
Before Applying for a Visa
- Job Offer. A foreign national who wishes to work in the United States temporarily must have first applied for and received an offer for a job in the United States.
- Petition by Employer. Once a foreign national has been offered a job, the potential employer must file a petition on their behalf. ...
- Approval by the Department of Labor. ...
What questions can an employer ask about your immigration status?
The question must focus on the job applicant’s ability to work legally in the United States. The question should not ask about the applicant’s immigration status or citizenship. Therefore, an employer may ask: Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States for [insert company name]?
What questions should an employer not ask on a job application?
An employer should not ask questions such as “Are you a U.S. citizen or do you have a visa that allows you to work?”
Can I get a nonimmigrant visa to work in the US?
Even when U.S. unemployment levels are high, there are always some employers who cannot find the workers they need. Such employers might be happy to help someone from another country obtain a nonimmigrant visa to work in the United States.
Can an employer say it will not sponsor a work visa?
The OSC has confirmed that an “employer may state in its job postings that it will not sponsor applicants for work visas.” OSC Technical Assistance Letter (Sept. 27, 2010), at pg. 2.

How do I ask my employer to sponsor my visa?
There are several ways to go about this.If you are looking for a new job, make it clear that you want to be sponsored at your final interview. ... Set up a formal discussion with your boss after several months at the job. ... Check your company's policy regarding permanent residency. ... Try to qualify for EB1.More items...
How do I ask my boss for a sponsorship?
How to Ask Your Boss to Sponsor Your Event TicketStart with a 2-sentence pitch. ... Describe what you'll get out of the event. ... Link the event to company or individual goals. ... Create a follow-up plan. ... Explain what the cost covers. ... Determine if the event applies to others on your team. ... Set a timeline. ... Format and send.
How do I say I need a visa sponsorship?
Be straightforward and professional and clarify your current status and inquire if you would be sponsored by the company in case you get the job.
How do you get approved for a work visa?
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 do you politely ask for sponsorship?
To obtain a corporate sponsorship, make sure you do the following:Choose companies with values more aligned to yours.Give something back to them.Have a strong, clear, engaging proposal.Don't wait until right before your event to ask for a sponsorship.If you know how much money you need, ask for it outright.More items...
How do you write a mail to boss requesting visa process?
I request you to please write an employment letter for me to submit it to the embassy. (Describe your requirements). Then I will get a visa. I hope to get a favorable answer.
How do I ask HR for visa status?
Simply email the recruiter that you worked with and ask them what the process is for getting/transferring your visa. They will put you in touch with the correct person that handles immigration for the company.
How do I ask for a visa?
In general, you will need: To complete online form DS-160, the nonimmigrant visa application form. A photo. A visa application fee....How to Apply Online for a Business or Tourism Visitor Visa to the U.S.Find out if you need a visa. ... Determine which visa you might need for your visit. ... Apply for a visa.
How much does it cost for an employer to sponsor a visa?
Petitioning for foreign workers in the H-1B and permanent employment-based visa sponsorship processes can be an expensive. Sponsoring a nonimmigrant employee for the H-1B can cost anywhere between $1,250 to $4,500 in filing fees alone, not including fees paid to attorneys to facilitate the process.
How long does it take to get a work visa?
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 long do work visas last?
Non-Immigrant Work Visas H-1B visas are valid for the length of the employment contract, up to six years. Extensions beyond six years are unusual unless either the worker or employer pursues an adjustment of status from non-immigrant to immigrant, which would signal the intention of applying for a green card.
Can a company sponsor me to work in USA?
What is a US Visa Sponsorship? To be able to go to the US to work, you must first find a job. The employer must be willing to hire someone who is not from the US. The company you plan to work for must know that you are not a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
How do you get a company to sponsor you?
How to Get a Sponsorship: 8 Key TacticsResearch potential sponsors. Look at your existing supporters. ... Tell your organization's story. ... Provide sponsor incentives. ... Reach out to established companies. ... Use data to legitimize your pitch. ... Find the right contact. ... Build a connection over time. ... Follow up.
