How to Bring a Domestic Helper to the USA on a B-1 Visa

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 24, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

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So, you’re planning to move or travel to the U.S. and want to bring your domestic helper along?

The good news is, it’s possible with a B-1 visa.

However, the process comes with specific rules and requirements.

Let’s dive into how to bring a domestic helper to the U.S. on a B-1 visa.

Who Qualifies as a Domestic Helper?

A domestic helper includes workers like housekeepers, nannies, personal attendants, or drivers.

They should already be employed by you, and their primary role should be providing personal services in your household.

It’s essential that your domestic helper has a pre-existing employment relationship with you, and that this relationship will continue during their stay in the U.S.

Key Requirements for the B-1 Visa for Domestic Helpers

The B-1 visa is typically for business visitors, but there’s a special category within the B-1 visa that allows domestic helpers to accompany their employers to the U.S.

Here are the key requirements:

Employer’s Status

You, the employer, must either:

• Be a U.S. citizen returning to the U.S. for a temporary visit after having been stationed abroad.
• Be a non-U.S. citizen traveling to the U.S. temporarily and are normally stationed abroad.

Existing Employment Relationship

There must be an existing employer-employee relationship between you and the domestic helper for at least one year before applying for the visa.

If the employment relationship has been less than one year, you must demonstrate that the domestic worker has been employed for several years in domestic roles by other employers.

Employment Contract

A signed employment contract between you and the domestic helper is mandatory.

The contract should clearly define:

• The wages (must be the prevailing wage in the U.S. for the job).
• Working hours.
• Days off.
• That the domestic worker will not be dependent on public assistance.

Tip: Make sure the contract is in a language the domestic helper understands.

Pay and Benefits

You must agree to pay your domestic helper the prevailing wage for domestic workers in the U.S. (check the Department of Labor for details).

You also need to cover their travel expenses, including a round-trip ticket to the U.S. and back to their home country.

Pro Tip: The U.S. government is very strict about labor rights, so ensure that your contract complies with U.S. labor laws.

Steps to Apply for a B-1 Visa for a Domestic Helper

Step 1: Employment Contract

Create a detailed employment contract that includes all the necessary details like wages, job duties, and duration of stay in the U.S.

Both you and the domestic helper must sign the contract.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form

The domestic helper will need to fill out the DS-160 form, the standard form for non-immigrant visas.

This is done online, and once completed, you’ll need to schedule a visa interview.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the B-1 visa fee (currently $160) for the domestic helper.

Make sure to keep the receipt as it will be required for the interview.

Step 4: Schedule the Visa Interview

Schedule an interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The domestic helper will attend this interview, and it’s crucial to bring all the required documents, including the employment contract, DS-160 confirmation, and visa fee receipt.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

During the interview, the domestic helper must explain their role and responsibilities, along with details about the existing employer-employee relationship.

The consular officer will assess whether the employment relationship is genuine and if the helper will be adequately paid and protected in the U.S.

What Happens After the Visa is Approved?

Once the visa is approved, the domestic helper can accompany you to the U.S.

However, keep in mind:

• The domestic worker is not allowed to stay longer than your permitted stay in the U.S.
• They cannot take on work for other employers in the U.S.
• They must return to their home country once your stay in the U.S. is over.

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Process with the Right Preparation

Bringing a domestic helper to the U.S. on a B-1 visa is possible, but it requires careful planning and documentation.

Make sure you have a strong employment contract, and that all requirements are met to avoid complications.

By following the steps above, you can make the process smoother and ensure that both you and your domestic helper are in compliance with U.S. laws.

Good luck!