How to Get Visa Sponsorship to Work in the USA
- L1 Intra-Company Transfer visa. If you are already working for an international employer who has an affiliated US office, the Intra-Company Transfer visa will allow you to temporarily transfer to ...
- H1B Speciality Occupation visa. ...
- O-1 Extraordinary Ability visa. ...
- E Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor visas. ...
- Starting work in the US. ...
Full Answer
Does an employer have to sponsor a work visa?
These visas are temporary and must be renewed regularly. Visa sponsorship means an employer is willing to obtain a work visa for highly-qualified candidates who live outside the United States. It’s not a simple process for employers. They must prove that they were unable to fill their vacancies with qualified American workers for sponsoring a visa.
Can I get a work visa without a sponsor?
Since there are so many US visas, it can be confusing to know which ones are for employment. Even within the US work visas, for very short seasonal work you might not need a sponsorship. But you must keep in mind that most employment offers in the US will need a visa sponsorship. The US visas have groups of nonimmigrant and immigrant 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). ...
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
Can I sponsor someone for a work visa?
Sponsoring a foreign worker for a U.S. job may be quicker and easier through a nonimmigrant visa than through a green card. Sponsoring a foreign worker for a U.S. job may be quicker and easier through a nonimmigrant visa than through a green card.
How can I get sponsored for work visa in USA?
As explained, getting a sponsorship employment visa requires you to have an offer from a US employer. The US employer must send you a contract to sign, which will then be part of the sponsorship documents. In some nonimmigrant visas the Department of Labor first requires a Labor Certification.
How much does it cost to sponsor a visa in the US?
How Much Will Sponsoring an H1-B Visa Cost an Employer? An H-1B Visa (or H-1B transfer) will cost you around $5000 (including government fees). Immigration lawyer fees should costs $2000 to $3000, while filing fees are around $3000.
Can I sponsor my friend to work in US?
Unfortunately, the only way that you can sponsor a person's visa or green card application is if you are the non-citizen's employer, relative, or fiancé(e). The U.S. immigration laws do not allow you to sponsor someone just because they are your friend.
How do I get a work permit in USA without a job offer?
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 can I bring a worker to USA?
The process of bringing a domestic worker on a temporary basis involves an employment contract, a visa, and a work permit. Some U.S. citizens and some nonimmigrants (that is, some people with temporary visas) can bring domestic workers to the United States on a limited-time basis.
How long does sponsorship take in USA?
Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.
Who can sponsor me in USA?
Who You Can Help ImmigrateWho Can Sponsor WhoWho You AreImmigrants You Can PetitionU.S. citizen (at least age 18, for financial sponsorship purposes)Minor, unmarried childrenU.S. citizenMarried children or adult childrenU.S. citizen age 21 or olderBrothers and sisters4 more rows
How long does it take to get a work 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.
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non family member?
Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a non-family member for immigration? Unfortunately, no, you can't petition for a foreign national's visa or green card if they aren't a family member.
How much income do you need to sponsor an immigrant US 2022?
$22,887The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
What do I need to sponsor someone?
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Sponsor You must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident. Immigrants with any other visa status cannot sponsor a person in the US. You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the Form I-130. You should have your domicile in the US or any of its territories.
How do I get a company to sponsor me in USA?
Here are the top 6 ways to find an H1B visa sponsor for 2022 so that you can file your petition:Look for a Job in the H1B Visa Sponsors Database.Apply for the Job and Get an Offer.Find an Internship.Look for Boutique Consulting Companies.Look for Global Consulting Companies.Find a Job at a US University.
Can I get a US work visa without sponsorship?
Yes, it is possible to obtain a work visa without sponsorship from an employer in the United States. There are three types of visas that allow this, and they are known as EB-1, O-1, and EB-5. An immigration attorney can help with obtaining one of these visas.
How do I get my employer to sponsor me?
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 can my employer sponsor me in USA?
First, your employer is required to get an approved Labor Certification from the United States Department of Labor (DOL). Second, your employer must file an immigrant petition on your behalf (Form I-140). Third, you are required to either adjust status (Form I-485) or apply for your immigrant visa (Form DS-260).
How do I sponsor an employee for a work visa in the U.S.?
Prepare to file a Labor Condition Application. File a Labor Condition Application. Obtain a visa.
Can I sponsor an immigrant for work?
Yes. Employers are allowed to sponsor immigrants for work in the United States by submitting Form I-129.
How do you sponsor an employee?
Prepare to file a Labor Condition Application. File a Labor Condition Application. Obtain a visa.
How much does it cost to sponsor an employee in the U.S.?
It can cost between $1,000.00 and $4,500.00 to sponsor an employee in the U.S., excluding legal fees.
Are you eligible to work in the US without sponsorship?
No. Without a sponsorship from an employee, you will not be granted a work visa.
Is there an employer guide to the H-1B visa?
You can follow our detailed steps to apply for an H-1B visa for a foreign employee.
