US
O-1A
Extraordinary ability
Temporary work for people at the top of their field.
US
O-1B
Extraordinary ability in the arts
The creative track, with its own criteria and its own consultation.
US
EB-1A
Permanent, self-petitioned
Permanent residence without an employer. The highest bar.
US
EB-1B
Professors and researchers
For academics with a permanent offer. Employer-sponsored.
US
EB-2 NIW
National interest waiver
Self-petitioned permanent residence on a different theory.
US
e-2
Invest in a US business and run it yourself.
US
B-1 / B-2
Business and visitor
Short visits. Not a route to work or to living there.
UK
Global Talent
Endorsement first, visa second
Endorsement first. Then the visa is largely mechanical.
CA
Express Entry + Global Talent
Points-based, and a fast temporary stream
A points-based permanent route, and a fast temporary stream.
AU
National Innovation visa
Subclass 858. Invitation only
Subclass 858. For internationally recognised talent and investors.
DE
Opportunity Card + Blue Card
Look for work, or arrive with an offer
Enter to look for work, or arrive with a qualifying offer.
Next
The Netherlands, Singapore and New Zealand follow at country level, joining the eleven routes already published.
How to read these
Every route page follows the same structure: who it suits, what it asks of you, how the process runs, and what we would tell you honestly about it. The last section is the useful one — it covers where the route is harder than the headline suggests.