Working in the United States

Anyone going to the United States with the intention of working there temporarily must obtain a non-immigrant work visa.  Persons entering the United States on a visitor or business visa (B1/B2) or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are not permitted to work.
Unlike some countries, the United States government does not issue work visas for casual employment.  In general, work visas are based on a specific offer of employment.

Please follow these steps for a United States work visa (H or L).

1. Your perspective employer (or you current employer in the case of an L visa) must file a petition for your visa with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).  If the petition is approved, USCIS will issue an I-797A or B Notice of Action to you. You must have this form before you may apply for a visa.
   
   
2. Fill in forms DS-156 and DS-157 in English, submit, and print a copy to bring with to your interview. You must fill in your form on the computer, as hand-written forms will not be accepted.  Forms sent by fax or mail will not be accepted.
   
   
3. Get two photos that meet the photograph criteria and bring these to the interview.
   
   
4. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity after the intended date of travel and the names of all children written in Latin characters.  Bring this to your interview.
   
   
5. Bring $131 in U.S. or local currency for the non-refundable visa fee.
   
   
6. Provide the following documentation:
   
   Evidence that you are qualified for the job you will be doing in the U.S., including education credentials and evidence of work experience in the field.  In the case of L visas, you must provide evidence that you are at the managerial or executive level of the company, and that the company you are working for in the U.S. is either your present employer, or a subsidiary or parent company thereof.
   
   
7.  Request a Non-Immigrant Visa Appointment..