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Proven strategies for finding employment, securing a sponsor, and applying for a Visa.
If you've ever dreamed of working and living in the United States, you can make it happen with dedication. Although the US enforces strict immigration laws, you can still achieve your goal by starting the process from your home country. The typical route is to search for a job in the US first. Once you receive a job offer, your employer will submit a petition to sponsor your visa application through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will manage the rest of the process.
Important Information to Keep in Mind
- Craft a professional American-style résumé and cover letter, apply for positions online, and then request your employer to sponsor your work visa.
- Prepare your passport, travel details, and résumé to apply for your visa via the U.S. Department of State’s website.
- Request your employer to complete an immigration petition on your behalf. Then, fill out Form I-485 online and submit it to USCIS.
Steps to Follow
Securing a Sponsor
In most cases, you'll need a job offer to work in the US. Unless you're already studying in the US, this typically means you must apply for jobs from your home country before you can move to America for employment.
Craft an American-style résumé and cover letter. Using an American-style résumé and cover letter shows employers that you're familiar with US job application practices and that you'll adapt smoothly to the American work culture. Here are some key tips:
- Highlight specific facts and metrics related to your academic or professional achievements.
- Include only relevant work experience that directly applies to the role you're seeking.
- Stick to clear, consistent fonts and formatting to keep your résumé easy to read.
- Clarify your proficiency in English with precision.
Look for American companies in your field. The internet is a powerful tool for job seekers in the US, so you're in a great position! No matter where you live, you can access major job portals like Indeed and Monster.
- Create a LinkedIn account (if you haven't already). Many US employers view your LinkedIn profile as your résumé, particularly when you're applying online.
- Companies that have previously hired workers from your country are more likely to do so again. Reach out to colleagues from your home country who are now employed in the US to find out which companies they work for. If you don’t know anyone personally, search LinkedIn and message potential connections.
Connect with a recruitment agency if you're an experienced professional. Private recruiters, also known as headhunters, assist companies in finding top-level candidates, such as executives and senior professionals. If you have 5-10 years of experience in a specialized role (e.g., lawyer, accountant, etc.), working with a recruiter might be your best route.
- Be cautious of fraudulent employment agencies claiming they can secure a job in the US for you. Always avoid agencies that require an upfront payment.
Tailor your résumé and cover letter for each job application. Carefully review each job posting and highlight specific skills mentioned in the ad. Remove any irrelevant experience or skills that don't relate to the position you're applying for.
- Consider your résumé and cover letter as marketing tools. Think of it as selling yourself to the employer. Show them why they need your skills and expertise on their team.
- Do thorough research on each employer and incorporate that information into your cover letter. This demonstrates that you've taken the time to understand their business.
Follow up on your applications after a week or two. Many employers in the US may not respond to applications. Be proactive and follow up with a phone call or email after a week or two. You might need to follow up multiple times! If you're persistent, the company could decide to interview you.
- Start your follow-up efforts one week after you send your application. If you get a response, follow up based on the timing mentioned. For example, if the employer says someone will reach out in three days, call again on the fourth day if you haven't heard anything.
- If you aren't receiving responses, avoid contacting the employer more than once a week. If there's still no reply after a month, it's often best to move on.
Prepare for your interview, whether in person or online. If you're located outside the US, your potential employer will likely set up an interview online or over the phone, especially if it's not an executive-level position.
- Dress as you would for an in-person interview, even if it's virtual. Ensure you're in a quiet, professional setting (even if it's just a blank wall) where you can speak without interruptions.
- Research the company thoroughly before the interview, and prepare 2-3 questions to ask your interviewer about the company based on your research.
- If English isn't your first language, consider practicing with someone beforehand so you're prepared with key statements. Be ready to discuss your relevant skills, experiences, and professional accomplishments.
Inquire about sponsorship when you receive the job offer.
Congratulations on receiving a job offer! However, securing the offer is just part of the journey. You'll now need a visa to work in the US. Smaller companies that don't often hire international employees may not be familiar with the visa process, so be prepared to guide them through it. Here's what you can do:
- Let your employer know they must file a petition on your behalf to bring you to the US.
- Direct them to the relevant forms and instructions on the USCIS website.
- Provide details about your passport and citizenship status to help your employer navigate the process.
Applying for a Temporary Work Visa
In visa terms, "temporary" refers to a non-permanent status. You will need to renew your visa periodically, depending on the type you have. This usually involves returning to your home country for renewal.
