As an expert in immigration law and visa processes, I would like to clarify that a work permit is not a type of visa, but rather a document that allows an individual to work legally in a specific country. In the context of the United States, a work permit is often referred to as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is a separate document from a visa. A visa, on the other hand, is an endorsement on a passport that allows a foreign national to travel to and enter a country.

The Nonimmigrant Visa is the most common type of visa for individuals who intend to come to the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. Within the category of nonimmigrant visas, there are several types that are commonly associated with work, including:


1. H1B Work Visa: This is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. To qualify for an H1B visa, the applicant must have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field and the job offered must require a person with that specific degree.


2. F1 Student Visa: Although primarily for academic or language study, the F1 visa also allows students to engage in certain types of employment, such as on-campus work, off-campus work related to their field of study, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.


3. L1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This visa is for managers and executives who have been employed outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year in the three years preceding their application and who are being transferred to the U.S. to work for a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the same employer.


4. K and V Fiancee Visas: These visas are for individuals who are engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen and are not for employment purposes, but they are mentioned in the context of nonimmigrant visas.

It is important to note that while a nonimmigrant visa allows entry into the U.S., the ability to work legally requires an EAD. An EAD is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is specific to the individual's situation and immigration status. For example, an H1B visa holder would typically apply for an EAD as part of the H1B petition process.

In summary, a work permit in the form of an EAD is a document that allows an individual to work legally in the U.S., and it is separate from the visa that allows entry into the country. Nonimmigrant visas, such as the H1B, F1, and L1, are types of visas that can lead to employment opportunities in the U.S., but the actual permission to work is granted through the EAD process.

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The most common USA Visa is a "Nonimmigrant" Visa - this is for someone who intends to come to the USA "temporarily" and for a specific purpose. Typically on an H1B Work Visa, F1 Study Visa, L1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa, K and V Fiancee Visas.read more >>