What Is a Work Visa Sponsorship?
Each year, the U.S. government offers employment opportunities to professionals, artists and investors from around the world. However, all foreign nationals must first obtain a work permit before they can work legally in the United States. Foreign nationals seeking work visa sponsorship in the United States can obtain a legal work permit if they fulfill specific eligibility requirements. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers work permits to temporary and permanent workers, students and exchange visitors.
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Temporary Workers
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Prospective employers must sponsor temporary workers seeking job opportunities in the United States by filing a non-immigrant petition on their behalf. Non-immigrant worker classifications come in various categories. They include traders, foreign investors, specialty occupation professionals and temporary or seasonal agricultural workers. Internationally recognized athletes, persons with exceptional abilities and artists or entertainers are also eligible for sponsorship under the Temporary Worker visa classification. Under this category, spouses and children of eligible temporary workers qualify for a visa.
Permanent Workers
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides up to 140,000 visas to qualified foreign nationals and their spouses and children seeking to immigrate to the United States, according to its website. The visas are contingent on the job skills, education or work experience, or both both. Immigration Services provides five employment-based visas under this category. Members with advanced degrees, skilled workers, religious workers and investors who invest in a commercial enterprise qualify for work sponsorship visas. Employers must submit a request that they intend to sponsor a foreign national to the U.S. Immigration Services.
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Students
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Foreign students attending American colleges or universities on a full-time basis are classified as either F-1 or M-1 visa holders. F-1 visa holders are eligible to attend elementary or high school, language training programs and other types of academic institutions. M-1 visa holders must enroll in a vocational program or non-academic programs. Both F-1 and M-1 students are eligible to work off campus in fields that are relevant to their academic studies as long as they have the authorization of a designated school official.
Exchange Visitors
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Under the J-1 visa classification, exchange visitors such as nannies, professors or scholars, research assistants and specialists can legally work in the United States if individuals or institutions that are designated by the U.S. Department of State sponsor them. Other exchange workers include camp counselors, trainees and students. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible for work authorization under the exchange visitor program. Eligible candidates should complete their work authorization form under the guidance of a sponsoring agency.
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