Explore the iconic Bran Castle nestled in the lush Transylvanian landscape, Romania.
A stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City's skyline at sunset.
RO flag
RO
US
US flag

Photos: Iulian Patrascu, Federico Abis · Pexels

Can a Romanian traveller work in the United States?

Most Romanian travellers go through the embassy or consulate before they travel when heading to United States for work.

The route most travellers use is the H-1B Specialty Occupation. Stays of up to 1095 days, expect to pay around $675 in mandatory fees, processing usually takes 60–240 days.

The paperwork is heavy — approval is likely if your documents are in order.

5 other routes sit below if this one doesn't fit.

Straight from uscis.gov.

Work visas have major life consequences.

Long-stay visa decisions affect your right to live, work, study, or remain with family. Always verify with a qualified immigration adviser or the destination's embassy before making travel, employment, or relocation decisions.

6 options available — review and choose the one that matches your trip.

Embassy visaWork

H-1B Specialty Occupation

Max stay
1095days
Processing
60–240days
Fee
$675.00
Difficulty1/10·Realism8/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
1/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 240 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)
  • -1.5Sponsor licence required
  • -1Confirmed job offer required

Approval realism

Approval is likely
8/10

Most applicants with the right paperwork get approved.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
  • +0.5Once a sponsor + job offer are secured, visa approval is generally routine

Work visa details

Sponsorship
Required
Sponsor type
Licensed employer
Job offer
Required
Permit length
1095 days
Path to settlement
No

Eligible occupations (sample)

Software developer / engineerData scientist / analystComputer systems analystFinancial analystAccountant / auditorMechanical / electrical / civil engineerArchitectDoctor / surgeon (with state license)University professorMathematician / statistician
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    390+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    374+ days before

    You'll need: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation; Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer; Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage; Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate (interview + fingerprints))

    367+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    360+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–240 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate (interview + fingerprints))

What you need

  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation
  • Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer
  • Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage
  • Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS
  • Selection via the H-1B cap lottery (regular and master's exemption pools)
  • If outside US, consular processing at a US embassy after I-129 approval

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-129 base filing fee$460.00
  • MRV consular fee (visa stamping)$215.00
  • Premium Processing (optional, 15-day adjudication) (optional)$2,805.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

United States Gold Card (US$5M permanent-residency pathway)

Max stay
Processing
60–180days
Fee
$5,000,000.00
Difficulty2/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 180 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    300+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    284+ days before

    You'll need: US$5,000,000 payment to the United States government (non-refundable); Source-of-funds documentation showing the money was lawfully acquired; Standard US criminal-history and security background checks; Medical examination by a panel physician; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    284+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy or consulate)

    277+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    270+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy or consulate)

What you need

  • US$5,000,000 payment to the United States government (non-refundable)
  • Source-of-funds documentation showing the money was lawfully acquired
  • Standard US criminal-history and security background checks
  • Medical examination by a panel physician
  • Not subject to any OFAC sanction or US-specific travel restriction
  • Tax: Gold Card holders pay US tax only on US-source income (vs. worldwide for green-card holders) — confirmed publicly though formal IRS guidance is pending

Fee breakdown

  • Gold Card programme fee — paid to the US government$5,000,000.00
  • Application processing & adjudication (typical legal-counsel range) (optional)$15,000.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

L-1 Intracompany Transferee — United States

Max stay
2555days
Processing
60–180days
Fee
$190.00
Difficulty2/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 180 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    300+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    284+ days before

    You'll need: Employed by a multinational company at a foreign branch for 1+ continuous year in past 3 years; Transferring to a US affiliate / subsidiary / parent of the same company; L-1A: executive or manager (up to 7 years); L-1B: specialised-knowledge employee (up to 5 years); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    277+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    270+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Employed by a multinational company at a foreign branch for 1+ continuous year in past 3 years
  • Transferring to a US affiliate / subsidiary / parent of the same company
  • L-1A: executive or manager (up to 7 years)
  • L-1B: specialised-knowledge employee (up to 5 years)
  • Spouse on L-2 status with work authorisation
  • Path to EB-1C green card for L-1A executives

Fee breakdown

  • I-129 petition fee$190.00
  • Premium processing (15-day) (optional)$500.00
View primary source (travel.state.gov)
Embassy visaWork

