Besides being a popular site for tourists, the United States of America is a popular destination for immigrants seeking employment opportunities. However, To work legally in the country, individuals need to apply for and obtain a USA work visa.
The process of obtaining a USA work visa can be complex and tiring if you lack the basic documents. However, with the right guidance, it can be simplified.
Work visa types may also differ depending on the nature of your employment. For example, you could be applying as
- A temporary employee or
- A permanent or sponsored employees
- A student work visa
As a temporary employee, you will need a US non-immigrant work visa, while the permanent employee needs an immigration visa.
In this article, we will cover all you need to know about being a temporary employee and a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a USA work visa
What is the American work visa?
The USA work visa, also known as the H-1B visa, is a type of visa that permits foreign workers to temporarily work in the United States. This visa is typically meant for people who possess specialized skills and knowledge and are being hired by American companies to fill positions that cannot be easily filled by US citizen workers.
To be eligible for s work visa in the USA, you must have a job offer from a US employer. More so, the employer must sponsor you and file a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. In addition, the job must require a high level of education and expertise, as evident from the worker’s qualifications, which must meet the minimum educational requirements.
Additionally, the American work visa is typically granted for three years, with the possibility of an extension. However, you cannot stay in the US for more than six years on an H-1B visa. It is also important to note that the visa is tied to the employer, which means that if you decide to change jobs. Therefore, the new employer must also file a petition for a new visa.
Also, to be eligible for this visa, applicants need to fulfil the list of US visa requirements and submit the documents specified (we will discuss these documents in the next section) to be eligible to apply for temporary work visa USA.
Types of USA work Visa
Like in other foreign countries, there are different types of work visas available in America. Depending on your purpose ravelling and the kind of work you want to do, you must make sure you meet the requirements for anyone you choose.
H-1B Visa:
This visa type, as mentioned earlier, is for people with specialized skills or knowledge in a particular field. To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher education in a related field. You must also have a job offer from a US employer, who will act as your sponsor. This visa is valid for only 3 years.
The occupations that can be obtained with the H-1B visa are typically in fields such as technology, finance, engineering, architecture, and research-related fields.
H-2A Visa
The H-2A visa is issued to temporary agricultural workers and limited to citizens of designated countries.
H-2B visa
The H-2A Visa is for seasonal, temporary non-agricultural worker and limited to citizens of designated countries and does not extend beyond a year.
H-3 Visa
The H-3 visa is issued to those seeking to be trained in different fields (except medical school) or training to meet the needs of a special education e.g. practical training programs to meet the needs of children with mental or emotional disabilities.
L-1 Visa
This visa is for individuals who are being transferred to the USA by their employer. In other words, the L-1 visa is an intra-company transfer U.S. visa which allows a company with a branch in the U.S. to transfer key employees into one of its offices in the United States.
The L-1 visa is of two types, the L-1A visa allows the transfer of officers at the. This comes with a three-year duration. However, the L-1B visa is issued if the transfer is due to a specialized expertise L-1B. L-1 B has only one year.
To be eligible for an L-1 visa, you must have worked for your employer for at least one year in the past three years. You must also be transferred to a branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company of your employer in the USA.
O-1 Visa
This visa is for individuals who have extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, art, education, business, or athletics. To be eligible for an O-1 visa, you must have received national or international recognition for your achievements in your field.
I Visas
I visas are issued to eligible foreign press personnel, journalists, film crews, and editors who are working for a foreign media organization with a home office abroad, such as print, radio, film, or other foreign information media. This is an indefinite visa as long as the holder is employed in this field by the same employer.
P Visa
This visa is given to individuals who excel as athletes, entertainers, and artists, and allows them to work in the US for a specific event or performance.
TN Visa
This visa is for Canadian and Mexican professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This visa type is issued to citizens who seek entry into the United state for business activities.
Steps to Apply for USA Work Visa
Now that you are familiar with the types of temporary work visas for the USA, you can proceed with your application. But in case you don’t know the process, we’ve provided a step-by-step guild to help you through the process.
Step 1: Determine your Eligibility
Firstly, for you to obtain a USA work visa, you must be eligibility. There are several types of work visas available, each with its own set of requirements. The most common types of work visas are H-1B, L-1, and O-1. The eligibility criteria for each of these visas are as follows:
Step 2: Choose the right visa
Once you have determined your eligibility for a work visa, the next step is to choose the right visa. However, as mentioned earlier, there are several types of work visas available. You need to choose the one that fits your eligibility criteria and your specific needs.
Step 3: Find a US employer to sponsor you
To obtain a USA work visa, you need to have a job offer from a US employer. Your employer will be responsible for filing the necessary paperwork and supporting your visa application. You can search for job opportunities on professional networking sites, job search websites, and company career pages.
Discover jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship
Step 4: Have your employer File a Petition
Once you have a job offer, your employer needs to file a petition for your work visa. The petition is a formal request to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to grant you a work visa. Also, it is the duty of your our employer to fill the petition on your behalf.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
After your employer files the petition, you need to wait for approval from the USCIS. The processing time for work visa petitions varies depending on the type of visa and the workload of the USCIS. Furthermore,it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to receive a decision.
Step 6: Schedule a visa interview
After your petition is approved, the next step is to schedule a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. Also, he visa interview is a chance for the US government to verify your eligibility and ensure that you have a genuine job offer from a US employer.
Step 7: Attend the visa Interview
At the visa interview, you will be asked a series of questions about your employment history, education, and job offer. You will also be asked to provide supporting documentation, such as your passport, resume, and educational certificates. It is important, to be honest and straightforward in your answers.
Step 8: Provide biometric information
As part of the visa application process, you will be required to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This information will be used to verify your identity and ensure that you are not a security threat to the USA.
Step 9: Receive your visa
If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa. The visa will be stamped in your passport and will specify the duration of your stay and the terms of your employment. It is important to review the visa carefully to ensure that all the information is correct.
Step 10: Travel to the USA and start working
Once you have your visa, you can travel to the USA and start working for your employer. It is important to comply with all the terms and conditions of your visa and maintain your legal status in the country. You may need to renew your visa or apply for permanent residency in the future.
US Work Visa Requirement
To apply for a US work visa, you must possess certain documents. These include:
- A valid passport that has at least six months of validity beyond your stay in the US,
- A US visa photo. You will be requested to upload this when filling out your online application.
- The Receipt Number from the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker filed by your employer
- A confirmation page for the Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Proof of payment of the $190 application fee (which may vary by location),
- Proof of plans to return to your home country after your work in the US ends (excluding H-1B and L visas), and information about the residence you plan to return to.
For L visas, you will also need to submit a filled I-129S form. You may need to submit additional documents, so it’s best to check with your local US Embassy.
Application Procedures
The application procedures for work visas in the USA vary, but generally involve the following:
1. Employer applies for a labour certification with the Department of Labor.
2. The employer files a petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
3. Once approved, the applicant applies for a work visa at a US embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
What are the Qualifications for Work Visa USA
To obtain a work visa in the USA, you must meet several qualifications. As an applicant, you must you have a job offer from a legitimate employer in the USA and that you possess the skills necessary and qualifications for the job. Additionally, your employer must have completed all necessary paperwork to ensure the employee’s legal status in the country.
Conclusion on USA work Visa
To obtain a USA work visa can be a complex process, but with the right guidance,this process can be seamlessly. The key is to determine your eligibility, choose the right visa, find a US employer to sponsor you, file a petition, attend a visa interview, and comply with all the terms and conditions of your visa. By following these steps, you can achieve your dream of working legally in the USA.
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