| Unfortunately, applying for a temporary work visa is | | | | Visa Length: The amount of time you will be |
| one of the more complicated visa processes. Before | | | | permitted to stay in the United States will depend on |
| an individual may submit an application for any type | | | | which type of work visa that you get. Athletic |
| of work visa, they must have a copy of their | | | | groups and entertainers are usually limited to one |
| employer’s approval letter. Employers who | | | | year. Skilled and professional workers may be |
| request the services of foreign workers submit a | | | | approved for a visa that with extensions could be |
| letter of request and an application. This application is | | | | valid for seven years. Most work visas are issued for |
| reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security | | | | a two-year stay. |
| and the United States Citizenship and Immigration | | | | Denial: The reason for most work visa applications |
| Service (USCIS.) Either one can deny the request. | | | | denials are a lack of proof of home country ties. It is |
| Qualifications: Since the number of temporary work | | | | the individual’s responsibility to prove that they |
| visas is limited, professionals and highly skilled workers | | | | will want to return home. Even if an applicant is |
| are given priority. Once your employer’s request | | | | approved for a work visa, the Border and Customs |
| has been approved, you may submit the visa | | | | Agent can deny entry upon arrival. The Border and |
| application. Like any visa application, you must be in | | | | Customs Agency has the final say in such matters. |
| good health, free from communicable disease, | | | | Fees: The type of work visa you apply for will |
| capable of supporting yourself while in the United | | | | determine the fee. All fees must be submitted with |
| States and possess a valid passport. You must also | | | | your application and are non-refundable. Additional |
| be able to prove that you have strong ties to your | | | | fees may include medical exams and fingerprinting. |
| home country. | | | | Private companies that help individuals through the |
| Documentation: The basic documentation for a visa | | | | application process charge an additional fee in addition |
| includes your birth certificate, a photo ID, vaccination | | | | to the work visa’s application fee. Contact the |
| record, proof of fiscal responsibility, and occasionally | | | | USCIS for a comprehensive list of all visa fees. |
| provide proof of accommodations. You must also | | | | Working with your employer to navigate the |
| have a copy of your employer’s approval letter | | | | complicated process may be less costly than |
| attached to your visa application. If you plan to bring | | | | attempting to acquire your temporary work visa on |
| your family, each member must provide their own | | | | your own. |
| documentation. | | | | |