What Is a Work Visa? A United States work visa is an employment-based visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the United States while working legally. These visas are not permanent, and the duration a person is allowed to remain in the United States depends on the type of visa they are issued.
Full Answer
How do you get a work visa?
Typical requirements for work visas often include:
- Your Passport. Make sure your passport is signed, has blank visa pages, and will be valid for at least one year.
- Passport-style photographs. ...
- Visa application. ...
- Proof of your job offer.
- Your resume or Curriculum Vitae.
- A copy of your diploma. ...
- Copies of any professional certifications or licenses.
How to obtain a working visa in the USA?
- Valid passport – which needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the US and an additional six months after you return
- US visa photo – which you need to upload when you fill out the online application form.
- The Receipt Number, which you can find on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (I-129 Form) which your employer filed.
What are the different types of work visa?
UK Work Visa: Types and Information
- UK Work Visa Types. Short-term work visas. ...
- Short-term work visas for the UK. The UK short-term work visas are all part of the Tier 5 Visas, part of the UK Point Based System. ...
- Long-term work visas for the UK. ...
- Investor, business development and talent visas. ...
- Other Types of UK Work Visas. ...
How much is a work visa?
H visas for temporary workers (H-1B visa, H-1B1 visa, H-2A visa, H-2B visa, H-3 visa, H-4 visa) $190: Petition Based: L visas for intracompany transfers (L-1 visa, L-2 visa) $190: Petition Based: O visas for persons with extraordinary abilities (O-1 visa, O-2 visa, O-3 visa) $190: Petition Based: P visa for athletes, entertainers, and artists: $190: Petition Based
What does a work visa do?
A work visa is a type of visa that grants the holder authorization to accept employment in a foreign country. It may be issued as a stamp in the passport or as a separate document. It is needed to enter the country for the purpose of performing paid work.
What type of visa is a work visa?
The L-1 U.S. work visa is sub-categorized into L-1A (managerial/executive capacity) and L-1B (specialized knowledge) visas. In addition to for-profit multinational companies, nonprofit, religious, and charitable organizations may utilize the L-1 type of work visa.
How long is a working visa for?
Non-Immigrant Work Visas H-1B visas are valid for the length of the employment contract, up to six years. Extensions beyond six years are unusual unless either the worker or employer pursues an adjustment of status from non-immigrant to immigrant, which would signal the intention of applying for a green card.
What are the requirements of a work visa?
Individual must have been employed by the same employer abroad continuously for 1 year within the three preceding years. P-1 visa: Individual or Team Athlete, or Member of an Entertainment Group. To perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group.
What are the 4 types of visa?
Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
What jobs can you get with a work visa?
Generally, you can work for any U.S. employer in any type of job if you have a work permit. There aren't any restrictions that apply to a work permit as long as the work you are doing is legal, and you are working on a valid Employment Authorization Document.
How much does it cost for work visa?
USCIS Standard FeesCategoryUSCIS fees in U.S. dollars (valid until further notice)I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)$ 460I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker$ 700I-539 Application to Extend / Change Nonimmigrant Status$ 370I-765 Application for Employment Authorization$ 4101 more row
Does a work visa expire?
How long the work permit lasts depends on your current immigration status, or what type of visa you are here on. Most EADs are valid for one year. Obviously, however, no person will be given a work permit that lasts longer than their permitted stay in the United States.
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 long does it take to get visa?
It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays.
What is another name for a work visa?
A work visa or work permit is a generic term for a legal authorization giving permission to work in a country where one does not hold citizenship.
What is B1 and B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visas are generally referred to as “B visas”, and they are the most common types of visa issued for a wide range of uses in the United States. The B1 visa is issued mainly for short-term business trips, while the B2 visa is issued mainly traveling for tourism purposes.
Is j1 visa a work permit?
After obtaining permission to work, J-1 visa-holding students may seek student employment OR academic training. Student employment includes on-campus jobs that are both related or unrelated to the individual's field of study. J-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week at these jobs during the school year.
What is H-1B visa USA?
The H-1B program allows companies and other employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent.
What is a work visa?
A work visa is a type of employment permit that gives someone permission to take a job in a different country. An employee may need an employment visa as well as an additional work permit that allows them to pursue a career in a specific country.
How many types of work visas are there?
Here is an overview of 10 different types of work visas, including both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas:
What is a nonimmigrant visa?
This nonimmigrant visa is for people who have extraordinary skills within their field. To demonstrate that they are extraordinary at their job, they need to be able to show that they're at the top of their field and known nationally or internationally for their achievements.
What are the criteria for an immigrant visa?
These include awards, membership in associations, a high salary, publications about you or your work, publication in scholarly journals, original contributions to your field, exhibitions of your work and judging the work of others, among other criteria.
How long do you have to work for a foreign company to get a visa?
In order for the employee to qualify, they need to have worked for the foreign company for one continuous year within a three-year period prior to entering the U.S. It's important to note that there are two categories for this type of visa: L-1A and L-1B.
What is the age limit for a visa to Australia?
This visa applies only to foreign nationals from Australia, their spouses and any children who are under the age of 21. The applicant must be going to the U.S. to work within a specialty occupation. There are a limited number of these visas issued each year, although the spouse and children of the applicant do not count toward that number. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or the foreign equivalent, have a special skill set that's required to fill a specialty position and have a job offer from a U.S. company.
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.
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
Can you review employment authorization documents?
You can review information on Employment Authorization Documents and how to acquire, renew, or replace them.
What is the process to get a work visa?
