Are you ready to take your family on an interesting trip to the United States? It might seem hard to get a work visa for the US and bring your family with you, but you can make your American dream come true with the right help and planning! This book is your road map to success. It breaks down the most important steps, from getting that dream job offer to applying for a visa for your family.
Discover secret tips on how to stand out in the tough job market, learn about the most in-demand jobs and skills, and find out how to make the visa application process easier. This guide has everything you need to know to get an H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visa or to figure out how to get dependent visas for your spouse and children.
Get ready to find new opportunities, keep costs under control, and go on an amazing journey in the land of possibilities. You’re well on your way to beginning an exciting new life in the United States with this step-by-step plan. Let’s get started on making your dreams come true.
Secure a Job Offer
Job Search and Application
Getting a job offer from a US company is the first thing you need to do to get a US work visa. Start by:
- Researching: Do some research to find US businesses and fields that match your skills and experience. You can find relevant job openings on business websites, professional networks, and online job boards.
- Networking: Get in touch with US-based experts in your area. Making connections can help you find out about job openings that aren’t promoted and give you useful information.
- Applying: For each job you apply for, make sure your resume and cover letter are specific to that job and highlight your skills and how they match the standards of the job.
Interviews and Job Offer
Once you have applied for positions:
- Interviews: You’ll be asked to come in for interviews if your application is accepted. Carefully study to show that you are qualified and excited about the job.
- Job Offer: When you get a job offer, talk to your possible employer about sponsoring your visa to make sure they are willing to do so.
US Work Visa Selection and Application Submission
Visa Category
Your job, your skills, and the type of job offer will determine which type of visa you need. Some common groups are:
- O-1 Visa: For people who are very good at sports, the arts, education, business, the sciences, or education.
- H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees.
Petition Filing
After securing a job offer:
Employer Petition: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will receive a petition from your workplace. This petition will be in the form of Form I-129 for nonimmigrant workers or Form I-140 for immigrant workers.
Gathering Supporting Documents
Get all the paperwork you need to support your visa application, like proof of qualifications, job verification letters, and school transcripts.
Processing Time
Visa handling times can be very different. Keep in touch with both your workplace and the USCIS to find out what’s going on with your application.
When Can You Bring Your Family to the US?
You can bring your family to the US either at the same time you apply for a work visa or after your visa is accepted. A quick summary is given below:
Simultaneous Application
- Apply Together: If you are applying from outside the US, you should bring your family’s dependent visa forms with you to the US embassy or consulate.
- Required Documents: passports, birth certificates (for children), marriage certificates (for spouses), proof of income, and other papers to back up the claims.
After Primary Visa Approval
- Apply Separately: You and your family can apply for their dependent visas separately. Once your work visa is accepted, they can do so in your home country or after you get to the US.
- Processing Time: The time it takes to process a dependent visa varies, but it’s usually faster once the main visa is accepted.
Dependent US Visa Categories
- H-4 Visa: For dependents of H-1B visa holders.
- L-2 Visa: For dependents of L-1 visa holders.
- O-3 Visa: For dependents of O-1 visa holders.
Professions and Qualifications Given Preference in US for Work VISA
Through a preference system, the US immigration system gives more weight to certain jobs and skills. The following are some of the most sought-after jobs and credentials:
- Advanced Degrees: Professionals with advanced degrees in STEM areas (science, technology, engineering, math) are often given the job.
- Specialized Skills: People with specific skills in fields like education, healthcare, and study are also in high demand.
- Exceptional Ability: People who are very good at the arts, studies, or business may be able to get special visas.
Overall Costs Involved in US Work VISA and Dependent VISAS
There are different fees involved in getting a US work visa or a dependent visa. Here is a list of the usual costs you can expect:
USA Work Visa Costs
- USCIS Filing Fees:
- Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker): $700
- Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker): Varies by category (e.g., H-1B: $460, L-1: $460)
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,225 (includes biometrics fee)
- Department of Labor Fees (if applicable): Labor Certification Application: $1,000
- Premium Processing Fee (optional): Form I-140 and I-129: $2,500
- Attorney Fees: Depending on how hard the case is and how much experience the lawyer has
USA Family Visa Costs
- USCIS Filing Fees:
- Form I-485: $1,225 per person (includes biometrics fee)
- Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application): $325 per person
- Medical Examination: Depending on the service and where you are
- Affidavit of Support: There is no fee, but the sponsor must meet certain financial standards
- Embassy/Consulate Fees: Depending on where you live and the type of visa you have.
Additional Costs
- Travel Expenses: flights, lodging, and transportation for moving and visa interviews
- Document Translation and Certification: If your documents are not in English
Estimated Total Cost
The process of getting a US work visa and a dependent visa can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, based on things like the type of visa, the size of the family, and the legal fees.
Employment for Dependents
People with children who come to the US on H-4 or L-2 visas usually can’t work at first. However, recent changes have made it possible for some people with an H-4 visa to get permission to work in certain situations.
Travel Plan
Dependent visa holders can usually bring family members into and out of the US as long as the main visa holder’s status is still legal.
Conclusion
Getting your family to come to the United States can be hard, but you can make your American dream come true with careful planning and the right help. This guide walks you through the most important steps, such as how to get a job offer and how to apply for a visa for both work and children. You can make your move easier and start your new life in the land of chances faster if you know what kinds of visas are out there, get the paperwork you need ready, and get an idea of how much they will cost. These steps will help you be ready for the difficulties and exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step in obtaining a US work visa?
The first step is to secure a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor your visa application.
What types of work visas are available in the US?
The H-1B visa is for people who work in specialty jobs, the L-1 visa is for people who are moving within their own company, and the O-1 visa is for people who are very good at their job.
