Work Visas & Employment-Based Immigration in Colorado
H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM labor certification, E-Verify requirements, and professional licensing in Colorado.
Common work visa categories
| Duration | Key requirement | |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | 3 years (renewable to 6) §8 U.S.C. 1101 | Specialty occupation requiring bachelor's degree or higher |
| L-1 | 1-3 years (renewable) §8 U.S.C. 1101 | Intracompany transferee in managerial or specialized knowledge role |
| O-1 | 3 years (renewable) §8 U.S.C. 1101 | Extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics |
| TN | 3 years (renewable) §8 U.S.C. 1101 | USMCA (formerly NAFTA) professional from Canada or Mexico |
| E-2 | 2 years (renewable) §8 U.S.C. 1101 | Treaty investor from qualifying country |
E-Verify in Colorado
Not mandatory statewide for private employers. Required for state agencies and some state contractors.
Professional licensing
Colorado allows immigrants with valid work authorization to obtain professional licenses regardless of immigration status. HB 22-1025 expanded access to professional and occupational licenses for DACA recipients and other work-authorized immigrants. §C.R.S. § 24-34-107
PERM labor certification
For permanent employment-based green cards, most employers must complete the PERM labor certification process through the Department of Labor, demonstrating that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position §8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5).
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Frequently Asked Questions
General answers to common questions. Specific outcomes depend on your facts and timing.
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