There are many foreign-born people who want to work in the United States and there are many employers who have a need for hiring foreigners. While there are needs on both sides, it can be very difficult to get a work visa. Here is an overview of two kinds of work visas available for applicants.
H1B Visa Program--the primary visa for professionals and students from all over the world who work in specialty occupations. The visa is valid for up to 6 years, employer transferable and dual intent (can apply for Green Card).
Requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree or higher or foreign equivalent,
- OR at least 12 years work experience in a specialty occupation,
- OR a mix of further education and work experience to total 12 years.
- Specialty Occupations that qualify:
- IT, Computing, Networking, Telecoms,
- Finance, Accounting, Banking,
- Marketing, Advertising, PR, Sales, Recruiting, Business Management,
- Engineering (all types),
- Teaching,
- HealthCare/Medical,
- Legal, Lawyers
H2B Visa Program--a temporary visa for short-term "seasonal" work in the hospitality and tourist industries.
- Requirements include:
- No degree required,
- You must find a job with an offer from a US employer
- Type of jobs:
- Hospitality, hotel/motels, resorts, ski resorts, security
- Cruise ships, restaurants and bars,
- Construction jobs, landscaping, golf courses, maintenance, janitorial,
- Ticket sakes, water parks, ride operators,
- Retail stores.
There are other specific visas for specific programs. It is best to consult with an immigration attorney in your area. An immigration lawyer can go over the various visa programs to see where your skills might fit.
H1B Visa Program--the primary visa for professionals and students from all over the world who work in specialty occupations. The visa is valid for up to 6 years, employer transferable and dual intent (can apply for Green Card).
Requirements include:
- Bachelor's degree or higher or foreign equivalent,
- OR at least 12 years work experience in a specialty occupation,
- OR a mix of further education and work experience to total 12 years.
- Specialty Occupations that qualify:
- IT, Computing, Networking, Telecoms,
- Finance, Accounting, Banking,
- Marketing, Advertising, PR, Sales, Recruiting, Business Management,
- Engineering (all types),
- Teaching,
- HealthCare/Medical,
- Legal, Lawyers
H2B Visa Program--a temporary visa for short-term "seasonal" work in the hospitality and tourist industries.
- Requirements include:
- No degree required,
- You must find a job with an offer from a US employer
- Type of jobs:
- Hospitality, hotel/motels, resorts, ski resorts, security
- Cruise ships, restaurants and bars,
- Construction jobs, landscaping, golf courses, maintenance, janitorial,
- Ticket sakes, water parks, ride operators,
- Retail stores.
There are other specific visas for specific programs. It is best to consult with an immigration attorney in your area. An immigration lawyer can go over the various visa programs to see where your skills might fit.
