This article was last updated and fact checked on January 28, 2023 by Mani Karthik.
Wondering how to get a US work visa? In this article, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about US work visa sponsorship.
The US is a worldwide economic powerhouse. The American ideal and the promise of achievement draw individuals from all around. They want to work and live in the country. Many individuals seek employment in the US, but getting them is difficult. To lawfully work in the nation, foreigners must go through numerous hoops.
A US job sponsorship is a crucial step. This post will explain how to sponsor a US work visa.
In this article...
What is US Visa Sponsorship & Why you need one
To work in the US, you must first find employment. The company must be willing to hire a non-US citizen. The firm you want to work for must know you are not a US citizen or LPR (LPR). If the employer knows and still wants you, they sponsor you.
A US visa or work sponsorship implies you are hired in the US. They are assuring the US visa officials that you are a lawful worker. The employer will indicate that you will work the job. They must also promise the same remuneration as a US citizen or LPR in the same employment.
The employer visa sponsorship is not a letter. They are a series of papers submitted to USCIS (USCIS). It is not just one sponsorship letter. The paperwork must include employment forms and letters. A willing employer must also be stated in the application.
Employers must justify recruiting a foreign employee. Why not employ a US citizen or LPR? When trying to sponsor a foreign employee, most firms must answer this question.
To solve this, the employer must post job ads and submit other documents to the US Department of Labor. The employer must wait for a response. If no one does, they may claim they couldn’t locate anybody. This means that US citizens or LPRs were not accessible or competent. Then the US employer may hire a foreigner.
So as a recap, if you want to work in the US, you must find an employer willing to sponsor you. Working without a sponsorship means you are working illegally. That can have consequences and you might end up deported or arrested.
When traveling to USA, travel insurance is much recommended.
Two great plans are, Atlas America and Safe Travels USA.
However there are other choices like these, as well.
USA Sponsor Visa Validity
Getting a sponsor and a visa is challenging. After getting the visa, you may plan your trip. Once in the US, you may begin working. But a nonimmigrant work visa is just temporary. It will expire after a while.
The validity of a nonimmigrant work visa varies. It is possible to get a 3 year H-1B visa or a 1 year visa. So verify your visa information to avoid overstaying.
Some may receive visa extensions when their visas expire. A new sponsorship application to USCIS by the employer may result in a new visa. However, nonimmigrant visa extensions are restricted. In most circumstances, you can only extend 2 or 3 times.
Immigrant work permits are permanent. These visas lead to a Green Card. The Green Card is valid for 10 years and has unlimited extensions. After 5 years of living and working in the US, you can also apply for a US citizenship.
US Sponsor Visa Cost
Getting a US employment visa sponsorship is not cheap. Especially to the US employer who has to pay most of the fees. Sponsoring a foreign worker might cost several thousand dollars depending on the visa. Because it is so expensive, employers are reluctant to do it.
The exact prices vary depending on the visa type, however below is a broad overview:
129 – $460
I-140 – 700
ACWIA – $750 or $1,500
Fee for Fraud Prevention – $500
Employers with 50 or more foreign workers – $4,000 or $4,500
Types of US Work Visas
H1B – Person in Specialty Occupation
H-2A – Agricultural Workers; H-2B – Non-Agricultural Workers
Intracompany transfers to the US for specialist expertise, management or executive roles;
O1A visa — Exceptional talent in business, science, sports, or education
O1B visa — Extraordinary talents in the arts, television, and cinema;
O2 visa — Assisting O-1A and O-1B visa holders.
Based on your speciality and background, you should choose a visa apt for you. In fact, your employer decides what visa works for you.
