- Petition for nonimmigrant workers, Form I-129. An employer must submit Form I-129 on your behalf and this must be approved by USCIS before moving forward.
- Complete the online visa application. Once USCIS approves the Form I-129, you can apply for the visa. Start by completing the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-150. ...
- Schedule an interview. The interview will be scheduled at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country you reside in. ...
- Prepare for the interview, pay the required application fee, and review instructions available on the website. ...
- Gather the necessary documentation. Documents required are: Passport valid for travel to the States Confirmation page of Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 Application fee payment receipt Photo (bring ...
- Attend the visa interview ― where a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive the visa and which category is appropriate for your purpose of ...
Full Answer
How do you apply for a work visa?
- A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- An Employment Authorization Document (work permit), or
- An employment-related visa (allows work for a particular employer)
- Each of these documents has different application requirements depending on your specific circumstance and whether you are applying for temporary or permanent visas.
How to get a work visa in the United States?
In general, you will need:
- To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form
- A photo
- A visa application fee
- To schedule an interview
What are the requirements for an US visa application?
Application form, either the DS-160 form (for non-immigrant visas) or the DS-260 form (for immigrant visas) A passport that is six months valid beyond your planned date of departure from the United States. Two photographs that meet the U.S. visa photograph requirements. Valid payment method for a visa fee to schedule an interview.
What documents are required for US visa?
US Visa Requirements
- Form DS-160. If you are applying for a US nonimmigrant visa you should complete the online application form DS-160.
- Previous USA visas. ...
- Invitation letter. ...
- Travel itinerary. ...
- Sponsorship documents. ...
- Property Documents. ...
- Family Documents. ...
- Letter from a physician. ...
How can I get working visa in USA?
Petition Approval Before you can apply for a temporary worker visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, must be filed on your behalf by a prospective employer and be approved by USCIS.
How long does it take to get a working visa for USA?
about two to seven monthsHow Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa? In general, it takes about two to seven months for the USCIS to process a work permit application. The time your work visa processes will highly depend on the type of visa you applied for. However, with extensive backlogs, there are longer wait times for obtaining work visas.
How much does it cost to get a working visa in USA?
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
Which visas allow you to work in the US?
Visa Classifications That Allow You To Work In The United StatesVisa ClassificationDefinitionL-1Intra-company transfereeM-1Foreign vocational studentO-1, O-2Temporary worker in the sciencesP-1, P-2, P-3Temporary worker in the arts, athletics in an exchange or cultural program10 more rows
Is it hard to get US work visa?
Most work visas can be obtained within about a year and often within a matter of a few months even if an interview at a U.S. consulate abroad is required. In most of the cases discussed in this article, it would be wise to engage a U.S. immigration attorney to help an applicant with their application.
Can you apply for a US work visa without a job offer?
A short answer is No. Unfortunately, you can't apply for a work visa without a job offer. Your prospective employer must be willing to sponsor you for the visa and petition on your behalf.
How long can you stay in America with a work visa?
six yearsUnder U.S. law, a foreign worker with an H-1B visa can stay in the U.S. for a maximum of six years (plus extensions in certain circumstances, discussed below). The H-1B visa and status is initially valid for three years and can then be extended for another three years.
How much bank balance is required for US work visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
How long does it take for work permit to process?
Processing Times In general, it takes about 150–210 days (5–7 months) for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process Form I-765. Previously, USCIS processed work permit applications within 90 days, but a growing backlog has caused additional delays.
How much bank balance is required for US work visa?
The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.
How can a Canadian get a US work visa?
In order for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work in the USA, you must first have a job offer from a USA employer who will sponsor you for a work visa. There are several categories of USA work visas that Canadians are eligible to work under: H-1B Visa Temporary Work.
How to get a work visa in the US?
Steps to Obtaining a Work Visa in the US. Step 1: Petition for nonimmigrant workers, Form I-129. An employer must submit Form I-129 on your behalf and this must be approved by USCIS before moving forward. Step 2: Complete the online visa application. Once USCIS approves the Form I-129, you can apply for the visa.
What is an employment authorization document?
An Employment Authorization Document (work permit), or. An employment-related visa (allows work for a particular employer) Each of these documents has different application requirements depending on your specific circumstance and whether you are applying for temporary or permanent visas.
