How do I obtain a work visa for the US?

[TAO87 0]

Hello

I'm very confused by the whole process.

I would like to obtain a work visa for the states. I've heard that it would be easier if I found a job via a company and they would handle the process, but is there any way to get a work visa without a company?

I am a European citizen, so I've never had to deal with these sort of strict regulations before if I wanted to relocate.

I really hope someone can guide me in the right direction.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

What sort of work?

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Welcome to the forum TAO

What sort of work are you interested in and what qualifications do you have?

Good luck

[TAO87 0]

Thank you!

I have a masters degree in communication.

What I really want to do is volunteer for non-profits, so as to get experience. And support myself by serving (I've done that for a few years to support myself through school).

Or if I could get a job at a non-profit, I would love to do that.

[canadian_wife 1,791]

Have you begun applying for jobs or narrowing down where you want to work? Have you researched the various visas that company's can petition for?

Have you thought of coming to the U.S. to volunteer (is that possible on the VWP - can someone help me with that one)

Good luck

[RodDetroit 118]

Hello

I'm very confused by the whole process.

I would like to obtain a work visa for the states. I've heard that it would be easier if I found a job via a company and they would handle the process, but is there any way to get a work visa without a company?

I am a European citizen, so I've never had to deal with these sort of strict regulations before if I wanted to relocate.

I really hope someone can guide me in the right direction.

the easiest one is getting the visa J1 which is normally use for interships or for some one who wants to get experience in a field, you still get paid though and depending of the job you can get 1 or 2 years. Canada is way easier than the US if that still appeals to you.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hello

I'm very confused by the whole process.

I would like to obtain a work visa for the states. I've heard that it would be easier if I found a job via a company and they would handle the process, but is there any way to get a work visa without a company? No. You need a company to file for a work visa on your behalf for a specific job.

I am a European citizen, so I've never had to deal with these sort of strict regulations before if I wanted to relocate.

I really hope someone can guide me in the right direction.

Thank you!

I have a masters degree in communication.

What I really want to do is volunteer for non-profits, so as to get experience. And support myself by serving (I've done that for a few years to support myself through school). You would never be allowed to do this. The server position would require a work visa obtained through an employer.

Or if I could get a job at a non-profit, I would love to do that.

There are no visas to come to volunteer.

If you come on the VWP, you can only volunteer for a position that is normally not paid and you can not get a benefit of any kind. You can not volunteer for a potential employer.

You have to understand that it's not that easy to get a work visa to the US. Hundred of my relatives in Vietnam would love a chance to come work in the US, but they can't. You must have a qualified employer to apply for a work visa on your behalf for a qualified position.

Edited July 26, 2016 by aaron2020

[Boiler 43,423]

The local Brewpub has some people working there on J1, seconded.

[Cathi 5,609]

Unless you have a highly specialized degree the chance of getting work visa is zero. US employers are required to hire US citizens or permanent residents and can only hire foreign workers when they cannot find a qualified US citizen/perm resident to fill said position. A masters in communication is not a highly specialized degree. You cannot come here to work simply because you want to relocate to the US. If that were the case foreigners would be coming here in droves taking American jobs leaving Americans unemployed.

[Pennycat 880]

Moving anywhere outside of Europe will be a challenge. The European free movement thing is really unique in the world. Americans can't easily get European work visas, no one can get Japanese work visas etc. Sorry to say, but that really is the reality of the world for all of us, and you're quite lucky to have the European freedom of movement. You'll need sponsorship from a company, or look into a J1 program (which are temporary and seasonal).

[TAO87 0]

Thank you for all the helpful info.

How does a J1 form work? I might have found some companies who are willing to work with me on this.

[TAO87 0]

Or if I have a company who is willing to hire me, what visa application should we look into?

[canadian_wife 1,791]

What does the company's lawyer say? They are the ones you should be speaking to about which work visa they provide

Good luck

[randomstairs 264]

There is also the DV lottery option... Should be good for Denmark.