O-1 Extraordinary Ability — United States

Max stay
1095days
Processing
14–90days
Fee
$460.00
Difficulty2/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
2/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 90 days)
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -0.5Moderate documentation list (6 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    165+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    149+ days before

    You'll need: Evidence of extraordinary ability — major award (Nobel, Olympic gold, Oscar) OR 3 of 8 criteria (national prize, press coverage, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, high salary, lead/critical role, commercial success); Sponsoring US employer or agent files Form I-129; Consultation letter from a peer / labor union in your field; Itinerary of work or events; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    142+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  4. 4

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    135+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  5. 5

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 14–90 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  6. 6

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Evidence of extraordinary ability — major award (Nobel, Olympic gold, Oscar) OR 3 of 8 criteria (national prize, press coverage, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, high salary, lead/critical role, commercial success)
  • Sponsoring US employer or agent files Form I-129
  • Consultation letter from a peer / labor union in your field
  • Itinerary of work or events
  • Renewable indefinitely in 1-year increments — no annual cap, no lottery
  • Spouse + children eligible for O-3 dependents

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-129 filing fee (small employer)$460.00
  • Premium Processing (15-day decision) (optional)$280.50
View primary source (uscis.gov)
Embassy visaWork

E-2 Treaty Investor — United States

Max stay
730days
Processing
30–120days
Fee
$315.00
Difficulty1/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
1/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 120 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -1Long documentation list (7 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    210+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    194+ days before

    You'll need: National of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US; Substantial investment in a real, operating US enterprise (typically $100k+, but no statutory minimum); Investor must own 50%+ of the business or have operational control; Business must generate more than minimal income (not 'marginal') — usually employing US workers; and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    194+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    187+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    180+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 30–120 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • National of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US
  • Substantial investment in a real, operating US enterprise (typically $100k+, but no statutory minimum)
  • Investor must own 50%+ of the business or have operational control
  • Business must generate more than minimal income (not 'marginal') — usually employing US workers
  • Funds at risk and committed (in escrow doesn't count; must be already invested)
  • Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin
  • Renewable indefinitely in 2-year increments as long as the business stays operational

Fee breakdown

  • DS-160 + E-2 issuance fee$315.00
View primary source (travel.state.gov)
Embassy visaWork

EB-5 Immigrant Investor — United States

Max stay
9999days
Processing
365–1095days
Fee
$59,000.00
Difficulty1/10·Realism7/10
Why? ▾

Difficulty

Heavy paperwork
1/10

Lots of documentation, eligibility thresholds, or a sponsor required. Start months ahead and consider professional advice.

Why this score?
  • Embassy/consulate visa application
  • -2Long processing time (up to 1095 days)
  • -0.5Proof of funds required
  • -0.5Biometrics appointment required
  • -1Long documentation list (7 items)

Approval realism

Approval depends on you
7/10

Approval depends heavily on the documents and circumstances you can show. Read the warning above — it points to what tends to move the needle.

What drives this score?
  • Embassy visa applications generally succeed when documentation is complete and ties to home are clear
Step-by-step checklist

Your application checklist

  1. 1

    Check your passport validity

    1673+ days before

    Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

  2. 2

    Gather supporting documents

    1657+ days before

    You'll need: Invest $800k (Targeted Employment Area / rural) or $1,050k (standard) in a new US commercial enterprise; Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs within 2 years; Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin (tax returns, bank records, gift letters); Form I-526E petition filed (Reform Act 2022 enables concurrent filing of I-526E and I-485 if in the US); and others (see full list above).

  3. 3

    Prepare proof of funds

    1657+ days before

    Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

  4. 4

    Book a biometrics appointment (US embassy / consulate)

    1650+ days before

    Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

  5. 5

    Submit the application to the embassy or consulate

    1643+ days before

    In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

  6. 6

    Track the application; print the approval

    7+ days before

    Decisions typically take 365–1095 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

  7. 7

    On the day of travel

    day of travel

    Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Show full requirements, fees, and source
Passport valid 6+ monthsProof of fundsBiometrics (US embassy / consulate)

