Visas & green cards
O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, L-1, E-2, H-1B, Gold Card and citizenship.
| Route | Who it's for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| O-1A | Extraordinary ability in business, science, education or athletics: awards, high salary, publications, critical roles, press. | No lottery, no cap. Tied to an employer or agent. A frequent bridge to EB-1A. |
| EB-1A | Green card for extraordinary ability, top of the field. | Self-petition: no employer or job offer needed. |
| EB-1B | Outstanding professors and researchers. | Employer-sponsored, no labor certification. |
| EB-1C | Multinational executives and managers transferred to a U.S. affiliate. | Natural next step after an L-1A. Very relevant for Italian groups. |
| EB-2 NIW | Advanced degree or exceptional ability, with work in the U.S. national interest. | Self-petition. EB-2 for "rest of world" (including Italy) was current in September 2026 but retrogressed to a January 1, 2025 final action date in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin. Check the monthly Visa Bulletin. |
| EB-2 / EB-3 PERM | Employer-sponsored green card after a labor-market test. | Longest route; the employer runs recruitment to prove no qualified U.S. worker is available. |
| L-1A / L-1B | Managers or specialists transferred within the same group after 1+ year abroad. | Not transferable to another employer. |
| E-2 | Italian nationals working for an Italian-owned (50%+) U.S. company in a key role. | Processed at the U.S. Embassy in Rome; renewable while the company qualifies. |
| H-1B | Degree-level specialty occupations. | Wage-weighted lottery since 2026. The $100,000 fee on some new petitions was vacated by federal courts in Massachusetts (June 2026) and California (September 30, 2026) and is currently blocked. A September 2026 proclamation extended it to September 2027, and DHS has proposed a $103,265 fee by regulation. A new executive order increases scrutiny of H-1B filings. |
| Gold Card | Individuals paying $1 million (or companies $2 million per employee) plus a $15,000 fee. | Launched in 2025 with very few approvals so far; confers permanent residence and U.S. taxation of worldwide income. |
Travel & visa stamps
Changing status inside the U.S. doesn't give you a visa stamp. If you travel, you may need a consular appointment to re-enter. Plan international trips with your attorney.
Citizenship
Green card holders can usually apply for naturalization after 5 years (3 if married to a U.S. citizen). Italy generally allows dual citizenship.
Italian citizenship by descent
For Italian-Americans: Italy's Law 74/2025 sharply restricted citizenship by descent for people born abroad who hold another citizenship. It now generally requires a parent or grandparent who holds (or held at death) only Italian citizenship, or an Italian parent who lived in Italy for 2 continuous years before your birth. Check with your consulate before relying on it.
How-to guides
How toPlan a visa-safe job change
- Before you interview seriously, confirm with your recruiter that the employer sponsors your visa type.
- Ask the employer's immigration attorney for a written timeline and what must be filed or approved before you start.
- Don't resign until you have the green light: petition filed (H-1B portability) or approved (L-1, E-2, O-1).
- Check your I-94 expiry, passport validity and any pending green card steps (I-140, I-485).
- Avoid international travel until the new status is approved and, if needed, stamped.
How toBuild an O-1 or EB-1A profile
- Collect evidence against the criteria: awards, memberships requiring outstanding achievement, press about you, judging others' work, original contributions, publications, critical roles, high salary.
- Document your salary compared to market data for your role and location.
- Line up 5 to 8 recommendation letters from independent experts, not only colleagues.
- Build visibility over time: speaking, publishing, judging awards, advisory boards.
- Work with an experienced immigration attorney to assess strength before filing.
How toRead the Visa Bulletin
- Find your category (e.g., EB-2) and your country of chargeability (Italy falls under "All Chargeability Areas" / rest of world).
- Compare your priority date (from your I-140 or PERM filing) with the "Final Action Date".
- If your date is earlier than the cutoff (or the category shows "C" for current), a green card can be issued.
- Check the bulletin every month: dates can move forward or backward, especially in October.
Frequently asked questions
Which work visas are most common for Italian professionals?
The L-1 for transfers within the same group, the E-2 for key staff of Italian-owned companies, the H-1B for specialty occupations (subject to an annual lottery) and the O-1 for people with extraordinary ability.
Can my employer sponsor a green card?
Yes. Most employment-based green cards require an employer petition, often after a PERM labor certification. Some categories, such as EB-1A and the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, allow you to petition for yourself.
Can my spouse work in the U.S.?
Spouses of E and L visa holders are authorized to work as part of their status. H-4 spouses of H-1B workers can apply for work authorization only in specific cases.
Official sources
- USCIS: Working in the United States
- U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy: Visas
- U.S. Department of State: U.S. visas
General information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change often: check the official sources and speak with a qualified professional.
Explore more topics
Market & executive search
How senior hiring works, search firms, interviews, references and AI screening.
Read the guideCompensation
Base, bonus, LTI, sign-on, sales comp, pay transparency and exempt status.
Read the guideEquity & long-term incentives
RSUs, PSUs, options, vesting, 83(b), deferred comp and clawbacks.
Read the guideExecutive agreements
Cause, good reason, severance, change in control, covenants and D&O.
Read the guideTaxes & wealth
Federal, state, SALT, equity taxes, FBAR, PFICs, estate and the U.S.–Italy treaty.
Read the guideBenefits & time off
Health plans, 401(k), HSA, ESPP, disability, PTO and parental leave.
Read the guideYour rights at work
At-will, discrimination, whistleblowing, background checks, AI rules, WARN.
Read the guideLeaving a job
Resigning, layoffs, separation agreements, severance and garden leave.
Read the guideLeadership & culture
U.S. vs. Italian work culture, leading U.S. teams, hybrid work.
Read the guideCredentials & licenses
Degree evaluation and licensed professions: PE, CPA, bar, medicine.
Read the guideRelocation & life
Housing, credit, banking, driving, schools, insurance and Italy ties.
Read the guideTalk to us
We place senior and specialist professionals with leading Italian and international companies across the United States, and guide you from first interview to your first 90 days.
Information reviewed September 2026. General information only, not legal, immigration, tax or financial advice. Laws change frequently and vary by state and personal situation; consult qualified professionals.