I don't think there is a visa for something as short as a 6-month contract. The closest viable option I can think of is a "New Office" L-1 (intra-company transf

I don't think there is a visa for something as short as a 6-month contract. The closest viable option I can think of is a "New Office" L-1 (intra-company transfer) visa. You'd have to open a new office in the US, and this is a longer term visa (5- or 7- years). It's also relatively hard to get. You'll need the help of an immigration law firm to prepare the documentation needed to apply for the visa. The application process alone could take 6 months. Also, just FYI: coming here as a visitor (on VWP/ESTA or the B-2 visa), then working (or doing a contract) here without permission would be violation of U.S. immigration laws, and can get you deported and effectively banned.