Working in the United States requires you to prepare and submit a work visa to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process and the immigration system can be demanding, but proper preparation efforts can increase your chances of getting accepted.
You must work on your U.S. work visa to get your dream job there. Let us help you get started, from getting the job offer to preparing for the big move.
Key Takeaways:
- There are various U.S. work visas you can apply for.
- An American employer can offer you a job in the U.S.
- The preparations for a U.S. work visa are long.
Different U.S. Work Visa Categories
Understanding U.S. work visas can help you make sense of the kind of visa you’ll get. The most common ones are:
- H-1B Visa: This visa is designed for workers in specialty occupations who require advanced education. Family members of H-1B visa holders may be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document.
- L-1 Visa: This one is for intracompany transferees in managerial or executive positions or those people with special knowledge.
- O-1 Visa: This visa is made for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their field of work, such as science, arts, athletics, business, or education.
- TN Visa: This visa is reserved for Canadian and Mexican nationals under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
- E-2 Visa: This is for entrepreneurs and investors from treaty countries.
- Student Visa: This visa is made for international students who wish to work in the United States. Employment is usually restricted to on-campus work only, and those who want to work outside the campus may need a special permit.
Every visa category has particular eligibility requirements. To start your visa application process, determine which category best matches your work experience, qualifications, and job offer.
Securing a Job Offer
Before working in the U.S. with your work visa, you must have a job offer from an American employer. Here are the ways to secure one:
Make a Resume and Cover Letter
Write a resume and cover letter that outline your skills, experience, and education. They should all be relevant to the job you’re applying for and align with American expectations and standards.
When writing a resume, include your home address, phone number, and email address. Begin writing your credentials backward—from the recent job experience to the first one. Include the company name, the time you worked, and your tasks.
Write the cover letter concisely. Begin by saying how you stumbled upon the company’s hiring process. Present yourself as a good fit for the position based on your experiences. Include your contact information and urge them to contact you. Proofread your resume and cover letter to remove grammar or spelling errors and present yourself professionally to potential employers.
Turn to Online Job Portals
Sign up for job hunting websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Indeed to apply for job openings in the U.S. Customize your job search to the preferred location and industry.
Network with Other People
Connect with other people in person or virtually. This can open job opportunities that aren’t usually advertised online.
Ask Recruitment Agencies
Some recruitment agencies place temporary workers in U.S. jobs. You can always contact them for assistance finding a suitable job and visa process.
Visa Interview Preparation
Preparedness for the visa interview is a crucial part of the entire process. These are the steps you can follow to prepare:
Schedule the Interview
After the USCIS approves your petition, head to the U.S. Department of State’s website to schedule your interview. You need to be patient with finding a suitable date for the visa interview appointment since you’re competing with millions of nonimmigrant visa applicants in the same visa category.
Gather the Documents
As a visa applicant, you need to bring all these documents to the visa interview:
- Valid Passport: It should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the United States.
- Job Offer Letter: This formal letter from the same employer in the U.S. outlines your job title, duties, and salary.
- Educational Certificates: Transcripts, diplomas, and degrees that show your educational competencies.
- Professional Experience Letters: These letters from previous employers verify your work experience.
- Form DS-160: You must complete and submit this online nonimmigrant visa application form. Keep a copy of the application form confirmation page as proof of submission.
- Visa Application Fee: Prepare your visa application fee receipt before the interview. You may need to pay a visa issuance fee after your visa is approved but before receiving it.
Practice Common Questions
Prepare answers for potential common questions that the consular office might ask. They’re typically related to your employment, such as job offer details, qualifications, previous work experiences, and long-term career goals.
Dress Professionally
As they say, dress to impress. Men should wear suits with neutral colors and formal pants, while women should wear dresses, skirts, and blouses. Only wear a few pieces of jewelry and spray a little perfume. Maintain a clean and professional look in the interview.
Be Confident and Honest
Answer all questions politely, truthfully, confidently, and concisely. Being consistent in your responses might help give you a better interview outcome.
Employer’s Role in the Visa Application
Your employer will do their part to make sure you can work in the U.S. For H-1B and L-1 visa holders, they will petition the USCIS to show immigration that you meet the visa requirements. They will show the job offer, company details, and evidence that you’re qualified.
For those with H-1B visas, your employer will handle the submission of the Labor Condition Application to the Department of Labor to prove that hiring you won’t affect the wages and working conditions of their American workers.
The Law of Visa Approval and Denial
Getting your work visa is a long waiting game of about two to seven months. The consular officer will decide if your visa application is approved or denied. When approved, you can enter the U.S. to work. When denied, the officer will give a reason for denial. It may be due to ineligibility, insufficient documentation, or other reasons.
Planning Your Move
After your visa approval, research housing options near your workplace. Consider using the temporary housing the employer offers before finding a permanent house to move into.
Prepare adequate health insurance for your stay in the U.S. Book your flight and get transportation from the airport to your new residence when you land there. It might take some time, but you need to adjust to the American lifestyle, customs, and societal norms.
Final Words
Following the crucial steps of applying for a U.S. work visa can help boost your chances of getting approved. You need to show documents, complete the forms, and prepare for the interview to state your intention to work in the U.S. This careful preparation will be your stepping stone to advance your career opportunities in America.
The answer to the question “How long does it take to get a work visa?” depends on the visa you’re applying for. It would help to avail the services of a competent immigration lawyer to help you navigate the complex immigration system. Their legal advice makes all the difference in giving you ideas on how visas work.