What happens if a petition for a work visa is approved?
If the petition for your work visa is approved by the USCIS, only then will you be given instructions on what you need to do next to actually begin the US work visa application process.
What are the qualifications to be eligible for the SS?
You’re eligible if you have extraordinary abilities or achievements in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or entertainment industry.
What is a non-immigrant visa?
Non-Immigrant Visas. You’re eligible if you have at least a bachelor’s degree and a job offer that requires specialized skills. This is the most popular US work visa. You’re eligible if you are transferring from a company you work for outside of the US to an affiliate branch of the same company in the US .
What are the different types of work visas?
Well, for starters, it’s important you know that there are two main types of work visas: 1 Non-immigrant work visas for temporary employment and.
How many years of training do you need to be a skilled worker?
You’re eligible if you’re a skilled worker with at least two years of training or a professional with a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree.
What is the first step to getting a work visa?
As you now know, landing a job offer is one of the first steps toward getting a US work visa. But what happens next?
Can a company sponsor a work visa?
Not all US companies will be able or willing to sponsor your work visa. But here’s a list of the types of companies that typically sponsor US work visas for foreign nationals:
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.
What is a H1B visa?
The Speciality Occupation visa, or H1B vis a as it is otherwise known, is a non-immigrant work visa for graduate level workers to undertake a role with a US employer in a speciality occupation requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
What is an intra company transfer visa?
The Intra-Company Transfer visa, or L1 visa as it is officially known, can also be used for employees who are being sent to the United States to open a new office.
What is extraordinary achievement?
To demonstrate extraordinary achievement, you have to possess a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent you are recognised as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.
How to show a degree if you don't have a bachelor's degree?
Where you do not have a bachelor’s or higher degree you may be able to show degree equivalence through work experience and/or other qualifications. You must also be able to demonstrate that you are uniquely qualified for the position in question because of your field of study or work experience.
What is an E1 trader visa?
Under the E1 Treaty Trader visa, you must be coming to the US to engage in substantial trade in either goods, money or services, principally between the USA and your treaty country, building on an existing trading relationship.
Does a visa guarantee entry?
That said, the grant of a visa does not necessarily guarantee entry. Having a visa only indicates a consular officer has determined you are eligible to seek entry to the USA for that specific purpose. It remains at the discretion of immigration officials at the port of entry to determine your eligibility for admission into the country.
Can a foreigner work in the USA?
Under US immigration law there are various different classifications of work visa that will allow foreign citizens to undertake work on a time-limited basis in the United States. Below we look at the nature of the “temporary work visa USA” and some of the different options that are currently available.
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.
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.
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 does 999 days mean?
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.
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.
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.
What is Martindale Nolo?
Nolo is a part of the Martindale Nolo network, which has been matching clients with attorneys for 100+ years.
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.
What does O-1 mean?
O-1. People of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
What is an H-2A?
H-2A. Temporary agricultural workers who will fill positions that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has recognized as facing a labor supply shortage.
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.
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.
Is the internet secure?
The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. You cannot apply for a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa to work in the U.S. until you have an employer willing to offer you a job and act as your petitioner in the application process.
What is an H-1B visa?
Obtaining an H1-B visa will allow a United States company or employer to sponsor a nonimmigrant to come to the United States and work in what’s known as a “specialty occupation.”
How are H-1B visas different from other nonimmigrant visa programs?
However, an H1-B visa provides the most streamlined process to gain permanent resident status for a foreign employee through a concept known as “dual intent.”
Who can use H1-B visas?
Nonimmigrants who are slated to work under a “specialty occupation” are eligible to be sponsored by their future employer for an H1-B visa. They must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited university. Those with higher education can also receive this visa.
How long can a nonimmigrant work in the US?
A nonimmigrant worker that receives an H-1B visa can work in the U.S. for up to three years on an initial grant of status. The employer has the ability to extend the status of that worker for only an additional three years, unless the employer seeks an employment-based green card for that worker while they’re in the U.S. on their H-1B visa.
Where do I get an I-797?
Employers will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action if the petition is approved. The nonimmigrant worker will take a copy of the completed petition with all its forms and apply for their visa with the Department of State. They can do this at a consulate within their home country or at a U.S. embassy.
How long does it take to file a LCA?
This must occur at least 30 days before the date that the Labor Condition Application (LCA) is filed with the Department of Labor. In the LCA, the employer must confirm the following: The nonimmigrant worker will receive the same, or an amount equal to the pay and benefits of U.S. workers in that type of position.
Can an employer hire highly educated non-immigrant workers?
Employers sometimes have the option of hiring highly educated nonimmigrant workers if they are unable to find workers domestically. Nonimmigrant workers can typically be sponsored for a limited time by an employer through the H-1B visa program, issued under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Though the program provides benefits for both parties, employers should review and consider the program’s terms and conditions before beginning the application process.
