Work Visas & Employment-Based Immigration in Hawaii
H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM labor certification, E-Verify requirements, and professional licensing in Hawaii.
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 Hawaii
Not mandatory for private employers statewide. Hawaii has not enacted broad mandatory E-Verify legislation. Some state contracts may require E-Verify.
Professional licensing
Hawaii allows immigrants with valid work authorization to obtain professional licenses. The state has taken a welcoming approach to licensing for DACA recipients and other work-authorized immigrants, and licensing boards generally accept valid federal employment authorization documents. §HRS 436B-10
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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