What is a temporary worker?
A Temporary Worker: Works in the US for a temporary period of time. Once in the States, this worker is restricted to employment and activity for which their visa was issued. Depending on their situation, this visa may be eligible for renewal.
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What is a P-2?
P-2: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group) To perform through an exchange program between an organization in the United States and another country. P-3: Artist or Entertainer (Individual or Group)
What does "transfer" mean in the workplace?
To transfer and work at a branch, parent, or affiliate of the current employer in a managerial or executive capacity, or for a position requiring specialized knowledge. For persons with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture, and television fields.
What is a permanent worker?
Permanent Workers: Are authorized to live and work permanently in the States.
What is a visa for employment?
The visa provides entry to the U.S. and , depending on the type of visa obtained, may provide authorization for employment in the U.S.
What is a work visa?
What's a U.S. work visa and why do you need one? A visa is a document that provides authorization for travel to and admittance to the United States. Before visiting, working, or immigrating to the U.S., generally a citizen of a foreign country must first obtain a U.S. visa. 1 .
What is the annual green card lottery?
The annual green card lottery program ( Diversity Immigrant Visa Program) is an opportunity for potential immigrants to obtain the status as a permanent legal resident of the U.S. 5
What is an EAD?
When you have secured the appropriate visa, you will need to get a permit to work, which is officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), in order to prove you are eligible to work in the United States. The document provides proof to employers that you are legally permitted to work in the U.S.
Can you review employment authorization documents?
You can review information on Employment Authorization Documents and how to acquire, renew, or replace them.
Who is Alison Doyle?
Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers , and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. Read The Balance's editorial policies. Alison Doyle. Updated February 22, 2021.
Can I Get Denied a Work Permit?
Yes. There are three reasons that your work permit may be denied. The first is if you filled out the work permit application form (I-765) incorrectly, forgot to sign it, or left out a required element. The second, less common reason for denial is that your green card application is processed so quickly that you already have an approved green card before your work permit application is finished being processed. This is a good (if rare) problem to have, since once you have a green card, you don’t need a separate work permit in order to legally work. The last reason is that you weren’t deemed eligible at this time and you do not qualify for this specific permit.
Do You Need a US Work Visa?
If you want to ensure your best chances at getting an approval on your US work visa application , then we recommend you book a consultation with us to understand your options. We have helped thousands and thousands of workers successfully enter the US on a work permit, and we can help you too!
What is a business visitor visa?
This business visitor visa is known as a nonimmigrant visa which is available for individuals approved to participate in work and study-based exchange visitor programs, including by business sponsors. This permit allows visitors to experience life in the US before returning to their home countries.
What do you need to demonstrate at an immigrant visa interview?
Financial Support. At your immigrant visa interview, you must demonstrate to the consular officer that you will not become a public charge in the United States.
What is a permanent resident?
Permanent residents, other known as green card holders, are non-US citizens who are authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Many people obtain their green card through a family based green card or employment based green card. Each year many applicants are awarded green cards in employment based categories.
How many sections are there in the green card?
The employment based category is divided into five sections: EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5. If you are interested in working in the US, you may be eligible to obtain a Green Card under one of these categories.
Why is a work permit necessary?
Working in the U.S. is a sought-after goal for people from across the globe. In most cases, foreign nationals wishing to work in the United States will be required to apply for a U.S. work visa.
What makes America a favorite Immigration destination for migrants?
The USA every year welcomes artists, researchers, IT specialists, scientists, athletes, nurses, agricultural workers, and others.
How can we help you with immigration process?
We at Visas Avenue take care of all your needs starting from selecting the best visa to suit your need, expert advice on getting a visa, professional documentation and pre-departure guidance.
Which companies are located in America?
America is home to many internationally recognized brands and industries, i.e. Apple, Microsoft, DreamWorks Studios, Amazon, Zynga, are the world leaders in their respective domains.
Does Visa Avenue provide guidance?
Disclaimer – Visas Avenue does not provide any guidance or assistance on USA employment/work visa. This page is only for information purpose. Visa Avenue provide documentation assistance related to the different government program
Who is eligible for a Work Permit?
