How hard is it to get employers to apply for work visa for you?

[kiwilib 0]

Hi. I'm a New Zealander wanting to move to the US on a work visa. I am a registered professional (required by my profession) and have a masters degree in my field. Both my masters and my registration are recognized by the relevant US authorities (meaning I have all the necessary skills, registration and education to practice my profession in the US). I am just VERY confused about work visas. Reading through H-1B, I understand this is the visa for my occupation.

Can anyone give me advice on visas???
I found a really great job in Boston (I love Boston) but am unsure how easy it is to apply for the job and then get them to apply for the visa for me. Is this common? Are US employers okay with applying for work visa for people? It's not common practice in NZ.

Also are there visas that I can apply for without having a job offer first? (I had the youth mobility visa from the UK which meant I was able to move there without a job, but it seems the US don't have anything similar!).

Thanks in advance!!!

[Cathi 5,609]

You have to find an employer willing to sponsor you, which is rare. And most importantly an employer must prove that they cannot hire a qualified US citizen or LPR to fill the position. The US does not allow employers to hire foreign workers when the job can go to a citizen or LPR. Unless you are in highly specialized field and an employer absolutely cannot find someone here, your chances are just about zero.

[Anh map 2,098]

It's not that common in the US too. Since you haven't shared what field you work in it is difficult for members to offer specific advice. If your field often has folks from outside the US as employees then your chances might be better.

It's not a simple thing for an employer to do, so unless you find someone that really wants you and only you, it's a long shot.

No there isn't a visa that allows you to come and find a job.

[JayJayH 546]

You have to find an employer willing to sponsor you, which is rare. And most importantly an employer must prove that they cannot hire a qualified US citizen or LPR to fill the position. The US does not allow employers to hire foreign workers when the job can go to a citizen or LPR. Unless you are in highly specialized field and an employer absolutely cannot find someone here, your chances are just about zero.

This is true when applying for a green card through employment, however, H-1b visas have no such requirement.

To the OP: It is not common for US employers to hire foreigners on H-1b visas, though far from impossible. Roughly half of the annual 65,000 H-1b visas have in recent years gone to workers in the IT field. Google, Apple, Microsoft etc. employ tens of thousands of H-1b workers.

You will however need a job offer first, and an employer willing to sponsor you. Sounds like you have the basic requirements in order.

There really is no US visa which allows you to move here and then start applying for jobs. Your best bet in that regard would be to visit as a tourist under the Visa Waiver Program. The VWP allows you to visit for 90 days. You cannot work, but you can attend job interviews. A lot of H-1b workers have previously attended school in the United States. If you graduate from an accredited US university, you're eligible for what's called Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a one year work permit (extendable to 17 months in certain fields) which allows you to work full time in a field related to your major. If you have already been working for an employer, they tend to be more open to spend thousands of dollars to sponsor a work visa.

If you do not want to attend school again, it's far from impossible to obtain an H-1b visa, but it can be difficult to find an employer willing to spend upwards of $5,000 in legal and filing fees to hire you.

Edited December 20, 2015 by JayJayH

[Boiler 43,401]

I am surprised about your comment on moving to NZ. If you go to BritishExpats they have forums for many places and seems a lot of people move down under. I worked with many Kiwi's in the UK and know quite a few here.

Most people I personally know were transferred by their current employer to the US, others were head hunted, some find a job but that seems rarer.

Depends on your skill set, what makes you stand out?

[kiwilib 0]

Okay thanks!! This has been very helpful. I am a librarian with quite specialized skills, so I may apply for a job I've seen and see how I go. You never know!

Edited December 24, 2015 by kiwilib

[Boiler 43,401]

MLS?

[kiwilib 0]

MLS?

Yes I have a MLS.

[Boiler 43,401]

Best bet would be Uni related, depends on your skill set.