, teach, coach, or participate in cultural exchange in the United States.

• Your petition must first be approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States.
  
• You cannot apply for a visa until you have received the approved original I-797 and a certified copy of I-129.
  

To schedule an appointment through the Visa Call Center, click here.