Step-by-Step Instructions For Applying For A USA Work Visa

Determine the Appropriate Work Visa Category

Temporary (Non-Immigrant) Work Visas

• H-1B Visa: Ideal for professionals in specialized fields such as IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare. Requires a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its foreign equivalent.
• L-1 Visa: For employees transferring within the same company to a U.S. office. Common for executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge.
• O-1 Visa: For individuals recognized for extraordinary achievement in sciences, education, arts, business, or athletics.
• H-2B Visa: For temporary, non-agricultural jobs like hospitality, construction, or seasonal work.

Permanent (Immigrant) Work Visas

• EB-1 Visa: For individuals with outstanding abilities or accomplishments, including researchers, professors, and multinational executives.
• EB-2 Visa: For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in areas such as science, business, or the arts.
• EB-3 Visa: For skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience, professionals with a U.S. bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), and other unskilled workers in positions requiring less than two years of training.

Secure a Job Offer from a U.S. Employer

• Provide a formal job offer outlining duties, salary, and duration of employment.
• Demonstrate that you are uniquely qualified for the role.
• Prove, in many cases, that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect U.S. workers or wages.

Employer Files a Petition with USCIS

Required Petitions:

• Form I-129: For non-immigrant work visas (e.g., H-1B, O-1, L-1).
• Form I-140: For immigrant (permanent) work visas.

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Form DS-160: For non-immigrant work visa applicants.
• Form DS-260: For immigrant work visa applicants.

• Fill in all information carefully and accurately.
• Ensure your details match the ones in your employer’s petition and supporting documents.
• After submitting the form, print the confirmation page with the barcode. You must bring this to your visa interview.

Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you plan to attend your interview.
• Follow their specific payment instructions (methods may include bank deposit, electronic payment, or online payment portals).
• Keep your payment receipt safe you’ll need to show it during your interview.

Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview

Documents to Bring to Your Interview:

• Your current passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
• DS-160 or DS-260 confirmation page
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Form I-797 (Notice of Action)
• A copy of the job offer or employment contract
• Supporting documents such as:
  • • Educational qualifications
    • Professional certifications
    • Work experience letters
    • Resume/CV
    • Proof of ties to your home country (for non-immigrant visas)

Interview Tips:

• Arrive early and dress professionally.
• Be prepared to clearly explain your job role and qualifications.
• Answer all questions honestly and confidently.

Await the Visa Decision

If Approved:

• Your passport will be held temporarily while the visa is stamped.
• Once completed, the passport with the visa will be returned to you by courier or made available for pickup.

If Delayed:

• Some cases require administrative processing, which can add several weeks or even months to the timeline.
• You may be asked to provide additional documentation.

Travel to the U.S. and Begin Employment

• Present your passport and visa to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your employer, job role, and intended stay.
• If cleared, the officer will issue an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which shows your authorized stay period.

Maintain Your Visa Status

Key Responsibilities:

• Work Only for Your Sponsor: Do not accept jobs with other employers unless you change your visa or obtain a new petition.
• Stay Within the Validity Period: Make note of when your visa and I-94 expire. Apply for an extension or change of status in advance if needed.
• Report Changes: Notify USCIS if you change your address, employer, or job title.
• Avoid Violations: Unauthorized work, overstaying your visa, or committing criminal offenses can jeopardize your legal status and future visa applications.