How do you approach a company for sponsorship?
Here are some tips so you can make that fantastic first impression and get the meeting going with your best foot forward.Research potential sponsors. ... Master the elevator pitch. ... Let your numbers do the talking. ... Remember, sponsorship is more than signage. ... Include interactive activities in the deal.More items...•
How to ask someone if they have been hired?
Then contact those people to ask how they found their jobs, and whether they know of any openings or can ask around.
How to prepare a resume for a job?
In preparing your resume, be sure to read U.S.-authored books on what's expected in terms of style and tone. You might even want to ask someone from the United States to review and edit your resume. Remember, it will be your responsibility to prove to the employer that your skills and talents are worth the time and money that it will have to spend in order to bring you to the United States to work.
Do employers hire foreigners?
Employers with a history of hiring foreign workers are more likely to hire you than employers that don't have much experience with the process. (Because immigration law is complicated, they may not even know what their options are.) Some large corporations have entire departments and in-house lawyers dedicated to bringing in foreign workers.
Can a small employer hire foreign workers?
But even a smaller employer who has been through the process before, and successfully so, may be interested in bringing foreign workers to fill their needs. Keep your eyes open for employers who are advertising abroad. Also read the company's press releases or online self-descriptions regarding hiring foreign workers.
When did employers have to verify employment eligibility?
All U.S. employers must verify the employment eligibility and identity of all employees hired to work in the United States after Nov. 6, 1986, by completing an Employment Eligibility Verification form (Form I-9) for all employees, including U.S. citizens. Employers who hire or continue to employ individuals knowing that they are not authorized ...
What is temporary work?
Temporary Workers. There are several temporary (nonimmigrant) categories which allow aliens to work in the United States. For a list of these nonimmigrant categories of temporary workers, as well as information on the petitioning process, see the Temporary Workers page.
How many preference categories are there for permanent workers?
Permanent worker visas are broken into five preference categories. For a description of the preference categories, see the Permanent Workers page.
Who must give notice to the bargaining representative?
The employer must give notice to the bargaining representative or post a notice at the place of business that a labor condition application has been filed with the DOL.
Can an employer hire foreign labor?
As an employer, you may need to hire foreign labor when a U.S. citizen is not available. First, you will need to consider whether you intend to employ the individual permanently or temporarily. Offering an alien a permanent position could provide the basis for that individual to become a permanent resident, a process which will require ...
Can a foreigner get a green card?
Foreign workers may obtain permanent residence (a Green Card) if they are able to establish that they have unique skills, or are being offered a job in the United States that will not displace a U.S. worker or have an adverse effect on wages and working conditions of U.S. workers who are similarly employed. This latter determination is made by the Department of Labor and is demonstrated by obtaining a labor certification.
Prepare to file a Labor Condition Application
Ensure that the job description for your vacancy stipulates the need for the candidate to have (at minimum) a bachelor's degree in a specialized field such as engineering, medicine, or law. The position must be one that requires an individual with a specific degree, experience, or training.
File a Labor Condition Application
Employers must fill in and submit Form I-129 to apply for permission to hire a Nonimmigrant worker.
Obtain a visa
If your application is approved, you will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action. The foreign employee must take Form I-797 to a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. This will allow them to apply for permission to enter the U.S.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What form do I need to file for an alien worker?
The prospective employer must provide a job offer and file an Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-140, with the USCIS.
What is an unskilled worker?
Unskilled workers (Other workers) are persons capable of filling positions that require less than two years training or experience that are not temporary or seasonal.
Can an employer sponsor an applicant for work visa?
The OSC has confirmed that an “employer may state in its job postings that it will not sponsor applicants for work visas.” OSC Technical Assistance Letter (Sept. 27, 2010), at pg. 2.
Is it a good practice to ask about your ability to work legally in the United States?