What you need

  • Invest $800k (Targeted Employment Area / rural) or $1,050k (standard) in a new US commercial enterprise
  • Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs within 2 years
  • Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin (tax returns, bank records, gift letters)
  • Form I-526E petition filed (Reform Act 2022 enables concurrent filing of I-526E and I-485 if in the US)
  • Conditional 2-year green card issued; file I-829 in months 21-24 to remove conditions
  • Investment must remain 'at risk' for the conditional period
  • Spouse + unmarried children under 21 derive status

Fee breakdown

  • Form I-526E filing fee$11,175.00
  • EB-5 Integrity Fund fee$325.00
  • Investment (rural / TEA minimum)$47,500.00
View primary source (uscis.gov)

What you'll need

Work visa for United States

Specific to Romanian passport holders.

Start ~0–13 weeks before your intended travel date.

Order these first — they have the longest lead time

  • Employer sponsorship / CoS

    Purpose evidence2–13 weeks

    A Certificate of Sponsorship (UK), Labour Market Impact Assessment (Canada), Form I-129 (US H-1B), or equivalent. The sponsor obtains this; you receive a reference number.

    How: Your employer applies to the destination's immigration authority. You can't start without their reference number.

  • Police certificate

    Background2–12 weeks

    A criminal-record clearance from every country you've lived in for 6+ months in the past 10 years. Universally required for work, study, family and PR routes.

    How: FBI Channeler (US), ACRO (UK), AFP National Police Check (AU), state police of each country lived in.

  • Education credentials evaluation

    Credentials4–12 weeks

    WES (Canada/US), ECE, IQAS, UK ENIC, or the destination's local equivalent — converts your foreign degree to the local framework.

    How: Order online; allow 4–10 weeks. Request your university to send transcripts directly to the assessor.

  • English- / language-proficiency test

    Credentials3–9 weeks

    IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DELE, TestDaF, JLPT — depending on the destination. Most have minimum scores per visa class.

    How: Book on the test provider's site. Test slots typically 2–4 weeks out; results 5–15 days after the test.

  • Valid passport

    Identity2–8 weeks

    Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, with two or more blank pages.

    How: Renew via your own country's passport office if expiring within 12 months.

  • Medical examination

    Medical1–4 weeks

    Conducted by a panel physician approved by the destination's immigration authority. Includes chest X-ray, blood tests, and an interview.

    How: Book directly with a panel physician — find them on the destination's immigration website.

  • Apostille / certified document copies

    Credentials1–4 weeks

    Hague Apostille on civil documents (birth, marriage, education certificates) for countries that recognise the convention. Other countries require consular legalisation instead.

    How: US: state Secretary of State or US State Dept. UK: FCDO Legalisation Office. Other: ministry of foreign affairs of the issuing country.

Then gather these

  • Biometrics (fingerprints + photo)

    Background1–4 weeks

    Captured at a Visa Application Centre (VFS, BLS, TLScontact). Walk-in is rarely possible — appointment slots fill up.

    How: Book on the VAC website after submitting your online application.

  • CV / résumé and work history

    Purpose evidence1–3 weeks

    Up-to-date résumé covering at least your last 10 years of employment. Some routes (Canada Express Entry, Australia points) require reference letters with hours per week.

    How: Self-prepared. Get reference letters from past employers on letterhead, signed.

  • Signed job offer

    Purpose evidence0–2 weeks

    A signed contract or offer letter from a sponsoring employer. Required for every work-route visa worldwide.

    How: Issued by the sponsoring employer once you've accepted.

  • Certified translation of documents

    Credentials1–2 weeks

    If your documents are not in the destination's official language, you may need a sworn or certified translator.

    How: ATA-certified (US) / ITI-qualified (UK) translators, or a sworn translator registered with the destination's consulate.

  • Proof of funds (long-stay)

    Financial1–2 weeks

    Country-specific minimum savings — e.g. ~CAD 14,000 (Canada study/work permits, single applicant), ~£1,334/month + £8,000 reserve (UK family), proof of income for digital-nomad routes.

    How: Bank statements going back 3–6 months, sometimes a sworn affidavit of support from a sponsor.

  • Passport-style photograph

    Identity1–3 days

    A recent biometric photo to the destination's specifications. Most consulates require their own dimensions, not your home country's.

    How: Any high-street photo studio, or app-based services that meet ICAO 9303 spec.