Request your American employer to file a petition on your behalf. In most cases, you must already have a job offer before applying for a nonimmigrant work visa to the US. The employer extending the job offer is responsible for submitting the petition with USCIS to make you eligible for a visa.
- Some visa categories require labor certification or approval from the US Department of Labor. Check the petition instructions to see if your category requires this certification.
- There are a few temporary non-immigrant work visa categories that don't require an employer petition, such as those for international trade or investment professionals.
- As of 2020, professionals from Mexico or Canada no longer need an employer petition to work temporarily in the US.
Wait for your employer's petition to be approved. USCIS will notify your employer once their petition has been approved. Only after receiving this notice can you proceed with your visa application. Applying before the petition is approved will result in a denial, and you'll need to submit your application again after the approval.
- Some temporary work visa categories have annual limits on the number of visas issued. Depending on when your employer files and how many others are already waiting, the approval could take several years.
Gather the necessary documents for your application. Since you'll need to reference certain information from your documents during the application process, it's best to have them ready. Although you can save your progress and return later, it's generally easier to complete everything in one go. At a minimum, you will need the following documents:
- Your valid passport
- Your travel itinerary, if applicable
- Your résumé or curriculum vitae (for details on your education and work history)
- The dates of your last 5 visits to the US, if applicable, along with your international travel history over the past 5 years
Complete your visa application online. Visit https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ to begin your application. Note that you can't create an account, so be sure to record the application ID number from the top right of the page when starting. If you lose your connection or need to pause, you'll need this number to resume.
- The DS-160 application asks for personal information, including your education, work history, and criminal background.
- Make sure all answers are in English. If you're unsure about your English skills, you can ask someone for assistance.
Upload a recent passport photo for your visa application. Visit a professional passport photographer to get your picture taken with a white background. Ensure you get a digital copy of the photo for upload. If digital photos are unavailable, you can scan a physical print.
- The digital photo must be square, with dimensions of at least 600 x 600 pixels and no larger than 1200 x 1200 pixels. It should be in JPEG format and under 240 KB in size.
Submit your application online. Once you've reviewed your application, click the "Sign Application" button to submit it electronically. The website will prompt you to verify that all your answers are complete and correct before submission. After checking, submit your application.
- A confirmation page with a barcode will appear. Print this page and keep it safe, as you'll need it for your interview at the US embassy or consulate.
Reach out to the US embassy or consulate closest to you. Visit https://www.usembassy.gov/ and enter your country name to find the contact details of US embassies and consulates. Get in touch with the nearest one and inform them that you are applying for a nonimmigrant temporary work visa.
- Inquire if you need to attend an interview with a consular officer. If required, they will arrange a time for your interview.
- You will receive additional details about the embassy or consulate during your online application submission. Make sure to review any local interview rules listed on the website, and the consular officer will also provide this information when you speak with them.
Participate in your visa interview. During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to assess whether you're qualified for the visa. Be honest and thorough when answering. Expect to:
- Provide your original documents for review
- Pay the $190 visa application fee
- Have your fingerprints taken
- Learn whether your application is approved or requires additional processing
Collect your visa at the embassy or consulate. The consular officer will inform you when your passport and visa will be available for pickup. If you traveled a long distance, they may arrange for a courier to deliver your passport and visa to your location.
- There might be an additional fee when your visa is issued. The consular officer will notify you of any extra charges based on your country of citizenship.
Applying for a Green Card
Green card applications are generally submitted while you're residing in the US, especially if you decide to remain in the country. With a green card, you no longer have to worry about renewing your visa or frequently traveling back to your home country.
Request your employer to submit an immigration petition for you. Your employer’s petition, Form I-140, starts the process of obtaining permanent residency. Once you become a permanent resident, you won't have to worry about losing your status in the US if you don't return home or stay with the same employer.
- In some cases, your petition may require certification from the US Department of Labor (DOL).
- If your employer is not familiar with handling international employees, they may not know all the steps involved. In such cases, it’s wise to consult an immigration attorney—many offer free initial consultations. They can guide you through the process and help you explain the requirements to your employer.
Ask your employer for your priority date. Typically, your priority date is the date your employer filed your immigration petition. However, if your petition required DOL certification, your priority date will be the date USCIS receives the certification. Your employer should receive a notice from USCIS that includes this date.
