10 Tips for Getting a US Work Visa Sponsorship
If you’re planning to immigrate to the United States, either on an H-2B, H-2A, or any other work visa, the most important thing you can do to make your process easier and your likelihood of success higher is to choose the right company to sponsor you. Here are 10 tips that will help you find and hire the best company in your industry and location to sponsor your work visa application.
1) Build a successful career at home
Consider your abilities, of course. But also consider what you can bring to an employer and what skills they need that may not be readily available in their home country. If you are fluent in another language and have been working as a translator or interpreter, that can set you apart from other applicants. While some countries allow certain professionals to immigrate (such as doctors), many others do not. You may want to look into employment visa sponsorship options that require an overseas employer to sponsor you (H-2B or H-2A) rather than trying to get permanent residency directly through immigration.
2) Research H-2B and H-2A Visas
These visas, which allow employers to hire foreign workers temporarily, can be used in two ways: H-2B Visas are available to nonimmigrant workers who come to work temporarily on a one-time basis or seasonal basis. H-2A Visas are available to temporary agricultural workers. Whether you’re looking into an H-2B or an H-2A visa, there’s plenty of research you should do before moving forward with your application. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website has resources for both visa types, but make sure to do additional research by checking out our expert articles on working in America from outside of America—there’s a lot of good advice out there!
3) Decide if it’s worth applying for the visa
The first thing you need to know is that there are two types of visas available to international workers who want to live and work in America: Nonimmigrant visas, which people use temporarily while they’re on assignment in the United States, and immigrant visas, which people use to become permanent residents (Green Card holders). The major difference between these is that applicants can apply for an immigrant visa regardless of whether or not they have any formal employment offers. With a nonimmigrant visa, it’s necessary to have an offer from an employer. There are several types of visas—many of them require different levels of approval by various government departments—but most people will be looking at either temporary work visas or Green Cards. If you’re interested in getting the U.S.
4) Know what you need to apply successfully
You can’t apply to sponsor an individual unless you’re an employer or a representative of an international company. If you fall into one of these categories, you must know what type of visa application process your employee will need—and that differs based on their status in your home country and where they want to work. The more thoroughly prepared you are from step one, the better chance you have at approval. How do I find out if my company is eligible?
5) Know which companies have recently sponsored visas successfully
Because there are so many variables to consider, it’s hard to know which companies will be able to sponsor your visa right away. Start by reaching out to companies that have recently sponsored work visas like Intel, Apple, Tech Mahindra, Wipro Limited, Accenture and ask them what they’re looking for. If they don’t have any open positions at the moment, see if you can get on their list. Also, look at job boards or groups that focus on connecting employees and employers (like working). While you probably won’t find an employer immediately, many of these resources are active 24/7 and often post jobs when employers come across them long after being posted in other places. Check out more at https://www.businessbecause.com/news/visas/7773/companies-that-sponsor-h1b-visas
6) Have all documents ready
Before you approach any potential sponsor, make sure you have all of your documents ready. You will need a resume that is up-to-date and reflects your work experience; cover letters tailored to each company you contact, highlighting why you are interested in working with them; and copies of degrees/transcripts. Once you have created these items, begin sending them out to companies. Any that respond positively should be added to your list of potential sponsors.
7) Be prepared to invest time and money in preparations
Being in contact with your petitioner can help you refine your petition and get to know what they’re looking for in an employee. Once you have a job offer, find out if there are any specific documents or evidence that they need before you go ahead and submit your petition. It may also be helpful to look at sample petitions online to see how others have approached writing one so that it is formatted according to current standards. Remember, following up does not guarantee approval of your visa; it simply increases your chances of getting one!
8) Double check everything before submitting documents
Sometimes a single missing document can derail your entire visa application. Double check all forms and documents before you submit them to ensure everything is in order and you don’t run into any snags along the way.
9) Follow up regularly with your petitioners
There are two types of petitioners you can contact when looking to get your US to work visa sponsorship: 1) Your petitioner is an H-1B-eligible company, but it needs to file a visa petition on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 2) USCIS has already approved your H-1B petition for you, and your employer’s Human Resources Department will handle the processing.
10) Good luck!
US work visa sponsorship is no small feat. It’s an arduous, time-consuming process that can take years to complete. That said, it isn’t impossible—with the right documents and credentials, it is possible to get a work visa sponsored by companies in both Canada and the United States. If you’re looking to start working in either country, here are ten tips you should follow as you apply.