This requirement means that before you apply for a US work visa, your employer must file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker with USCIS. This petition, otherwise known as a I-129 form is the most important document for you to get your work visa. When USCIS approves your employer’s petition, you can start applying for the visa. However, if your petition is approved, that does not necessarily mean that the U.S Embassy will automatically give you a work visa. Due to reasons that might remain at the discretion of the Embassy, you could be denied the work visa even if your USCIS petition is approved.
How much does it cost to get a work visa?
Receipt that proves that you have paid the application fee. For US work visas, the application fee is $190. There might also be additional fees that apply to your location, so you should check with your local U.S Embassy about more details.
What is a Labor Conditions Application?
A Labor Conditions Application (LCA) or Certification is issued by the US Department of Labor to a company which is planning to hire a foreign worker. The LCA gives the right to the company to hire employees who are not US citizens of Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) and sponsor them for visas.
What is an Employment Petition?
An employment petition is submitted by a US company that wants to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment visa. The petition is submitted to USCIS for processing and includes details of the job position, salary, and the qualifications of the foreign worker.
What is an Employment Authorization Document?
Those who have U.S nonimmigrant visas cannot start working unless they have a work permit. The U.S work permit is called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and it can be obtained immediately after your visa is approved.
What form do I need to apply for a L visa?
For those applying for an L Visa, you will also need to have a filled I-129S form (Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition). You should bring this form with you when you have your visa interview.
What happens if you report a violation of your visa?
If someone in the U.S violates your rights and you report it, your visa will not be terminated and the government cannot force you to return to your country if your visa is still valid, only because you reported those violations.
What Is a Work Visa?
A United States work visa is an employment-based visa that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in the United States while working legally. These visas are not permanent, and the duration a person is allowed to remain in the United States depends on the type of visa they are issued.
How a Work Visa Works
Work visas are for people who want to legally enter the United States for temporary employment. The duration of employment will be determined by the employer and the type of visa that is issued.
How To Get a Work Visa – Step-by-Step
Obtaining a work visa can be a complicated process, and several steps must be completed before, during, and after the visa process.
Types of Work Visas
There are several types of work visas in various categories. The type and purpose of work of the foreign national will determine what visa is appropriate.
How Long Do Work Visas Last?
A non-immigrant work visa duration depends on which visa is granted and the employer's hiring contract. H-1B visas, for example, can be valid for up to six years . The duration of an H-2A or an H-2B visa may vary depending on the labor certification but initially cannot be longer than one year.
Get Help with A Work Visa
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Sammy Naji focuses his practice on assisting startups and small businesses in their transactional and litigation needs. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Sammy worked on Middle East diplomacy at the United Nations.
What is a temporary worker visa?
Temporary worker visas are for persons who want to enter the United States for employment lasting a fixed period of time, and are not considered permanent or indefinite. Each of these visas requires the prospective employer to first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 is Visa all about?
VISA is all about transaction processing. If you work in that area it is very innovative. I worked in a different part of the organization and was often stymied by both the legal culture (the joke is: At Legal we put the NO in innovation) and a senior culture that would be hard to get the attention of.
Is it hard to advance with a visa?
The benefits are good at Visa, but it is very hard to advance if you don't work in the right location. There is a lot of turnover. So, if you want a career, I would look elsewhere.
Is Visa culture at odds with itself?
Visa culture is at odds with itself, trying to accomplish goals that undermine its own policies. It's a fractured company stuck between what they were that made them great, and what they want to be in the emerging leviathan that is global finance.
Does Visa move up in ranks?
On the surface Visa makes a big deal about moving within the company, but in reality the only people that move up in ranks are those who have close ties to leadership. I had seen people getting promoted to management positions that had absolutely 0 relatable experience, and what is worst is that they emulated the micromanaging techniques of their leader that got them in that position.
Is there a work and family balance?
There is no work and family or life balance at all.
Is it ok to work at a company?
Ok place to work. You are very expendable but benefits are good. It can be very stressful at times and management is of little help. The upside is the office is very nice and the company has many nice people.
H-1B Specialty Occupation
L-1 Visa
- This type of nonimmigrant visa is for employees who work for foreign businesses that are affiliated with U.S. companies. An employee would need this type of work visa if they were transferred to the U.S. branch within their organization. Additionally, this type of work visa would be applicable if an employee was being transferred to the U.S. by the...
O-1 Visa
- This nonimmigrant visa is for people who have extraordinary skills within their field. To demonstrate that they are extraordinary at their job, they need to be able to show that they're at the top of their field and known nationally or internationally for their achievements.
E-1 Visa
- This type of visa allows people from certain countries to visit the U.S. to carry on trade activities. People can obtain this type of work visa as a Treaty Investor or Treaty Trader. If you want to come to the U.S. as an investor, you need to invest a large amount of money into a U.S> business and be able to show you're coming to develop your investment.
TN Visa
- The TN work visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It's specifically intended for Mexican or Canadian citizens who want to come to the U.S. to work for an employer. In order to qualify, you have to prove that you're a citizen of one of those countries, have a job offer from a U.S. employer and show that you have a position that qualifies you unde…
Australian Professional Specialty Visa
- This visa applies only to foreign nationals from Australia, their spouses and any children who are under the age of 21. The applicant must be going to the U.S. to work within a specialty occupation. There are a limited number of these visas issued each year, although the spouse and children of the applicant do not count toward that number. Applicants must have a bachelor's de…
Seasonal Agricultural Work Visas
- Seasonal agricultural worker visas (H2-A) are available for foreign workers who want to come to the U.S. to work on a temporary or seasonal basis, as long as there is a shortage of domestic employees. These temporary visas are limited to just three years and to qualify the worker must come from an approved country. Related: Common Overseas Jobs for Americans