The H1B visa is not the be-all and end-all for foreigners determined to work in the USA, according to a leading New York immigration attorney.

Elise Schwarz reveals that “there might still be a visa that fits” for anyone whose misses out on an H1B visa, particularly for those planning to work in the USA in the short to medium-term.

Even when the annual H1B visa cap is reached, there are a number of avenues still open and “all is not lost,” Ms Schwarz insists, for the “many foreign nationals who want to work in the USA in a non-immigrant capacity”.

Canadians and Mexicans can apply for work in the USA with TN1 and TN2 visas respectively, provided they have one of the 64 professions listed in the NAFTA schedule.

With the E1 visa, foreigners can conduct any “substantial trade” with the USA on American soil. The E2 treaty allows business owners or patrons making substantial investments to work in the USA, while the E-3 covers specialists from Australia.

Alternatively, the B1 visa allows employees to perform any important work in the USA temporarily, the H3 visa permits foreigners to conduct training for up to 24 months and the J1 is ideal for students and nannies that are able to find a sponsor.

Before moving, anyone coming to work in the USA should invest in visitors insurance. Providing a long-term medical and financial safety net, such protection allows immigrants to thrive in the States.

Contributed by J.Bevan