work visa
On this page:
- review
- Visa descriptions and qualifications
- When to apply
- application elements
- How to apply
- supporting documents
- krewni
- More information
questions
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Some individual visa applicants are now eligible for an interview waiver
In the exercise of their powers by the Secretary, with immediate effect until December 31, 2023, consular officers may waive the obligation to personally interview applicants for H-1, H-3, H-4, non-flat L visas, O, P and Q who have previously been granted any type of visa and have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal is subsequently lifted or the suspension is lifted. In particular, the following applicants may benefit from the exemption:
- Applicants who have previously been granted a visa of any type and have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal has been overcome or the suspension has been lifted and for whom there is no evidence of possible abuse or suspension of the visa. For example, if an applicant has previously been denied a visa under section 214(b) of the INA but has subsequently been granted a visa, the applicant is deemed to have overcome the prior refusal under section 214(b); AND
- First-time applicants who are citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries who have previously traveled to the United States via ESTA have not been denied an ESTA and whose visa applications are not subject to a ban or potential ban.
You can't avoid interviews:
- If the applicant is applying outside of their country of citizenship or habitual residence;
- If the applicant has previously been refused a visa, unless the refusal has been lifted or a waiver or suspension has been obtained.
review
If you are not an immigrant and want to work temporarily in the US, US immigration law requires you to have a special visa depending on the type of work you will be doing. Most categories of temporary workers require a prospective employer or agent to submit an application that must be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States before a work visa can be applied for.
All H, L, O, P and Q visa applicants must have a petition approved on their behalf by the USCIS. PetitionFormula I-129must be approved before you can apply for a work visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your petition is approved, your employer or agent will receive a Notice of Action, Form I-797, which will serve as notification that your petition has been approved. During the interview, the consular officer will confirm that the petition has been approved by the U.S. Department of State's Petitions Management (PIMS).
You will need to bring your I-129 Petition Acknowledgment Number to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate interview to confirm that your petition has been approved. Please note that approval of your petition does not guarantee a visa if it is determined that you are ineligible for a visa under US immigration law.
Visa descriptions and qualifications
H-1B (specialist occupation)
An H-1B visa is required if you are entering the United States to perform contract work services. To qualify, you must have a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent) in the specific field in which you are looking for a job. The USCIS will determine if your employment is a specialist employment and if you are qualified to provide services. Your employer must submit an employment conditions application to the Department of Labor regarding the terms of your employment contract.
H-1B1 Temporary work visas
Free trade agreements with Chile and Singapore are allowedChilean and Singaporean nationalsto work temporarily in the United States under certain circumstances.Only Chilean and Singaporean nationals are eligible as prime applicantsalthough their spouses and children may be citizens of other countries.
H-1B1 applicants should already have an offer of employment from an employer in their selected area of work in the United States, but the employer is not required to submit Form I-129, Nonimmigrant Worker Petition, nor is the applicant is required to receive a Notice of Approval (Form I-797) prior to applying for a visa. However, before applying for a visa, the applicant must apply to the Department of Labor for a Foreign Employment Certificate. For more information on the H-1B1 visa, seehttps://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/temporary.html
H-2A (seasonal agricultural worker)
The H-2A visa allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the U.S. for temporary farm work where U.S. workers are not available. You qualify as an H-2A nonimmigrant if you want to perform temporary farm work or services of a temporary or seasonal nature in the United States. Your U.S. employer (or a U.S. agricultural producer association designated as a common employer) must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on your behalf.
H-2B Visa (Skilled and Unskilled Workers)
This visa is required if you are entering the United States for temporary or seasonal employment for which there is a labor shortage in the United States. Your employer must obtain a certificate from the Department of Labor confirming that there are no skilled workers in the United States suitable for the type of employment on which your petition is based.
H-3 (trainee)
An H-3 visa is required if you are entering the United States to train with an employer in any field of activity other than graduate education or training for up to two years. Training can be rewarded and "hands-on" work is allowed. Training cannot be used to create productive jobs and is not available in your country.
H-4 (Kins)
If you are the primary holder of a valid H visa, your spouse or unmarried children (under 21 years of age) may be issued an H-4 visa to accompany you to the United States. However, your spouse/children cannot work while in the United States.
