Getting sponsorship and applying for a US work visa is a complex process—here are the basics. The majority of visa kinds are known to everyone who has visited the United States. Should you have gone on a business trip, holiday, or a friend or relative visit to the US, you will have either applied for a visa or used the Visa Waiver Program.
An entry permit with a particular duration and purpose, such as tourism, journalism, study, or employment, is granted to an individual by a country through the use of a visa. Work visas add another level of complexity to the situation. With these kinds of visas, travelers are permitted to work for US employers while they are in the country, usually temporarily but occasionally permanently.
There are many types of work visas, and the majority of them need you to obtain employment and employer sponsorship before entering the country you are applying for. Getting a US work visa is difficult and demands legal knowledge. The most essential information that you should be aware of before beginning the process is covered in our basic guide. However, bear in mind that the information included in this article does not represent legal advice and is solely meant for general educational reasons.
What is a work visa and Requirement for Application?
Of the over 200 different visa types in the US, many of them are work visas. Generally speaking, they let a foreign individual enter and work in the US for a specified period or permanently. These could be in the form of an electronic record, a printed document, or a passport stamp or sticker.
A work permit is a legal document that authorizes someone who is already in the US to work without restrictions; it is not the same as a work visa. A work visa allows an individual to enter the US, whereas a work permit does not.
How can I get sponsorship for a US work visa?
- You need a specific US employer to provide a job offer before you can even apply for a work visa. The company will next submit a petition to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to sponsor your visa.
- This kind of work visa falls under another category of visas known as petition-based visas.
You may then apply for a work visa at a US consulate or embassy in your home country if the application is approved. - Depending on the kind of visa you’re asking for, there are different requirements, but most people seeking for a work visa need to fulfill the following basic requirements:
An employment offer from a US company is required.
Your employment must be in a profession that is listed among those qualified for work permits. - You need to be qualified for the position based on your education and/or experience.
Once your work visa expires, you must be able show that you will go back to your home country.
Types of US nonimmigrant work visas that need employment sponsorship
Nonimmigrant work visas are given to assist people who want to work in the US for a short time before going back home.
A nonimmigrant work visa might be valid for many years, unlike the straightforward 90-day B-1 business visa, which allows business visitors to enter the country for meetings, conferences, conventions, and contract negotiations.
If the worker wants to stay in the US to continue working, they usually need to be renewed and sponsored by a US company.
An outline of some of the most common nonimmigrant and petition-based work visa types may be found here. Visit travel.state.gov for an extensive list.
H-1B
- The H-1B work visa is the most common kind in the US. Employers are able to hire highly qualified foreign workers with this visa in specialized sectors like computer technology, science, engineering, architecture, and medicine.
- Annual application volume is secured and candidates must have at least a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) in the field of their choice.
- A person with a standard H-1B visa can work in the US for three years, with the possibility of an additional six.
- Employees may change employment after entering the US as long as their new employer is able to sponsor another H-1B visa. They are not required to remain with the firm who initially sponsored them.
L-1
- This visa, also known as an intra-company transfer visa, allows an employee to be temporarily transferred from their present employer to a US branch or subsidiary.
- The worker needs to be a manager or executive with specialized experience who has worked for the foreign company for a minimum of one year.
- When a business opens a satellite office in the US, it often applies for an L-1 visa.
O-1
- Those with exceptional talent in their industry, such as athletes, artists, movie stars, and TV personalities, are eligible for this visa.
- To satisfy this requirement, candidates must be able to provide evidence of what makes them “extraordinary”;
- Examples include writing several research articles published in major journals, playing a major motion picture, or winning an Olympic medal.
- Even with widespread recognition, O-1 visa holders still need employer sponsorship to enter the United States.
Types of US immigrant work visas that need employment sponsorship
The purpose of an immigrant work visa is to allow an individual to work and reside in the United States permanently.
Almost all of these work visas are granted before to the sender obtains their green card, which permits them to live in the country as lawful permanent residents.
Obtaining an employment-based immigrant visa is a difficult and time-consuming process that requires patience.
Before the application process can even start, candidates must receive a job offer. Their US employer must then complete the strict requirements of sponsorship processes.
There are five categories for immigrant work visas; the most desirable ones are
- First: Employees with priority
- Second: Experts with advanced degrees and exceptionally talented individuals
- Third: Experts and more employees
- Fourth: A few unique immigrants
- Fifth: Investors and the setting up of jobs
How much does US work visa sponsorship cost?
The cost of obtaining a US work visa varies based on the kind of visa needed, the size of the business, and the number of current employees who are in the country on a work visa. The majority of these costs will be paid by the sponsoring employer, but the employee might also be responsible for some of them.
The following are the typical costs for sponsoring a nonimmigrant work visa:
- $460 is the petition fee.
- $190 is the application fee.
- Fees associated with the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act: $750 to $1,500.
- $500 is the fraud prevention and detection fee.
- An additional $4,000 is charged to businesses with more than 50 workers, of whom half are foreign nationals.
On the official USCIS website, you can find a complete list of filing fees for US work visas.
Top US Companies Willing to Sponsor Visa 2024/2025 and How to Apply
If you’re hoping to work in the USA and need visa sponsorship, this top companies might be your ticket. Let’s delve deeper into each one:
1. Apple
- Apple, a tech powerhouse internationally offers numerous job avenues, particularly for those inclined toward IT and solutions.
- Job Opportunities: Apple often looks for software engineers, data analysts, and more.
Visiting: Apple Jobs has a comprehensive listing. - Salary Expectation: Depending on the role and experience, technical jobs at Apple often have a salary range from $80,000 to $120,000 for starters.
2. Berkshire Hathaway
- Overview: An influential conglomerate, Warren Buffet leads it. They offer job opportunities and internships, which makes it ideal for students.
- Job Opportunities: They offer positions in finance, investments, and various subsidiaries.
- Salary Expectation: Interns can expect to earn between $20-$40 per hour. Full-time roles range from $70,000 to $150,000 annually.
3. Alphabet (Google)
- Overview: Google, under its parent Alphabet, has revolutionized tech, affecting millions.
- Job Opportunities: Roles in artificial intelligence, software development, and cloud computing.
- Salary: A software engineer starting their career here can expect between $120,000 to $160,000 yearly.
4. Walmart
- Overview: This global retail leader has stores across the U.S. and continually hires for various roles.
- Job Opportunities: Beyond in-store positions, Walmart also recruits for its tech and online operations.
- Salary Expectation: While store associates earn hourly, managerial roles can fetch anywhere between $50,000 to $150,000 annually.
5. Bank of America
- Overview: As one of the top bank chains in the U.S., BofA offers a spectrum of roles in banking and finance.
- Job Opportunities: Positions in investment banking, wealth management, and finance are regularly available.
- Salary Expectation: An entry-level analyst might earn between $70,000 and $90,000, but seasoned professionals can expect much higher.
Additional Resources
U.S. Department of State website: https://www.state.gov/visas/
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website: https://www.uscis.gov/
National Association of Colleges and Employers: https://www.naceweb.org/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What are some ways to get a visa-sponsored job in the USA?
Look through job boards, network, and get in touch with companies that sponsor visas.
Are there any requirements specific to these positions?
Yes, each position has its own requirements, including experience and qualifications.
what is A sponsorship letter?
An official letter outlining the details of your employment offer and the sponsorship arrangement is called a sponsorship letter from US companies.
One of the first things the USCIS will request after receiving your petition, it’s an important phase in the work visa application process.