For you to get a job offer from a U.S. company while living abroad is actually a huge step you can take, especially when you want to build a new career in America.
However, the next big step you are to take is getting a valid work visa. That’s actually where things get even more serious. In this blog post, we’re going to show you how you can easily apply for a U.S. work visa if you’ve already gotten a job offer.
You’ll also learn some certain things you are to expect during the process and some common mistakes you should avoid that can delay your work visa getting approval.
What Happens After You Get a U.S. Job Offer?
Once a U.S. company decides to hire you by bringing you on board, they officially become your sponsor.
What this actually means is that the said company will kickstart the visa application process on your behalf by first writing a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The petition is usually the first legal step that shows that your job offers are usually valid for a visa. In essence, the company that’s trying to hire you cannot just say they want to hire you.
They should be able to prove that not only your skills are needed, but also they’re following all the rules and regulations that are being set by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Which Visa Should You Apply For?
There are several U.S. work visas out there. However, the most popular one for skilled foreign workers is the H-1B visa. This particular visa is specifically made for job offers that need a college degree or, alternatively, specialized training.
In essence, if you are applying for jobs that are in tech, healthcare, finance, engineering, or research, it’s more than likely that this is the visa your employer is going to sponsor you with.
On the other hand, if you are going for industries like agriculture or hospitality, they might require a different visa for you, such as the H-2B.
However, the H-1B is probably the most popular visa in the United States of America, and it usually opens the door for you to stay longer on American soil.
There’s even a very good chance of getting permanent residency later on with the H-1B visa.
Step-by-Step: How the Visa Application Process Works
Step 1: Employer Files a Petition
The company that’s employing you from the U.S. are expected to first of all file for Form I-129 with USCIS. What this form simply means is that the company in question is officially asking for permission to bring you to the United States as a worker.
If you are lucky enough and the petition gets approved, you are going to get a notice of approval, which is also called the Form I-797.
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form Online
After the petition is approved by the U.S. government, you are expected to fill out the Form DS-160. Actually, this is your main visa application.
On it, you will enter the full details of your job. Also, you will be expected to answer some security questions. At the end of it all, you will print a confirmation page that comes with a barcode.
Try your possible best to keep it safe because you are definitely going to be needing it for your interview.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
While applying for the visa, you must always have it at the back of your mind that the visa application fee must be paid before you even begin the interview.
Try to keep your receipt safe. This is because it will be requested from you at the embassy. Failure to provide it at the embassy will automatically nullify the whole process.
Step 4: Schedule a U.S. Embassy Interview
The next step is for you to book an appointment with the U.S. embassy that’s nearest to you or the consulate.
Every country has its waiting time, so we suggest that you book yours as early as possible. Once booked, you’ll be requested for an interview.
The interviews will be conducted by a visa officer, and questions about the qualifications of your job and your plans in the U.S. will be asked.
Step 5: Attend the Interview With All Required Documents
While going for the interview, do not forget to go with your passport, your job offer, Form I-797, DS-160 confirmation, proof of qualifications, and any other supporting documents that may be required.
During the interview, you should be very clear and confident with the answers you give. If all goes as planned, your visa will be approved immediately, and your passport will get stamped.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The duration of the whole process is going to depend on two things. Firstly is the visa type you are applying for. Secondly is your country of residency. If you are applying for an H-1B visa, it’s expected to go through a lottery system.
That’s if it is submitted during the annual cap period this adds more time to the process. However, if you are applying outside the cap or maybe under a different visa, things are expected to move faster.
So generally, once your petition gets approved, it only takes a matter of weeks or months for you to complete the whole process.
Can You Bring Family Members With You?
Of course! If you happen to receive a work visa like the H-1B, your children under 21 or your spouse will be able to apply for a dependent visa like the H-4. Although they’ll need to attend a separate interview, they’ll be able to travel with you once everything is approved.
Final Thoughts
When you begin the application process for a U.S. work visa, it can be really overwhelming in the beginning. But if you had a job offer on the table already, trust me you’ve already cleared the hardest part of the whole process.
All you need to do is to follow the procedures we talked about in this article one after the other, then you let your employers handle their own parts. Your main aim should be getting all your paperwork in order.
Every year, thousands of skilled workers all over the world go through the process, and many of them succeed. All you need is the right preparation and patience. You could see yourself working in the U.S. sooner than you think.