L-1 (transfers between companies)
An L-1 visa is required if you are an employee of an international company that temporarily relocates you to the parent company, subsidiary, or subsidiary of the same company in the United States. An international company can be a U.S. or foreign organization. To qualify for an L-1 visa, you must be at the managerial, executive, or specialist level and qualify for a position with a U.S. company at one of these levels, although not necessarily in the same position as before. In addition, you must have had one year of continuous employment outside the United States in an international company in the three years prior to applying for admission to the United States. You can only apply for an L-1 visa after your U.S. corporation or subsidiary receives an approved application from the USCIS, collectively or individually.
L-2 (relatives)
If you are the primary holder of a valid L visa, your spouse or unmarried children (under 21 years of age) may be granted this derivative visa. Due to a recent change in the law, your husband can apply for a work permit. Your spouse must enter the United States on their own L-2 visa and then submit a completed visaFormula I-765(available from USCIS), along with an application fee. Your children are not eligible to work in the United States.
O
Class O visas are issued to individuals with exceptional ability in the fields of science, arts, education, business and sports, or outstanding achievements in film and television production, and essential support personnel.
P (artist, entertainer)
P-class visas are issued to certain athletes, entertainers, performers and essential support personnel coming to the United States to perform.
Q
A Q visa is required if you are traveling to the United States to participate in an international cultural exchange program for practical training, employment, and learning about your country's history, culture, and traditions. You must have a petition filed on your behalf by a program sponsor and your petition must be approved by USCIS.
When to apply
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate may process an application for an H, L, O, P, or Q visa up to 90 days before the commencement of the employment status listed on Form I-797. However, when planning your trip, please note that due to government regulations, you cannot use your visa to apply for entry into the United States until 10 days before the start of the approved status period listed on your I-797.
application elements
If you are applying for an H, L, O, P or Q visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160). VisitDS-160 websiteMore information about the DS-160 can be found here.
- Passport valid for travel to the United States with an expiration date of at least six months after the intended stay in the United States (unlesscountry-specific agreementsprovide for exceptions). If there is more than one person in the passport, each applicant must apply for a visa.
- One (1) 5cm x 5cm photo taken in the last six months.This websitecontains information about the required photo format.
- This websiteMore information on how to pay this fee can be found here. When issuing a visa, an additional reciprocal visa fee may apply depending on your nationality. Ministry of Foreign AffairsWebsiteit may be helpful to know if you need to pay a counterfee to obtain a visa and how much it is.
- Applicants for the L-1 General Application must pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (more information on this fee can be found here).Here).
- Acknowledgment number printed on an approved I-129 petition. Paper copies of Form I-797 are not required during the interview.
In addition to these items, you must submit a letter confirming that you have booked an appointment throughWork. You may also bring supporting documents that you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
How to apply
Step 1
FinishElectronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)..
step 2
Pay your visa applicationfee.
step 3
Book a visit atTheplace. To make an appointment, the following information is needed:
- your passport number
- CGI reference number from your visa fee receipt. ClickHereif you need help locating this number.
- The 10-digit barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page
step 4
VisitUS embassy or consulateabout the date and time of the visa interview. You must bring a printed copy of your appointment notice, a DS-160 confirmation page, a photo taken within the last six months, and current and all old passports. Applications without all of this information will not be accepted.
supporting documents
In addition to these items, you must submit a letter confirming that you have booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring supporting documents that you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.
Care:don'tsubmit false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation may result in a permanent visa ban. If confidentiality is an issue, take the documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a sealed envelope. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not share your information with anyone and respects your confidentiality.
Consular officers consider each application individually, taking into account professional, social, cultural and other factors when making a decision. Consular officers may ask about your specific intentions, family situation and long-term plans and prospects in your country of residence. Each case is considered individually and meets all legal requirements.
If you are applying for a visa for the first time, you can save time by bringing the following documents with you to the interview:
- Evidence of your professional qualifications, including degrees.
- Original letters from current and previous employers detailing your position, the projects you have worked on and your time with employers.
