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Many seasonal and temporary jobs await international workers in the United States. While working in the US you will generally be well paid and receive excellent work experience and references. Simply follow these steps to start your temporary work visa process:
Find a job. Before you can apply for a temporary work visa you need to find an employer in the US. There are thousands of job resources available online. Make sure to apply with credible references available and a professional resume ready to be sent out.
Apply for the correct type of temporary work visa. There are many different types of temporary work visas specific to the type of work you would be doing in the US. Make sure you and your employer identify which specific visa you will be applying for. You can find a list on the US State Department’s website.
Your US employer files an I-129 Petition. Before you can apply for your visa your US employer needs to file a petition with their local US Citizenship and Immigration Services Office to hire temporary foreign workers. The US employer should apply as soon as possible, which is 6 months before the work is to begin.
If you are already in the US as a nonimmigrant, your employer may include an I-539 Form with their petition to change your status from nonimmigrant to temporary worker. When your employer receives a receipt of approval, you may begin work immediately.
If you are outside of the US…
If you are outside of the US at the time your employer files a petition, the approval receipt will be forwarded to your nearest American consulate or embassy where you may continue the application process.
Schedule an interview. If you are between the ages of 14 and 79 you are required to attend an interview at the consulate nearest you. In order to make an appointment you must be able to provide the receipt number of the approved I-129 Form sent to your employer.
Pay the processing fee. The fee will vary depending on when you are applying for a temporary work visa. The manner in which specific US consulates and embassies choose to collect their funds depends on the country in which you are from. Go to your specific consulate or embassy website for more details on how to pre-pay processing fees.
Gather the necessary documentation. You will need to bring some vital documents along with you to the temporary work visa interview. This includes:
- The DS-156 form for nonimmigrant visa applications. Some consulates and embassies actually insist on filling this form out online prior to the interview. Again, check with your specific US consulate or embassy for individual instructions.
- The DS-157 form, which is a supplemental nonimmigrant visa application for males between the ages of 16 and 45 years. If you are from a state which sponsors terrorism, no matter your gender, you must also complete this form if you are at least 16 years old.
- A valid passport from your home country.
- A passport size photograph of yourself. In the photograph you must be facing the camera and it should be in color with a white background.
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