how to get a work visa for the us

Steps to Obtaining a Work Visa in the US.

• Passport valid for travel to the States.
• Confirmation page of Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
• Application fee payment receipt.
• Photo (bring a copy in case the photo fails to upload on the online application)
• Receipt number (for your approved petition that appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129)
• L Visa Applicants (if included in an L blanket petition, bring Form I-129S)
• Review instructions and required documents for your specific location.

Full Answer

How to get an US visa without a job offer?

• through immediate family member who is a US citizen, sponsoring you
• through a real marriage to a US citizen (actually extension of item 1. ...
• by winning the DV-1 lottery if your country is eligible

More items...

What visa do I need to work in the USA?

• U.S. Green Card Holder
• Exchange Visitor Visa
• Temporary Work Visas (Non-Agricultural)
• Temporary Worker Visas (Skilled Workers)
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Visas

Is it easy to get a work visa in the USA?

Obtaining a US Work Visa

• Have a job offer from a US-based employer. Before you even start the process of a work visa application, you need to have had a concrete offer from a US-based ...
• An approved petition by the USCIS. ...
• There are some types of visas that require additional approval from the Department of Labour (DoL). ...

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 can I get a work permit for US?

How to apply for a Work Permit (in 5 easy steps)Step #1 - Apply for an immigration status that will allow you to work. ... Step #2 - Prepare Form I-765. ... Step #3 - Prepare your supporting documents. ... Step #4 - Pay the filing fee. ... Step #5 - Submit Your Work Permit application.

How long does it take to get a work visa in the US?

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 a US work visa cost?

Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts 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.

Is it hard to get a working visa for America?

It has undoubtedly become harder under the Trump administration for non-US citizens to get a work visa for the USA, and for companies to bring foreign employees to the US. But it's not impossible.

Can you get 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.

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 long can you stay in the US on 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 long does a work visa 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.

How long does a temporary work visa last US?

The O-1 visa status can be initially granted for a period of up to three years. This period varies depending upon the length of the employment event that requires the foreign national's services. The O-1 visa status can be extended, but extensions are typically granted in one-year increments only.

Can I move to USA without a job?

Some permanent work visas that do not require a job offer and a sponsor in the United States are the EB-1, O-1 and EB-5 visas.

What is the easiest way to immigrate to USA?

Immediate relatives are spouses of US citizens, parents of US citizens, and unmarried minor children of US citizens. There is no limit on the number of visas available each year for immediate relatives. Being a US citizen's spouse is the fastest, easiest way to immigrate to the US.

How much bank balance is required for US work visa?

There are no rules for any minimum balance requirement for your bank account, people's experiences say that somewhere between 5 to 10K$ is enough to show.

How hard is it to get a work visa?

Don't be intimidated by a long visa process—it'll pay off (sometimes literally). The work visa application process varies depending on your nationality and destination, but usually you'll need to first secure a job offer and sponsorship. Depending on your destination, you may also need to prove residency.

How long does the work permit take?

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.

Can I work while waiting for my work permit?

If you received work authorization while your green card application is pending, there are no restrictions on your employment, and you can work for any employer. Of course, your employment must comply with both state and federal laws and regulations.

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.

When will the US suspend work visas?

On June 22, President Trump signed an Executive Order on suspending some US Work Visas until December 31, 2020.

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 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.

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 happens if you get rejected for a work permit?

With so many applicants each year from around the world vying for U.S. Work Permits, it is important to get experienced legal help that will ensure your application package has the best chance of being accepted. Missed or incorrect details can result in a failed bid, which can be heartbreaking if they could have been easily avoided if prepared by an immigration professional . The stakes are high. If your application is refused, your case will be permanently recorded on the U.S. Immigration database. Therefore it is essential to get it right the first time!

What form do I need to file for a temporary worker visa?

Some temporary worker visa categories require your prospective employer to obtain a labor certification or other approval from the Department of Labor on your behalf before filing the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS. Your prospective employer should review the Instructions for Form I-129 on the USCIS website to determine whether labor certification is required for you.

Where to schedule a visa interview?

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

What form do I need to bring for an L visa?

L Visa Applicants – If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your interview.

What is the purpose of a visa interview?

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).

What is a visa for a foreigner?

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

What form do I need to schedule an interview?

You will need to provide the receipt number that is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, to schedule an interview.

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 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.

Can you review employment authorization documents?

You can review information on Employment Authorization Documents and how to acquire, renew, or replace them.

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.

What is a permanent worker?

Permanent Workers: Are authorized to live and work permanently in the States.

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.

How can I get a work visa for USA?

If you are interested in working legally in your specialty area, you must be granted the visa H-1B before your arrival.

How to get an H-1B visa?

To obtain this type of visa you need 4 years of higher studies with the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. In other words, you must have an equivalent professional education qualification or a higher degree in the particular area you will look for a job.

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 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.

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.

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.

Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?

If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .

What are the categories of foreign workers?

There are several categories of foreign workers permitted to work in the United States, such as permanent immigrant workers, temporary (non-immigrant) workers, and student/exchange workers. 1. The categories of workers permitted to work in the U.S. include:

What is an employment authorization document?

The Employment Authorization Document is proof to your employer that you are legally allowed to work in the United States. The following categories of foreign workers are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document: 4. Other workers depending on circumstances.

What is an EAD for a non-citizen?

1. This permit is officially known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which enables a non-citizen to work in the U.S. 2. It is the responsibility of both employers ...

Why do I need to file an I-765?

EAD cards are replaced for many different reasons. If a card is lost, stolen, or contains incorrect information , it may be necessary to file a new Form I-765 and pay a filing fee. 5 In some cases, a fee waiver can be requested for all fees.

What is a temporary worker?

Temporary (Non-Immigrant) Workers: A temporary worker is an individual seeking to enter the United States temporarily for a specific purpose. Non-immigrants enter the United States for a temporary period of time, and once in the United States, they are restricted to the activity or reason for which their non-immigrant visa was issued.

Can dependents work in the US?

Other workers depending on circumstances. Additionally, many beneficiaries and their dependents are eligible to work in the United States. Typically, the government grants this eligibility to a certain employer as a result of the beneficiaries' or dependents' non-immigrant status.

Do you have to provide a copy of birth certificate to an employer?

Employees must present original documents (not photocopies) to their employer as part of the hiring process. The only exception occurs when an employee presents a certified copy of a birth certificate. Employers must verify the employment eligibility and identity documents presented by employees and record the document information on an I-9 form for every employee.

What is a U.S. Visa?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.

Find out what visa type is appropriate for you

The type of visa you must obtain is defined by U.S. immigration law, and relates to the purpose of your travel.

Visa Appointment Wait Time

A wait time listed as "999 calendar days" indicates that the Consular Section is only providing that service to emergency cases. Please check the Embassy or Consulate website for further information.