- If you are currently working and have H-1B status, submit payslips for the current calendar year and federal income tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2) for all years of employment in the United States. you should bring:
- Payslips from your current or last job
- the names and current phone numbers of personnel managers at current and previous locations
- Your resume or resume
krewni
Your dependents should bring all necessary documents to obtain a non-immigrant visa, as well as:
- Original marriage certificate (for a spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), if applicable
- A letter from the employer confirming the continuation of employment
- If your spouse is currently working in the United States on an H1-B visa, their current calendar year payslips and federal income tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for all years they worked on an H-1B visa are included visas in the United States.
More information
More information on H, L, O, P and Q visas can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign AffairsWebsite for temporary employees.
FAQs
How to get a visa from Germany to USA? ›
- Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
- Pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need the following information in order to schedule your appointment: ...
- Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview.
Although visa processing time is approximately 5-10 business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.
How do I show strong ties to my home country for U.S. visa? ›- Birth certificates of spouse and dependents.
- Marriage certificate.
- Photos showing a sincere connection to family and friends.
- Signed letters from family and friends indicating a close bond.
Visa Types and Application Fee Amounts
The application fee for the most common nonimmigrant visa types is US$160. This includes tourist, business, student, and exchange visas. Most petition-based visas, such as work and religious visas, are US$190.
German citizens do not need a visa to travel to the US for visits of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. ESTA authorization is granted to German nationals for 2 years or until the associated passport expires, whichever date is sooner.
How quickly can I get a U.S. visa? ›If a visa application is approved during a visa interview, the average processing time is 7-10 working days. At least a further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for delivery. If you are eligible for the 'Interview Waiver Program' and submit your application by courier without attending an interview.
How long does it take for the US visa to be approved? ›It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
What are the requirements to apply U.S. visa? ›- A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. ...
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). ...
- One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph.
When your turn for the interview comes, enter the room with a smile, and greet the officer with a warm hello or hi. S/he may ask you 'how are you doing'. Reply politely and thank them for asking. If your visa is granted, thank them politely and leave.
How much bank balance is required for US b2 visa? ›How much money do I need to show for US Tourist Visa? Officially, there is no limit for the money to be shown for the US Tourist Visa. Any amount that can validate the overall expenses for your US trip must be adequate. This includes to and fro air tickets, medical insurance, boarding, lodging, shopping, etc.
Can I get USA visa by buying house? ›
Essentially, investing in a business or buying a property in the U.S. could give you permanent residency. Of course, you have to fulfill the EB-5 program requirements first, like investing at least $800,000 or $1,050,000, depending on the location. As well as create at least 10 full-time jobs.
What documents do I need to apply for German visa? ›- Germany Visa Application Form.
- Valid Passport.
- Two identical Germany Visa Photos.
- Proof of Accommodation in Germany.
- Transportation / Round trip reservation or itinerary.
- Adequate Health Insurance Coverage.
- Proof of Financial Means.
- Please bring your current passport + previous passports. ...
- Visa application form. ...
- Two (2) biometrical Passport Photos. ...
- Valid travel health insurance policy. ...
- Signed health insurance declaration. ...
- Proof of accommodation. ...
- Flight reservation of air ticket.
The processing time for Schengen visa starts only once the application reaches the Consulate. This might take up to SIX working days depending on the delivery conditions and public holidays.
How much bank balance is required for US tourist visa? ›Although there isn't a predetermined minimum balance needed, an F-1 visa requires a minimum balance of 10,000 USD.
How do I schedule an interview for US visa? ›You can schedule the appointment online through: ustraveldocs.com if you're applying from Asia, or. ais.usvisa-info.com if you are applying from anywhere else in the world.
How much does a USA entry visa cost? ›Securing a US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) is straightforward with us. The visa fee is USD $185.00, though remember that this cost may fluctuate depending on your nationality. Depending on your nationality, payment can be made during the application process or at your interview.
Which country is visa free with USA? ›Let's Look At The US Passport Visa-Free Countries
Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and Vatican City.
A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
Can I move to USA from Germany? ›To become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, one must obtain a Green Card . Most immigrants will do so through employment , through family sponsorship , or by being an immediate relative of a US citizen, the latter being most common among German immigrants.
