Considering Tulsa? Let’s Talk About the U.S. Piece, Too

Tulsa Tomorrow works with people from all over the world. Before diving in, it’s helpful to know one thing upfront:

Moving to the U.S. isn’t just about finding the right city, it’s also about having the right visa pathway.


 
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Visas, but Make It Simple

 
 

We know the U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming, confusing, and, at times, completely out of touch.

So, instead of sending you down a Google rabbit hole, we’ll try to make it simple without the legal jargon.

 
 
 

H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation Work Visa)

The H-1B is one of the most common U.S. work visas for professionals in fields that typically require a degree or specialized expertise, such as tech, engineering, finance, healthcare, and more.

  • Requires employer sponsorship

  • Selected through an annual lottery process

  • Common pathway for long-term professional roles in the U.S.

TN Visa (Canada & Mexico Only)

The TN visa is available exclusively to citizens of Canada and Mexico under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). It allows qualified professionals in designated occupations to work in the U.S.

  • Only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens

  • Requires a qualifying professional role listed under the agreement

  • Typically faster and more flexible than other work visa categories

F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)

OPT allows international students who graduate from a U.S. college or university to work in the U.S. for a temporary period after completing their degree.

  • Available only to graduates of U.S. academic programs

  • No lottery system

  • Often used as a first step into long-term employment in the U.S.

CPT (Curricular Practical Training)

CPT allows international students to gain real-world work experience while still completing their degree in the U.S.

  • Must be directly connected to your academic program

  • Typically used for internships or co-op roles

  • Requires authorization from your university

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated a high level of achievement or recognition in their field, including business, arts, science, education, or athletics.

  • Requires a strong professional track record

  • Must be sponsored by an employer or agent

  • No lottery process

L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

The L-1 visa supports professionals transferring from an international office to a U.S.-based office of the same company.

  • Requires employment with a global company

  • Must have worked abroad with the company for at least one year

  • Common for companies expanding into the U.S. market

 

Where Tulsa Tomorrow Comes In

While Tulsa Tomorrow doesn’t sponsor visas, nor are we lawyers, we do help you:

  • Connect with potential employers or those who specialize in job-placement

  • Think strategically about timing and next steps

We’re here to be a resource!

A Quick Note Before You Start

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” visa.

Your options will depend on things like:

  • Your background and experience

  • Your citizenship and where you’re relocating from

  • Whether you already have a job offer or U.S. connection

That said, many of our strongest candidates didn’t have everything figured out when they started.


 
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