  • Online visa application form

    Application1–3 days

    The destination's online form (DS-160 for US, gov.uk for UK, IRCC portal for Canada, ImmiAccount for Australia, e-Visa portal for most others).

    How: Apply directly on the destination government website — never via a third-party paid service.

  • Application fee payment

    Application1 day

    Payable to the destination government directly. Fees range from ~$25 (e-Visas) to $2,500+ (US EB-1).

    How: Card payment on the destination's portal. Receipt required for the application.

Lead times are global averages. Country-specific channels can be faster (FBI Channeler in days vs FBI Mail in months) — always check the destination's embassy or visa portal for current timelines.

Make your case

★ Hand-written for this route

Tailored guidance — Romanian applying for a work visa to United States

The same things a £1,000 immigration consultation would tell you — what evidenceUnited States's caseworkers actually weight, a personal-statement skeleton you can adapt to United States's framing, common mistakes that get romanian applications refused, and when it's worth hiring a lawyer.

What caseworkers actually weight

  1. 1

    E-2 Treaty Investor (Romania-US Treaty 1992) + H-1B / L-1 standard routes

    Romania is an E-2 Treaty Investor country under the 1992 US-Romania Treaty of Commerce. E-2 grants Romanian entrepreneurs the right to substantial investment in US business (~$100k+ practical floor, no statutory minimum). Romanian E-2 applicants are concentrated in tech (NYC, Bay Area, Austin, Boston for Romanian-founded fintech and SaaS), hospitality (NYC, LA, Miami), and IT services (Romanian diaspora is strong in software). H-1B (cap-subject lottery, ~35-40% win rate for Romanians). L-1A/B intracompany transfer from Romanian parent (Romgaz, Petrom, BCR, Banca Transilvania, Hidroelectrica, Dacia/Renault Romania).

  2. 2

    DS-160 + Apostilled Romanian degrees + WES/ECE credential evaluation

    DS-160 online application, then book interview at US Embassy Bucharest (Liviu Librescu 4-6 Boulevard) — single consulate handles all of Romania. Romanian degree certificates (Licență, Master, Doctorat) need Apostille via Romanian MFA — Romania is Hague signatory since 1995. Cost RON 50-150/document, 3-7 working days. WES, ECE, or AICE foreign credential evaluation for US employer petition. Romanian Licență (Bologna-compliant 3-year) maps to US Bachelor's; Master to US Master's. Romanian medical degrees (4-6 year) need USMLE pathway separately.

  3. 3

    Romanian Cazier Judiciar + DS-160 disclosure

    Romanian Cazier Judiciar (criminal record certificate) from local Police Station or via online portal (free, 1-3 days). Romanian Police Apostille if needed. Disclose any: previous arrests / detention, past military service (compulsory until 2007 — abolished; Romanian males pre-2007 should document service or exemption), political affiliations, past EU sanctioning. Romanian-EU citizens have stronger EU-side rights but US visa is separate from EU framework.

  4. 4

    US-Romania Totalization Agreement (2010, effective March 2024) + tax treaty

    The US-Romania Totalization Agreement entered into force March 2024 — Romanians no longer pay BOTH Romanian CAS and US Social Security/Medicare on short-term assignments. Get a Certificate of Coverage from Romanian Casa Naţională de Pensii Publice (CNPP) — keeps you on Romanian CAS for up to 5 years on temporary US assignment, exempt from US Social Security/Medicare. Beyond 5 years switch to US system; Romanian quarters count toward future Romanian pension via Totalization. Tax treaty (1973, protocol 2009) prevents double-taxation.

Personal-statement skeleton

Fill in each section with your own facts, dates, and details. The structure mirrors what caseworkers expect to find.

  1. Your route — H-1B, L-1, or E-2

    Romanians have several routes. State explicitly: H-1B (cap-subject lottery), L-1A/B (intracompany transfer from Romanian parent with 12+ months qualifying employment), E-2 Treaty Investor (substantial Romanian investment, post-1992 treaty). Show research. Romanian tech founders increasingly use E-2 to launch US subsidiaries.