What is the fastest visa to USA? ›
The F-1 visa is one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, the F-1 visa is often processed immediately before your embassy interview. The interview is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved.
Which visa approval is fastest in USA? ›The US student visa (F-1 visa) is one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, the study permit is often processed directly before your embassy interview.
How long does US visa interview take? ›You can expect to be at the Embassy or Consulate for approximately two to three hours. The interview with a consular officer is the last step in a two-step process and typically lasts just a few minutes. Prior to the interview staff will collect, data-enter and review your application.
How long does the B2 visa process take? ›B-2 Visa Processing Time and Length of Stay
B-2 visas are valid for up to six months and may be renewed once for up to an additional six months. After submitting the DS-160 form, it generally takes USCIS between 60–90 days to process the B-2 visa application.
It's fair to say that the U.S. visa application process is complex and requires specific information. If the applicant does not meet all requirements for the visa they are applying for, or if they failed to provide the consular with all the required information, it can lead to a visa denial.
Why is U.S. visa taking so long? ›The combination of pent-up demand from the past two years combined with regular seasonal demand has resulted in extended wait times for U.S. visa interview appointments in some locations – most notably for first-time visitor visa applicants and immigrant visa applicants in some countries.
How to get US visa step by step? ›- Step 1: Check the Validity of your Passport. ...
- Step 2: Complete the Visa Application. ...
- Step 3: Collect any Supporting Documentation. ...
- Step 4: Schedule an Interview Appointment, if required. ...
- Step 5: Visa Fee Payment and Interview. ...
- Step 6: Return to Collect your Passport and Visa.
- Appointment Letter – The interview appointment letter you received from NVC.
- Passport – For each applicant, an unexpired passport valid for six months beyond the intended date of entry into the United States.
Coming to the U.S. for consultation or meetings with U.S. business associates. Attending professional or business conference, conventions or seminars. Coming to the U.S. for market or product research.
What not to say in a visa interview? ›Don'ts During the Visa Interview Process
'Like, Umm, I guess' – Try to avoid using conversation fillers such as 'Like', 'Ummmm', or 'I guess' in a sentence when you are responding to a question. Pay close attention to the questions asked and respond with just the answer. Keep in short and simple.
What is the best answer for US visa interview? ›
It is very important to answer honestly. Tell about the reasons you have visited the US before, i.e. tourism, training, medical reasons, etc. Even if you have stayed beyond your visa validity, been deported or detained during your previous stay in the US, you must tell.
Is it difficult to pass US visa interview? ›Clearing a visa interview is not difficult; however, if you didn't perform well, then you might have to face rejection, even if you have an excellent academic record.
Can a US citizen sponsor a friend for a tourist visa? ›The visa application process is a personal one, and the applicant must attend the interview in person. However, as a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you can support your family member or friend who is applying for the visa.
How do I get a 10 year US visa? ›- Step One, fill in the form with your information.
- Step Two, review the information to avoid mistakes.
- Step Three, pay for the fees with your debit or credit card to finish.
Copies of W2 Form, Pay stubs, etc : You will need copies of W2 Forms for all the years, last three pay stubs or salary statements, Last three bank statements, Copy of your passport, I-94, H1B visa approval ( I797).
Can you get green card if you own a house in USA? ›Oftentimes, people hear from their friends, acquaintances or other family members that if you buy a house in the United States, then you get a green card. However, this is erroneous information and the answer is no, you cannot buy a house in the United States or some other property in Florida and get a green card.
Do you get citizenship in USA if you buy a house? ›Does buying a property in the USA give you residency? Purchasing American homes doesn't automatically put you on your path to citizenship. But there are other ways to earn permanent residency in the United States if you are a foreign national or an immigrant.
Can I get a green card if I own a property in USA? ›Yes, you can obtain a green card through real estate investment in the United States. Although buying a real estate property will not directly help get a green card in the U.S., there are some ways to get a green card by investing in real estate. One of the preferable ways is through the EB-5 Investor Program.
Does German Embassy verify bank statements? ›Yes, most embassies verify the bank statements visa applicants submit alongside their visa applications.