As discussed on our Labor & Employment Law Perspectives Blog on March 12, 2012, it is a best practice to ask job applicants about their ability to work legally in the United States. While asking “are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States” is necessary, that question may not generate sufficient information. Some employers may not wish to commence (“sponsor”) an employment-based immigration case in order to fill the open position. Such employers may be frustrated when they learn only after hiring a candidate that he requires an H-1B case or other employment-based immigration case in order to work lawfully. Employers may avoid this surprise by asking a follow up question:
Can an employer reject an immigration case?
An employer has no legal obligation to commence an immigration case. Therefore, if the job applicant answers “yes” to the second question, the employer need not consider the applicant further. The employer may lawfully reject the job applicant because, if hired, that individual will ask the employer to take steps before the federal government to obtain authorization to employ him (an employment-based immigration case). This situation differs from one in which a job applicant has temporary work authorization that is independent of the employer and the applicant does not ask the employer to take on the legal obligation of an immigration case in order to employ him. The employer should not reject the job applicant simply because he has temporary work authorization. As stated on the Form I-9 instructions, “refusal to hire an individual because the documents presented have a future expiration date may . . . constitute illegal discrimination.”
Do I need proof of employment for I-9?
According to the OSC, job applicants may not understand what proof is required until they review the Form I-9 instructions and I-9 List of Acceptable Documents. Even when the question on the job application makes clear that proof is not required until employment begins, the OSC has objected.
Do I need to submit proof of work authorization?
Employers also should not ask on the job application or during a job interview for “proof” of work authorization such as, “Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States (proof required)?” Evidence of work authorization is not required until after there is an accepted job offer. Indeed, the evidence is presented at the start of employment when the employer and new hire complete the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. If the employer requests evidence before an accepted job offer, the OSC may assert that the employer is prescreening job applicants based upon citizenship or immigration status. The OSC also has commented that questions referencing “proof” discourage qualified individuals from applying. According to the OSC, job applicants may not understand what proof is required until they review the Form I-9 instructions and I-9 List of Acceptable Documents. Even when the question on the job application makes clear that proof is not required until employment begins, the OSC has objected. See OSC Technical Assistance Letter (Dec. 22, 2010) (stating that the question “Can you, after employment, submit proof of your legal right to work in the United States?” may discourage qualified applicants because they do not understand that “proof” means documents on the I-9 List of Acceptable Documents). If the employer wishes to state that evidence of work authorization will be required when employment starts, it is best to reference the I-9 Form and not the term the OSC finds confusing (“proof”). For example, the employer may state as follows on its job application:
Where to Apply for a Germany Work Visa?
You should apply for a German Employment visa at the representative body of Germany in your country of residence responsible for visa admission. This could be one of the following
How long does it take to get a work visa in Germany?
The processing time for a Germany long-stay work visa may take from one to three months from the application day. The processing time depends also on the number of applications the embassy is receiving at the time, as well as your situation.
What are the different types of employment in Germany?
Employment – if you already have a job offer in Germany. Self-Employment – if you wish to establish a business in Germany or to work as a freelancer. Working as a Freelancer. Jobseeker – if you wish to look for a job while in Germany.
How to find a job in Germany?
Check German recruitment websites. There are many online sites offering jobs for both German and foreigners. You can check the job offers there, and see if any of them suits you
How long is a work permit valid?
If your contract is for 2 years, your permit will also be valid for 2 years. However, you can extend it as many times as you need as long as you maintain your employment status.
Can I attend an interview online?
Many of the companies will give you the chance to attend the interview online, i.e. through Skype. However, some others have strict policies that job applicants must show in person for the interview. If that is the case, you should apply for a Jobseeker visa, and attend the interview. If you get the job, you should return in your country of residence and apply for an employment visa, as explained in this article.
Is there a shortage of skilled workers in Germany?
There is a shortage of skilled workers in the profession you want to practice in Germany.
What is the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices?
The US Department of Justice’s Office of Special Counsel (OSC) for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices is responsible for enforcing the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Can employers discriminate against immigrants?
Register. According to the anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), employers can’t discriminate against potential employees based on their immigration or nationality status. Asking which specific types of documents applicants will use to verify eligibility puts you at risk of facing a discrimination lawsuit ...
