Yes, visa holders can work in the US under certain conditions. They need to obtain an appropriate work visa, such as an H-1B visa for skilled workers or an L visa for intracompany transfers, and adhere to the regulations set by the US immigration authorities.
Detailed answer to your question
Yes, visa holders can work in the United States under certain conditions. They need to obtain an appropriate work visa according to their occupation and adhere to the regulations set by the US immigration authorities. One of the most common work visas for skilled workers is the H-1B visa, while the L visa is applicable for intracompany transfers. These visas grant individuals authorization to work in the US for a specific period and are subject to renewal.
According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the H-1B visa allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers in specialty occupations that require specialized knowledge. The visa is typically granted for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years, totaling a maximum of six years. However, there are exceptions for individuals who are pursuing permanent residence or have an approved employment-based immigrant petition.
On the other hand, the L visa is designed for intracompany transferees who work for a company with branches or affiliates in both the US and their home country. It allows multinational companies to transfer managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees to their US-based offices. The L visa is initially granted for up to three years for non-specialized knowledge employees and up to seven years for specialized knowledge employees.
It is important to note that the process of obtaining a work visa can be complex and there are specific requirements that applicants must meet. These requirements include having a valid job offer from a US employer, demonstrating the necessary qualifications and skills for the job, and providing supporting documentation. Additionally, there are limitations on the number of visas available each fiscal year, which can impact the chances of obtaining a work visa.
Famous Quote on Work Visas:
“America’s immigration system should be a source of pride, not a source of shame. And it’s unacceptable that we’ve let ourselves stray so far from our shared values. We can’t round up millions of people for deportation. We can’t put all the employers who hire undocumented workers in jail. We need comprehensive immigration reform.” – Barack Obama
Interesting facts on the topic:
- In 2021, the H-1B visa lottery reached its cap of 85,000 applications within days of the filing period opening, showcasing the high demand for these work visas.
- The L-1 visa program was established in 1970 as a means to facilitate intra-company transfers and foster international business relations.
- The H-1B visa program has an annual numerical cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals who have obtained a master’s degree or higher in the United States.
- The Trump administration implemented several changes to the H-1B visa program, including raising the minimum salary requirement for visa holders and imposing stricter guidelines for specialty occupation eligibility.
- The top industries that sponsor H-1B visas include information technology, finance, engineering, healthcare, and education.
Table: Types of US Work Visas
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| H-1B | Temporary work visa for skilled workers in specialty occupations. |
| L-1 | Visa for intracompany transferees, allowing multinational companies to transfer managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees to the US. |
| O-1 | Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. |
| E-2 | Investor visa allowing individuals from certain treaty countries to start or invest in a business in the US. |
| TN | Visa under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for citizens of Canada and Mexico in certain professional occupations. |
By providing a detailed answer, we hope to offer valuable insights into the topic of visa holders working in the US, including the specific work visas available and their associated conditions and requirements.
Response video to “Can visa holders work in the US?”
In this video, the speaker discusses the recent announcement by the US CIS that B1 B2 visa holders can now apply for jobs in the US. They explain that while on a tourist or business visa, individuals can search for employment and attend interviews, but they must change their visa status to a work visa before starting work. The video highlights the importance of obtaining authorization for the change of status and mentions that if the request is denied, individuals must leave the US before beginning new employment. The speaker also emphasizes that searching for jobs and interviewing are permitted activities for B1 B2 visa holders.
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