How much bank statement is required for a German visa? ›Your bank statements must be from the last three to six months, and they must be issued by the bank, signed, and stamped by the financial institution. You should obtain your bank statements at least three to four days before submitting your application.
What documents are required for US visa interview in Germany? ›
You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your current passport and all old passports to the visa interview. You must have completed your medical exam before your interview. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.
What is the easiest way to get a German visa? ›- Find out what kind of German visa you need.
- Check where you need to apply.
- Fulfil the German short-stay visa application form.
- Collect the statutory Germany visa requirements. ...
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the appropriate German Embassy/Consulate/VAC.
Yes, it is. International students, who need a visa to study in Germany, will have to go through the visa interview procedure at their local German Embassy/Consulate. The appointment day is also your interview day.
How do I get a visa for Germany from the US? ›- Original of valid US alien registration card (residence permit aka. ...
- A valid passport or Travel document – which has been issued within the previous 10 years. ...
- Germany visa application form – filled out completely and signed by the applicant.
Although visa processing time is approximately 5-10 business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements.
Which country gives fastest Schengen visa? ›The country with the fastest Schengen visa processing time is Lithuania. Places like Germany and France get many visa applications because they're very popular with tourists and business travelers.
How long does it take to get visa approval in Germany? ›The processing time for visa applications (short stay) takes up to 15 days. If long-term residence permits or visa for employment in Germany are applied for, the processing time will be up to several months.
Can a German citizen get a U.S. visa? ›A German citizen will need to apply for the appropriate visa in order to move to the USA. Some popular options are the H1-B, E-2, O-1, and EB-5 visa. The appropriate visa type will depend on your qualifications and length of stay.
Can a German citizen get U.S. citizenship? ›A child born to an American parent and a German parent acquires both American and German citizenship at birth, regardless of place of birth, if the parents satisfy the jus soli or jus sanguinis requirements of their respective countries.
How to apply for visa for usa? ›- Know your visa type. Visa types. Visa Waiver Program. ...
- Complete your application. Apply for a visa. DS-160 information. ...
- Pay your visa fees. Visa fees. Payment options. ...
- Schedule your appointment. Schedule appointment. ...
- Attend your interview. U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates. ...
- Track your passport. Track application.
How long can a US citizen be in Germany without a visa? ›
A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.
Which type of US visa should I apply? ›| Purpose of Travel | Visa Category | Required: Before applying for visa* |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism, vacation, pleasure visitor | B-2 | (NA) |
| Training in a program not primarily for employment | H-3 | USCIS |
| Treaty trader/treaty investor | E | (NA) |
| Transiting the United States | C | (NA) |
Your passport will be returned to you by the Embassy approved courier service. To ensure that there are no delays with the delivery, you must register with courier at the time you schedule the appointment for the visa interview.
How long can a German citizen stay in USA? ›You are traveling for business, pleasure or transit only. Your intended stay in the United States does not exceed 90 days. You must hold a valid return or onward ticket. Onward tickets may not end in Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.
Will I lose my American citizenship if I move to Germany? ›A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship. However, persons who acquire a foreign nationality after age 18 by applying for it may relinquish their U.S. nationality if they wish to do so.
How much does it cost for a US citizen to live in Germany? ›The average cost of living in Germany in 2023
As a basic estimate, you can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany. At the cheaper end of this range, you would likely be living in a flatshare outside of the city centre.
Yes. A child born in Germany (on or after 1 January 2000) can acquire German nationality, even if neither of the parents is German.
Is Germany allow dual citizenship? ›Under the current law, only those with an EU passport or those who have one parent from Germany are eligible to hold dual German citizenship.
Can a U.S. citizen marry a German citizen? ›If a U.S. citizen marries a German citizen, he or she does not acquire German citizenship, nor does the German citizen acquire U.S. citizenship. If you wish to live in the United States after marrying, the U.S. spouse will need to apply for an Immigrant Visa on behalf of the foreign spouse.
What is the quickest way to get a visa for USA? ›The F-1 visa is one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, the F-1 visa is often processed immediately before your embassy interview. The interview is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved.
Is USA visa easy to get? ›
A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must, in most cases, first obtain a visa to do so. This can be either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get.