How to File for a Work Visa

Individuals who are required to work in an alien country require a Work Visa for their job. However, getting a work visa often becomes difficult without a job or a letter of introduction from a citizen of a country where you wish to work. As you read through the article, you will discover the steps which will assist you to apply for a work visa abroad.


Primarily, you should contact the consulate of the country where you intend to work by calling for directory assistance in the 202 area code or visiting the U.S. State Department Web site, typing the country name, and clicking on Consulate. Most of these consulates are located in Washington D.C. Next, ask your employer to fax of a letter of sponsorship if you already have a job arranged. After that, provide any necessary documents required by your host country which may include a letter of sponsorship, identification papers, and a copy of your passport. Then, include a check for the required fee which may be over $100 or nothing at all. Next, submit the materials at least two months before departure, or earlier, then speak to the consulate about your plans and length of your work visa.


Now, let us talk about the different forms of work visas. The first one is known as H-1B Work Visa. The H1-B Work Visa enables professionals in "Specialty Occupations" to make valuable contributions to the US economy. At most 65,000 H-1B Visas are issued per year for three years, but extensions are possible to a maximum of six years. The H-1B Visa holder can apply for a Green Card if a company wishes to sponsor his or her application. The H-1B Non-Immigrant Work Visa may be issued to applicants with professional skills seeking temporary work in a "Specialty Occupation". "Specialty Occupations" include accountants, computer analysts, programmers, database administrators, web designers, engineers, financial analysts, doctors, nurses, scientists, architects and lawyers. The petitions are submitted by employers based on their need for the non-US resident employee. H-1B visa holders must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree, but required experience can be a substitute for the education depending on the situation of the individual. Other types of work visas include H-2B Work Visa which can be applied in case of absence of a college degree, E-3 treaty Professional Visas for Australian citizens, two types of Work Visas for Registered Nurses, and TN Work Visas for Canadian and Mexican citizens.


If you are applying for a work visa, you should remember a few tips for effectiveness of the process. First, apply early so that you have sufficient time to reapply if you are denied the work visa for the first time. Next, do not attempt to work abroad without a work visa, because you will be deported back to your country if you are caught. I hope that by reading this article, you have learned the procedures and useful tips which will assist you while applying for a work visa. So to all those readers who are applying for their work visas, best of luck!