US Temporary Work Visas Open for Applications in 2025

Engr Asifa KarimMarch 8, 2025

With the year 2025 ushering in new employment opportunities for foreign workers, the United States has updated its temporary work visa policies to accommodate emerging job demands. There are currently 11 categories of temporary worker visas, each catering to different professional and labor needs.

For the upcoming application cycle, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced notable reforms, including streamlined processing times, enhanced digital application options, and changes to designated country lists for H-2A and H-2B visas.

Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of the temporary worker visas available, their purpose, and the updated application process for 2025.

List of US Temporary Work Visas for 2025 (With New Changes)

Following are 11 types of temporary work visas for America available for applications in 2025:

Visa Type	Purpose	New Updates for 2025
H-1B	For professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare. Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. This visa also covers fashion models, physicians, and Department of Defense (DOD) project participants.	The annual cap for H-1B visas has been increased to meet the demand in tech and STEM fields, with specific prioritization for AI and machine learning roles.
H-1B1	Available exclusively to citizens of Chile and Singapore who meet the H-1B criteria. Unlike the H-1B, this visa does not require an employer petition.	The application process has been streamlined with easier online processing for Chilean and Singaporean professionals.
H-2A	For seasonal agricultural workers, limited to applicants from designated countries.	The list of eligible countries has been expanded, and higher wages are now mandated for certain agricultural roles to ensure fair compensation.
H-2B	For seasonal, non-agricultural workers in industries such as hospitality, landscaping, and construction. Applicants must be from designated countries.	A pilot program allows returning workers to bypass new petitions, and eligibility has been extended to workers in the renewable energy sector.
H-3	Intended for trainees or special education visitors undergoing non-medical training in a field not available in their home country. Commonly used for corporate training programs and specialized education initiatives.	No major changes announced.
L	Designated for intracompany transferees, allowing executives, managers, or specialists to transfer to a U.S. branch of their company.	Documentation requirements have been reduced for applicants with verified multinational experience, expediting the application process.
O	For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. Also includes those recognized in the motion picture and television industries.	The renewal process for O-1 visa holders in the entertainment industry has been simplified.
P-1	For athletes or entertainment groups participating in specific events. Applicants must demonstrate international recognition in their respective fields.	No major changes announced.
P-2	Applies to artists or entertainers performing individually or in a group as part of a reciprocal exchange program between a U.S. and a foreign organization.	No major changes announced.
P-3	For culturally unique artists or entertainers involved in traditional, folk, or educational programs. These individuals must participate in programs designed to share or develop cultural heritage.	No major changes announced.
Q-1	Supports international cultural exchange programs. It allows participants to engage in cultural sharing initiatives that promote understanding between their home country and the United States.	No major changes announced.

Temporary Occupations in U.S. Eligible for Temporary Visas for 2025

For 2025, the following 15 occupations are in high demand for U.S. temporary work visas, based on industry needs and the latest labor market trends:

Software Developers & IT Specialists – High demand in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing roles, particularly under H-1B visas.
Data Scientists & AI Engineers – Special consideration for roles in machine learning and automation.
Healthcare Professionals (Physicians & Nurses) – Open under H-1B and O visas for specialized healthcare roles.
Agricultural Workers – High demand in seasonal farming and harvesting under H-2A visas.
Hospitality Workers (Hotel & Restaurant Staff) – Needed for peak tourism seasons under H-2B visas.
Construction Workers – In demand for large-scale infrastructure projects, eligible for H-2B visas.
Mechanical & Electrical Engineers – Vital for manufacturing and industrial operations, primarily under H-1B visas.
Finance & Accounting Professionals – Needed in multinational financial institutions and consultancies.
Renewable Energy Technicians – Includes wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers, eligible for H-2B visas.
Fashion Models – High fashion and commercial modeling industry participants can apply under H-1B visas.
Trainers & Special Education Teachers – Needed for training programs and working with children with disabilities under H-3 visas.
Entertainment Industry Professionals – Includes musicians, actors, and directors under P visas.
Sports Athletes & Coaches – Eligible under P-1 visas for international sports events and competitions.
Cultural Exchange Participants – Eligible under Q-1 visas to share cultural traditions.
Corporate Executives & Managers – Multinational firms sponsoring L visa applicants for leadership roles.

These occupations reflect the current skill shortages and employer sponsorship trends in the United States, offering foreign workers new avenues to secure temporary employment in 2025.

New Application Process for US Temporary Work Visas in 2025

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

- Most visa categories require a US employer to file a petition (Form I-129) with USCIS.
- Some visas (e.g., H-1B1, Q-1) do not require employer petitions.

Step 2: Labor Certification (If Required)

- Some categories, such as H-2A and H-2B, require the employer to apply for labor certification from the Department of Labor before petitioning.

Step 3: USCIS Petition Approval

- Once the petition is approved, applicants receive Form I-797 (Notice of Action).

Step 4: Online Visa Application (Form DS-160)

- All applicants must complete Form DS-160 and pay the $205 application fee.

Step 5: Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview

- Required for most applicants aged 14-79.
- New for 2025: Certain H-1B renewal applicants are now exempt from interviews.

Step 6: Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.

- After approval, applicants receive their visa stamp in their passport.
- Entry is granted at the U.S. port of entry by CBP officers.

Summary of New Changes to Keep in Mind for 2025

Shorter Processing Times: H-1B and L visa petitions to be processed within 4-6 weeks instead of 8-12 weeks.
Expanded Work Authorization: Spouses of L-1 visa holders can now work immediately upon entry without applying for additional authorization.
Priority for AI & Tech Jobs: The U.S. is prioritizing AI, cybersecurity, and green energy professions for work visas.
Eased Visa Renewal for Certain Workers: H-1B and L visa renewals can now be completed within the U.S. without consular processing.