Millions of people from around the world look for jobs in the United States as it is the world’s largest economy. To achieve this, you will first need to obtain a US work visa to work in the US legally. However, there are a number of different types of US work visas with different eligibility criteria. This article will guide you through the details concerning how to get a work visa for this country, including the specific types, requirements, and steps so that you can start your professional career successively.
Temporary Non-Immigrant Visas
A temporary work visa permits a foreign national to enter and work in the United States for a fixed period of time, which may be the most common work visa for foreign workers. Noted that you cannot apply for this employment visa until your employer files a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Thus you must already have a job in the US before the application. The types of temporary non-immigrant visas are related to particular industries, types of jobs, and employment reasons, and you must choose the right type in case your application is rejected. The following are the common types of temporary non-immigrant visas:
H Visas
H-1B visas are for people in specialty occupations who have a higher education degree or equivalent qualification in that field with a three-year duration, such as skilled R&D technicians. The requirements for the visas are as follows:
- A job offer provided by a US employer for a position requiring specialty knowledge or skills.
- Proof of a college degree or higher or the equivalent in work experience.
- Demonstration offered by your employer that there are not enough qualified US applicants for this position.
H-2A and H-2B visas are for temporary workers who engage in seasonal agricultural work (H-2A) or non-agricultural work (H-2B), generally no longer than one year. Note that the two types of work visas are limited to citizens from special countries. Click H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers | USCIS and H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers | USCIS to view the full lists of the eligible countries.
H-3 visas are for people who seek training in any areas except graduate medical or academic fields or for specific training to meet the requirements for those who require special education. Notice this type is suitable for people who plan to pursue their careers in the US after training.
L Visas
L visas are for people who transfer temporarily within a company they already work at, divided into two types: L-1A and L-1B. L-1A visas are for those at the executive or management level with three-year duration while L-1B are for those boasting specialized knowledge with one-year duration.
O Visas
O visas are for people showing extraordinary abilities or achievements in a specific field and aiming to continue their careers in the US. This type is also appropriate for those who accompany a person of exceptional capabilities.
P Visas
P visas are for internationally recognized talents in athletics, entertainment, or art and people providing essential support services for them. The duration is normally based on the actual event.
TN NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a trade deal between the US, Canada, and Mexico, which has gone into effect since 1994. The NAFTA work permit allows eligible Canadian and Mexican professionals to engage in business activities in the US, valid for three years.
Q Visas
Q visas are for people who participate in practical training and jobs through international cultural exchange programs to share the history, culture, and traditions of their home countries. This type does not permit your spouse or child to travel with you.
How to Apply for a Temporary Non-Immigrant Work Visa
After the confirmation of the right type of the US work visa for you, you should know about how to apply for it. The process varies for different types of work visas. However, in most cases you just need to fill out the online application, gather the required documents, and attend an interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate:
Complete Form DS-160
Form DS-160 is the standard form for non-immigrant visa applications to the US, which can be found on the US embassy website. Fill out all the required information in the form and submit it. When you finish the form, print a copy of the DS-160 barcode page and confirmation page and then keep them safe as they should be brought together to your interview.
Pay the Fees
All the US work visas come with an application fee ranging from $160 to $300. You must pay the fees so that you can proceed to the next step. After the payment, please make sure you have a confirmation receipt and keep it well, which is also required for application.
Make an Appointment for an Interview
When you accomplish the above two steps, you can schedule an interview with the local US embassy or consulate in your country. People aged 13 and under or aged 80 and above usually do not need interview, but consular officers are allowed to have an interview at their discretion.
Gather All the Required Documents
You must collect all the required documents before the interview, which typically include:
- Your valid passport.
- Several passport photos that meet all the US passport photo requirements.
- Receipt number of your employer’s approved petition on Form I-129 or Form I-797.
- Confirmation page of your completed Form DS-160.
- Receipt of your application fee payment.
- Form I-129S if you have applied for an L work visa. If you are not, this form is not required.
- Additional documents are required especially for the work visa you’ve applied for. To make clear what documents you exactly need, please check with your local US embassy or consulate or visit the official website of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Attend the Interview
On the day of the interview, bring your documents and yourself to the US embassy or consulate. You will be asked to get your fingerprint before the interview. During the interview, the officers will ask you some questions to verify your application information, such as your reasons for travel and your plans when your employment is finished. When you pass your interview, you are going to obtain a US work permit and can prepare for the trip to the country!
FAQs
1. How long does it take to process a US work visa?
The US temporary work visas usually take five to seven months to process. You should pay attention to your timeframe.
2. Can my spouse and kids accompany me if I apply for an H work visa?
Yes, an H visa holder can apply for H-4 visas for his or her spouse and any children under 21 to be granted entry into the US.
Dolores Xiao