- This priority date determines when you’re eligible to file your permanent residency application. If you submit it too soon, USCIS will reject your application and you’ll have to start the process over.
Check the filing chart to find out when you can submit your application. Visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html for the latest visa bulletin. In the chart, locate your visa type in the left column, then move across the same row to find the date corresponding to your home country.
- If your priority date is earlier than the listed date, you can file your application. If it’s later, you must wait until the date shown before applying.
- If you see a “C” instead of a date, that indicates applications are currently being accepted.
Get a medical check-up from an approved civil surgeon. Visit https://my.uscis.gov/findadoctor to locate a doctor nearby. The doctor will conduct your examination and provide a form for you to submit with your green card application. You'll receive a copy for your records and a sealed envelope to send to USCIS.
- The civil surgeon ensures you don't have a communicable disease that could jeopardize public health, and confirms you don't have any harmful physical or mental disorders. They also verify that you've received all necessary vaccinations and administer any required shots.
- If needed, the civil surgeon may refer you for further medical treatment. Failing to follow through with recommended treatment could lead to a denial of your green card application.
- If you show signs of drug addiction or abuse, it could make you ineligible for a green card.
Complete Form I-485 to apply for a green card. You can download the form at https://www.uscis.gov/i-485. Either fill it out on your computer or print it and write your answers clearly in black ink. Ensure all questions are answered truthfully and thoroughly — there is extra space if you need it.
- Before filling out the form, it's a good idea to review the instructions. If any part is unclear, consider consulting with an immigration attorney.
Prepare copies of supporting documents for your application. USCIS requires copies of various documents to substantiate your application. Originals aren’t necessary unless USCIS requests them during an interview, but you should have the originals available just in case. At the very least, include copies of the following:
- 2 recent passport-sized photos of yourself
- A copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (front and back)
- Your birth certificate
- Your passport page with the admission or parole stamp, and your nonimmigrant visa
- Your arrival-departure record
- Your medical examination report and vaccination records
- A certified police record and court records for any criminal charges, arrests, or convictions
Submit your application and supporting documents to USCIS. Visit https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 to find submission instructions for your application and documents. You can also call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833) for assistance.
- Include a check or money order for your filing fee. As of 2020, the total fees for Form I-485 are $1225, including a $1,140 filing fee and an $85 biometric services fee. Make checks payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security.'
Attend your biometric services appointment. After USCIS processes your application, they’ll send you a notice with the date, time, and location of your biometric services appointment, which will be held at a local application support center (ASC). Be sure to bring your appointment notice and a valid government-issued photo ID.
- During the appointment, a USCIS officer will take your fingerprints and signature. If you didn’t submit photos or your submitted photos were unacceptable, you’ll have your photo taken at this time as well.
Attend an interview if you are requested to do so. Not all applicants are required to have an interview, but if USCIS decides one is necessary, they'll send you a notice specifying the date, time, and location. If you're unable to attend on the scheduled date, contact USCIS right away at the number provided on the notice to reschedule.
- The notice will inform you of the documents you need to bring. Typically, you’ll need to bring the original versions of any supporting documents you submitted with your application.
- During the interview, a USCIS officer will ask you about your application. Your responses are sworn under oath, so answer carefully and truthfully. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
Wait for your written decision notice. It might take several months before USCIS provides a decision regarding your application. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an approval letter first, followed by your green card in a few weeks. If your application is denied, the notice will explain why and outline your options for appealing the decision.
- If USCIS requires additional documentation or information, they will send you a notice with a deadline for submission. If you fail to provide the requested documents by the deadline, your application could be denied. If you’re having trouble gathering the documents, contact USCIS for guidance.
- In the meantime, you can check the status of your application via your USCIS online account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.
How Can You Get Your Employer To Sponsor Your Visa?
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Familiarize yourself with American cultural norms, both socially and in the workplace. This will ease your transition into the new environment and help you avoid potential misunderstandings or awkward situations.
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If you receive a job offer, be prepared for the possibility of a drug test before you begin work. While drug testing before employment is often forbidden in some countries, particularly in Europe, it’s a standard procedure in the US.
Warnings
- A visa only grants you permission to travel to a US port of entry. It doesn’t guarantee that you will be allowed entry into the country.
- Upon entering the US with a temporary worker visa, you must leave the country on or before the date indicated on your visa’s admission stamp, unless you have applied for a status change or extension.
