Get a Work Visa: Apply for a Job in the U.S.

You may have the opportunity to apply for a job in the U.S this month.

Thousands of U.S. work visas could be made available for foreigners from any country by 23 July. This type of visa is known as an H-2B temporary work visa and it allows non-agricultural workers to take up temporary employment positions in the U.S. when there are no U.S. nationals available or willing to take the job. But the beneficiary must show that they intend to return home at the end of their permitted stay.

Each fiscal year, the U.S. Congress makes 66,000 H-2B visas available, with 33,000 to be fixed up for employment in the first half of the fiscal year (1 Oct – 31 Mar) and another 33,000 in the second half (1 Apr – 30 Sept).

What is happening this year?

This year the U.S. Government has made 16,000 extra H-2B visas available. 16,000 of those are only available to returning workers, those who have had similar opportunities before. The remaining 6,000 are available only to nationals of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. But if by 23 July, there are still more workers needed, the visas will be made available to everyone, regardless of their nationality.

How do you apply?

To apply for an H-2B visa, you must first apply for a job from an employer in the U.S.

H-2B employers usually post jobs on the Internet. You can find such jobs on sites like this. Once you get a job offer, your next step will be to apply for a visa in your country and then follow the instructions you’re given. Some employers would help you with your visa application process.

What are the requirements?

To qualify you must:

• Have a valid job offer from an employer in the U.S.
• Have the required skill to do the job.
• Show evidence that you intend to return to your home country after the end of your temporary employment.

Should you apply?

The short answer is yes. You need to take any opportunity you get, because you might not be able to see the end from your current position.

However, if Canada is more to your liking, then you can check out this post.

Also Read: Your Ultimate Checklist of Items for Moving to Canada