How to Get a Work Permit for America

Visas to the United States must be issued in order for a foreign national to work in the U.S.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues work permits for temporary and permanent foreign workers in a number of fields. In order to obtain a work permit, an employer files a petition which USCIS then approves or denies. Once USCIS forwards an approved petition to the foreign consulate or embassy, the foreign worker will receive an invitation to apply for a visa. The first step to getting a work permit requires the immigrant to secure employment with an employer in the U.S. who has clearance to hire foreign workers from USCIS.

Things You'll Need

• Form I-129---Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
• DS-156---Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• DS-157---Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (for males between the ages of 18 and 55)
• Passport with at least 6 months valid time remaining
• 2 color passport-style photos (2 inches by 2 inches)
• Evidence of your credentials and salary

Instructions

1. Help your employer complete the I-129 petition. This petition is filed by your employer and must be approved by USCIS in order to receive an invitation to apply for a visa at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. The petition contains information about your prospective position, the salary and the company that you plan to work for.

2. Gather your supporting documents while waiting for the petition's approval and forward to the embassy or consulate. This includes your passport, two passport style photos and evidence of your credentials and salary.

3. Fill out the application for your visa. You will be invited to apply by your U.S. embassy or consulate once the I-129 petition has been approved and forwarded. Complete forms DS-156 and DS-157.

4. Attend a medical examination by an embassy-approved doctor. You will receive information with your application packet. Only approved doctors may complete this exam.

5. Schedule your interview with the embassy or consulate. This process varies and may be completed online, by phone or by letter; check with your embassy to review its scheduling system.

6. Attend your visa interview. Bring your application form and original supporting documents to the interview. You will be questioned by a consular officer; if your answers and documents satisfy the requirements for the work visa, it will be stamped onto your passport.

References

• USCIS: Temporary, Nonimmigrant Workers
• US Work Visa---How to Get a US Work Visa
• H-1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models

Resources

• USCIS: Visa Types for Temporary Visitors