Applying For A U.S. Work Visa

Every year, the United States welcomes tens of thousands of international temporary workers. Each temporary worker is required to obtain a U.S. work visa.

The process of obtaining a valid work visa can be overwhelming, particularly when considering there are at least a dozen categories of work visas that are issued by the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services.

Immigration law is complicated and varies from country to country. It is important to speak with a visa attorney who specializes in USA immigration law before making any hasty decisions.

If you are a professional who is hoping to take temporary work in the United States,  Whocanisue.com can help you find experienced counsel to help you in the process of obtaining the correct travel, study, immigration or work visa.

Categories of U.S. Work Visas

In early 2009, the U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services enacted changes to  requirements and regulations for several of the most commonly utilized categories of U.S. work visas. It is important to be familiar with those changes and to understand which subcategory of USA work visa to seek.

Listed below are some of the most common types of visas:

H-1B - Includes international citizens working in an industry that requires extensive training and education and a very specialized set of skills and knowledge.  
H-2A and H2-B - These commonly sought classifications of visa apply to foreign workers seeking temporary or seasonal work in both agricultural and nonagricultural jobs.  
H-1C - A specialized classification for international nurses that come to the United States to provide medical services in underserved areas for up to three years of service. This service is part of The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999, which will expire on December 20, 2009.
L - This is the classification for foreign employees whose employers wish to transfer them to a U.S. branch or affiliate to work in some supervisory or specialized position.
There are several categories of U.S. work visas that apply to artists, athletes, business people, educators, scientists and entertainers that exhibit exemplary skills or have a specific purpose for working and living in the United States on a temporary basis. These often are available in limited numbers.  

Limits on U.S. Work Visas

Some U.S. work visas are available in limited numbers, which is why it is vital to work with your employer and your work visa attorney to ensure your U.S. work visa application is submitted in a timely manner.

Listed below are a few of the limits for specific U.S. work visas:

There are only 65,000 H-1B work visas granted each year
The H-2B classification requires special certification by the U.S. Secretary of Labor, and only 66,000 H-2B visas are granted on an annual basis.

Tips for Applying for a U.S. Work Visa

The visa application process and visa requirements vary depending on your individual situation.

There are a few general tips to consider when applying for a U.S. work visa:

Apply at the U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate that oversees your area of residence.
Become familiar with the visa requirements of that particular U.S. embassy.
Complete your visa application early and submit it in a timely manner – typically six months prior to your date of departure.
Work with your employer to secure a Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security.
Make an appointment for an interview at the U.S. embassy after your employer petition has been accepted. Interviews are required for most applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 years.  
Be prepared for additional waiting time if your visa application requires further review by U.S. government employees or additional interviews.

Help in Applying for a U.S. Work Visa

It is important to speak with an attorney who specializes in USA visas and immigration law before starting the process of applying for a U.S. visa. Whocanisue.com can help you find an experienced immigration attorney in your area to assist you with immigration laws, how to apply for a visa, and should you apply, what to expect during the application process.