  2. Your Romanian employer / academic credentials

    List Romanian employer chronologically, role, salary in RON with USD equivalent, supervisor name. Romanian universities (Universitatea București / Babeș-Bolyai Cluj / Politehnica București / Politehnica Cluj / Iași Alexandru Ioan Cuza / Transilvania Brașov / SNSPA / ASE Bucharest) are well-known to US Embassy Bucharest.

  3. Long-term plan — H-1B + green card, E-2 indefinite, or temporary

    H-1B and L-1 allow dual intent — green-card plans openly stated (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3 via PERM). E-2 is non-immigrant but renewable indefinitely. Romania permits dual citizenship; US permits dual citizenship. State honest plan. Romanian-American community is concentrated in NYC, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, LA — mention specific city if relevant.

  4. Family + dependants

    Spouse on L-2 has automatic work authorization since 2023; H-4 spouse needs EAD (limited). E-2 spouse gets E-2D with full work rights. Romanian spouse + children under 21 are derivative. School year alignment (September-June Romania vs August-June US) typically smooth.

Mistakes that cost real money

  • DS-160 fee $185 (H-1B/L-1) or $315 (E-2); pay in RON at Banca Comercială Română or BCR — no reciprocity fee for Romanians
  • Use WES iGPA Calculator (free online) before paying for full evaluation
  • Apostille via Romanian MFA: RON 50-150/document, 3-7 days
  • Open a US-domiciled bank account with Wise USD, Mercury Business, or BCR US (limited US presence) before relocation
  • Romanian Embassy DC + Consulates (Chicago, LA, NYC, Detroit) offer free notarisation for Romanian citizens
  • Avoid Romanian 'consultoría imigrare' charging RON 10,000-30,000 for H-1B/L-1 — US-based attorneys with Romanian language services at Fragomen, Berry Appleman, BAL have flat-fee Romanian services at $2,500-3,500
  • US-Romania Totalization Agreement (effective March 2024) — get CoC from CNPP if posted ≤5 years
  • Romania-US tax treaty preserves IRA-equivalent tax deferral; CSO Romania and IRS coordinate via tax treaty articles
  • Don't pay 'EUR-USD remittance' agencies — use Wise, Revolut, Transferwise for low-volume; Banca Transilvania, BCR for high-volume
  • Cazier Judiciar: FREE via online portal — don't pay agents RON 200+

DIY or hire a lawyer?

✓ DIY is fine if

  • Standard H-1B / L-1 with named US employer, clean record, clear Romanian degree mapping
  • DS-160 interview prep at US Embassy Bucharest
  • Spouse / dependent derivative applications
  • Renewal of existing H-1B / L-1 at US Embassy Bucharest during home leave
  • PERM-based EB-2 / EB-3 green card (Romanians are current — no per-country backlog)

⚠ Get a specialist if

  • E-2 Treaty Investor — substantiality, source-of-funds, 'real and operating' enterprise tests
  • EB-1A / EB-1B / O-1 — extraordinary ability
  • Prior US visa refusal or US overstay
  • Romanian criminal record
  • Pre-1990 Romanian Securitate file connection
  • Past EU-side public-order ban affecting US application
  • Same-sex spouse — Romania doesn't recognise same-sex marriage (2024 partial civil-union recognition for some couples); US recognises; documentation chain may need third-country marriage cert
  • Dual Romanian-other passport — apply via Romanian passport
This guidance is general — not legal advice. For high-stakes routes (refusal history, criminal record, complex finances), spend the money on a qualified immigration adviser regulated by your destination (UK: OISC / SRA; AU: MARA; US: bar-admitted attorney).

Email me if United States's policy changes

ONE email when the rules change for Romanian travellers. No account, no marketing.

Other visa types for this route

We also have data on these visa categories between RO and US.

Related routes

Compare other work-visa routes

Sources & references

Every link below is a primary government source. We aggregate; the source is the authority. If anything on this page disagrees with a link below, the link wins.

Sponsored

While you're sorting your trip to United States

We earn a small commission on bookings made via these links — it helps keep the visa tool free. The visa info above is independent of any partner. Our commercial policy →

Browse other destinations

Where can Romanian passport holders go?

Other passports visiting United States

Who needs a visa for United States?

Informational only. A valid visa permits entry subject to officer discretion at the border. Always verify with the destination's embassy or official source before travel, employment, or relocation.