Many immigrants can apply for a Work Permit from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS provides detailed information about who is eligible to work in the U.S. on its website. Eligible immigrants include:
How do I switch or renew my Work Permit?
Citizen. You could also come on a Work Visa and end up getting a job with a company other than the one that initially sponsored you. Whatever the case, if you have a status that allows you to work and you want to switch to another status for any reason, you will need to submit a new Form I-765.
What should I do if USCIS denies my Work Permit application?
There are three main reasons that USCIS might reject your Work Permit application:
What is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
Immigrants living in the United States, and foreign nationals who want to come to the United States, cannot work unless they receive permission from the United States government. That permission comes in the form of an Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). EAD's are more commonly known as "Work Permits." Work Permits are photo identification cards issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and they look a lot like a driver's license.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
What determines the type of student visa you need?
Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.
What is ESTA in travel?
Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.
What is transit C visa?
Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.
What happens if you violate your work visa?
If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
Can an international student apply for a student visa?
An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.
How to get a work visa in the US?
To get a work visa in the US, start by searching VisaHQ.com to find out what the requirements are for the country you're a citizen of. Then, download and complete form DS-260, which you can find at the U.S. Department of State website. Afterwards, submit the form and agree on a time to meet with an immigration officer when they contact you. Make sure to bring along all the required documents, and consider hiring an interpreter if you're not fluent in English. For tips on what to do if your application is rejected, read on!
How much does a temporary worker visa cost?
Be sure to plan ahead so you will have the visa before you need to travel. The current fee for a temporary worker visa is $190.00.
How to make an appointment for a passport?
Note that appointments are required. Call the National Passport Information Center 24/7 at 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment.
What do you bring to the airport?
Bring your passport and any other information or documents they request.
How many references are there in WikiHow?
To create this article, 23 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
How much does it cost to renew a passport?
Currently, for an adult (over 16) a U.S. passport costs $135 for a first time passport and $110 for a renewal. It takes 4-6 weeks for a passport to be processed in the U.S. Expedited service costs an additional $60 and reduces the processing time to 3 weeks.
How to make sure everything is complete on a job application?
Have a friend or family member look over your application and application materials to make sure everything is complete.
Can My Family Members also Receive Immigrant Visas?
Based on your approved petition, your spouse and minor unmarried children, younger than 21, may apply for immigrant visas with you. Like you, they must also fill out required application forms, obtain required civil documents, pay the required fees, and undergo medical examinations. Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. For further information, please see our FAQ’s.
What is the third preference for immigrants?
A Third Preference applicant must have an approved Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, filed by the prospective employer. All such workers generally require labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Unskilled Workers (Other Workers) receive 28.6 percent of the yearly worldwide limit of employment-based immigrant visas, plus any unused visas from the Employment First Preference and Second Preference categories.
How to apply for an immigrant visa?
To be considered for an immigrant visa under some of the employment-based categories below, the applicant's prospective employer or agent must first obtain a labor certification approval from the Department of Labor. Once received (if required), the employer then files an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the appropriate employment-based preference category. (NOTE: Persons with extraordinary abilities in the Employment First preference category are able to file their own petitions.) When filing the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, see the detailed form instructions, as well as more detailed requirements information on the USCIS Permanent Workers webpage.
Why do immigration cases take so long?
Employment based immigrant visa cases take additional time because they are in numerically limited visa categories. The length of time varies from case to case and cannot be predicted for individual cases with any accuracy. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully. Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the consular officer interviews the applicant.
How long do you have to wait to get an immigration visa?
Immigrant visas cannot be issued until an applicant's priority date is reached. In certain heavily oversubscribed categories, there may be a waiting period of several years before a priority date is reached. Check the Visa Bulletin for the latest priority dates.
Where does the NVC send the visa application?
NVC then sends the file, containing the applicant’s petition and the documents listed above, to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the applicant will be interviewed for a visa. The applicant, attorney, and third-party agent, if applicable, will receive appointment emails, or letters (if no email address is available), containing the date and time of the applicant's visa interview along with instructions, including guidance for obtaining a medical examination.
What is the second preference for a job?
A Second Preference applicant must generally have a labor certification approved by the Department of Labor. A job offer is required and the U.S. employer must file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, on behalf of the applicant.
