Moving to the United States: Guide to US visas, H-1B, E-2, L-1, and Green Card Lottery

Many Italian entrepreneurs, professionals, and families dream of moving to the United States to develop professional opportunities or start new business ventures. However, one of the first things to understand is that It is not possible to work or move permanently to the United States without an appropriate visa or a Green Card.

In this article, we analyze the main visas that allow you to live and work in the USA, what has recently changed in the regulations—particularly for the H-1B visa—and how to figure out which visa might be best suited to your situation.

Why is a visa necessary to work in the United States

The United States has a very structured immigration system. Entering the USA as a tourist (ESTA or B1/B2 visa) does not allow you to work or transfer your residence to the country.

To work legally in the United States, it is necessary to obtain:

• a temporary work visa
• or a Green Card (permanent residence)

The choice of the correct visa depends on several factors: the type of professional activity, the presence of a US employer, any investments in the United States, and the applicant's professional profile.

The main visas that allow you to work and live in the United States

H-1B Visa – Highly Skilled Professionals

The H-1B visa is one of the best-known work visas in the United States. It is intended for professionals with specialized skills, often in the fields of:

• technology
• engineering
• finance
• consulting
• scientific research

The visa is requested by an American employer who is sponsoring the candidate.

In recent years, the program has undergone several regulatory changes, including:

• greater control over sponsor companies
• revision of salary criteria
• changes to the lottery selection system
• greater attention to the actual specialization of the role

These changes make proper preparation of the application even more important.

L-1 Visa – Intracompany Transfer

The L-1 visa allows the transfer to the United States of managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge who work for a foreign company affiliated with a U.S. company.

It is one of the most widely used visas by Italian companies deciding to open a branch in the United States.

E-2 Visa – Investor Visa

The E-2 visa is particularly interesting for Italian entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in the United States.

To obtain this visa, it is necessary to:

• make a substantial investment in an American company
• prove that the business is real and operational
• demonstrate the ability to manage and develop the business

The E-2 visa does not automatically lead to a Green Card, but it can be renewed over time.

O-1 – Visa for extraordinary ability

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the fields of:

• business
• science
• sport
• art

It requires very detailed documentation demonstrating high-level recognition, awards, publications, or professional achievements.

Green Card through employment or investment

In some cases it is possible to obtain permanent residency directly through specific programs such as:

• EB-1 (extraordinary ability)
• EB-2 (qualified professionals)
• EB-5 (Investors)

These pathways are more complex, but they allow for permanent settlement in the United States.

The Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa Program)

Another path to obtaining permanent residency in the United States is the Green Card Lottery, officially called Diversity Visa Program (DV Program).

Every year the United States government makes available approximately 55,000 Green Card through a random selection among candidates from countries with low levels of immigration to the USA. Italy is generally among the countries eligible for the program.

Participation in the lottery is free and takes place via online registration on the official website of the US Department of State.

Usually:

• Registration is now open between October and November of each year
• the results are communicated starting in May of the following year

It is important to know that Winning the lottery does not automatically mean getting a Green Card, but it allows you to start the permanent residency application procedure.

New rules and greater attention to applications

In recent years the State Department has introduced stricter controls on the accuracy of the questions, with a particular focus on:

• errors in personal data
• photographs not complying with official requirements
• multiple registrations of the same candidate

Duplicate or non-compliant records may result in the automatic exclusion from the program.

For this reason, it is always advisable to carefully prepare the application and verify that all technical requirements are met.

How to figure out which visa is best for your situation

There is no absolute “best” visa. The choice depends on a combination of factors including:

• professional profile
• Presence of an employer in the United States
• investment availability
• temporary or permanent transfer goals

For this reason it is often necessary to carry out a preliminary assessment of the specific case before starting any procedure.

How can we help you?

 Link2America supports Italian entrepreneurs, professionals, and companies that want to move to the United States or develop projects on the American market.

Our team collaborates with immigration lawyers specialized in the United States to:

• analyze the applicant's personal and professional situation
• identify the most suitable visa
• support the preparation of documentation
• coordinate the process with legal professionals in the USA

If you are considering moving to the United States or want to figure out which visa might be best for your situation, Contact us for an initial preliminary evaluation.

You can send us a request through the contact page: CLICK HERE

Fill out the questionnaire for a faster and more personalized service: CLICK HERE

Our team will be happy to help you understand the opportunities and possible paths to live and work in the United States.

---

Most common mistakes when applying for a US visa

Many visa applications are rejected or delayed due to avoidable errors in application preparation. Among the most common errors we find:

• choose the viewed incorrectly in relation to one's professional situation
• I will submit incomplete documentation
• fail to properly demonstrate the relationship with the sponsoring company
• underestimate the economic or investment requirements
• relying on outdated information found online

Each visa category has specific requirements and a different strategy. Proper initial analysis often helps avoid wasted time, unnecessary costs, and potential denials.

Comparison of the main visas to move to the United States

Visa type	Who is it for	Key Feature
H-1B	Qualified professionals	Requires sponsorship by a U.S. employer
L-1	Managers or employees of international companies	Transfer from a Foreign Company to a U.S. Subsidiary
E-2	Entrepreneurs and investors	Requires investment in an American company
O‑1	People with extraordinary abilities	Based on exceptional professional results
Green Card	Permanent residence	It allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visas and Relocating to the United States

Can I move to the United States without a visa?
No. Entering the United States with an ESTA or a tourist visa does not allow you to work or settle in the country.

Is it possible to start a business in the U.S. without a visa?
In some cases, it is possible to incorporate a company, but for live and work in the United States In any case, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa.

What is the easiest visa to move to the USA?
There is no universally easier visa. The most suitable visa depends on your professional profile, the type of activity, and the presence of a US investment or sponsor.

How long does it take to get a US visa?
Processing times vary greatly depending on the visa category, the complexity of the case, and the processing times of the US authorities.

---