How to Obtain a Working Visa in the USA
Working in the U.S. is a great opportunity to experience a new culture and learn a new language. Before you can apply for a visa, however, you must already have a secured job or sponsoring employer. The application process begins with the employer rather than the applicant. The American employer is the only one who can initiate your visa. As such, you must wait for approval to be sent to you from U.S. authorities, after which the detailed process of obtaining a working visa can begin.
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Things You'll Need
- Sponsored job in the U.S.
- Approved I-129 form
- Form DS-156 or DS-160
- Valid passport
- Passport size photo
- $131.00
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Form DS-157 (if applicable)
Instructions
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Receive an approved I-129 form in the mail. This form is completed by your employer in the U.S. and is reviewed and forwarded by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You have no hand in the process other than waiting for it to be filed, approved and sent. You must receive it before scheduling a visa application appointment.
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Schedule a non-immigrant visa application interview with the U.S. Consulate General or Embassy that has jurisdiction over your area of residence. You cannot apply for a working visa whilst inside of the U.S. The interview appointment must be made online at the website of the specific consulate or embassy. If you are unsure of which embassy or consulate to apply through, visit usembassy.gov for a full listing of locations around the world. You will be asked to supply your approval receipt number for your I-129 form at time of scheduling.
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Gather all documents and forms needed for the appointment. You will need to complete and print an electronic application form available on the website of the U.S. Department of State. Depending on the requirements of the specific embassy you are applying through, you will either need to complete form DS-156 or DS-160. Verify which form is required by your embassy or consulate by accessing the visa procedures section on the consulate's individual website.
Along with the signed application form you will need to present a valid passport, passport size photograph, and proof of your connection to your homeland and intent to return. Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-157 is required of all males between the ages of 16 and 45, and all citizens regardless of age or gender of the nations of Cuba, Syria, Sudan and Iran. The form can be found at the USDS forms website. It is not electronic and must be printed and filled out with ink.
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Provide a fingerprint scan upon arrival at your application interview at which time you will be asked to pay the application processing fee of $131.00. It is possible that your visa will be granted to you during the time of your interview, however, it is at the judgment of the consular officer to keep your application for further review before granting a visa.
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Tips & Warnings
Wait times for scheduled interviews can be months out, make sure that you do not make any non-refundable travel plans before you have the date of your interview secured.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit US FLAG image by Stockphotoman from Fotolia.com
