LiqitrainingHow to convert US visit visa to work visa: Are you planning to work in the USA on a visitor visa? This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to convert USA visitor visa to work permit.
Many people desire to work in the United States, but obtaining a work visa can be difficult. If you already hold a visitor visa for the United States, though, you might be wondering if you can change it to a work visa. The good news is that it is feasible, if challenging, to convert a US visit visa into a work visa.
We will walk you through the procedures in this article so that you can change your USA visitor visa into a work visa. We’ll go over the various work visa categories, prerequisites, and application procedure. We expect that after reading this essay, you will know more about how to concert US visit visa into a work visa.
Understanding the USA Visitor Visa
Before diving into the process of changing a visitor visa to a work permit, it’s important to understand what a visitor visa entails. The United States offers two types of visitor visas: the B-1 visa and the B-2 visa. The B-1 visa is intended for visitors who want to engage in business activities, while the B-2 visa is for those who wish to travel for pleasure or medical treatment.
Reasons to Change Visitor Visa to Work Visa
A work permit allows visitors to legally work in the United States, which could lead to permanent residency and other benefits. While holding a visitor visa is great for temporary stays, it may not be enough for those seeking long-term employment opportunities in the US. Changing your visitor visa to a work permit could also increase your chances of getting hired since it shows that you are legally authorized to work in the country.
What You Can Do With B1/B2 Visa in USA
You can:
- Get medical treatment
- Participate in tourism activities or take a holiday
- Pay a visit to family
- Engage in commercial activities in order to negotiate a deal or attend business meetings
- Settle a family member’s estate
- Participate in a conference
- Attend activities such as concerts or classes without paying or receiving credit as an attendee.
What Cannot Be Done With a B1/B2 Visa in USA
You cannot:
- Study
- Possess a long-term employment offer
- Arrive as a member of an aircraft or ship’s crew
- Participate in paid performances or other professional activities
- Serve as foreign press in film, radio, print journalism, or other media
- Get permanent residence in the United States
For instance, the F1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program for international students (SEVP). If you wish to switch from a B1/B2 visa to an H1B/F1 visa, you must comply with the 90-day Rule.
Steps to Convert Your USA Visitor Visa to Work Visa
To convert a U.S. B-1/B-2 visitor visa to work visa, you will need to follow these steps:
- Obtain a job offer: You must first secure a job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer will need to sponsor your work visa application.
- Determine the appropriate work visa category: Depending on the type of job you have been offered and other factors, you may need to apply for a specific type of work visa, such as an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or E-3 visa.
- File a petition with USCIS and File Form I-129: The U.S. employer will need to file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. This petition will need to include detailed information about your qualifications, the job offer, and the employer. The next step is to file Form I-129, which is the petition for a non-immigrant worker. This form is submitted by the employer to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Attend a visa interview: Depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, you may need to attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. During this interview, a consular officer will verify your qualifications and the details of your job offer.
- Obtain the work visa: If your petition is approved and you successfully complete the visa interview, you will be issued a U.S. work visa.
It is important to note that converting from a B-1/B-2 visitor visa to a work visa can be a complex and time-consuming process. It is recommended that you retain an immigration attorney who can assist with the application process, provide guidance on the appropriate work visa category, and help ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Requirements for Changing Visitor Visa to Work Permit
To convert US visit visa to a work visa, you will need to fulfill certain requirements. These include:
- Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport that will not expire within the next six months.
- Job Offer
You must have a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor your work permit.
- Education and Experience
You must have the necessary education and experience required for the job you are applying for.
- Form I-129
Your employer must file Form I-129, the petition for a non-immigrant worker, with the USCIS.
- Visa Interview
You must attend a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country.
Can You Remain in the United States While Changing Your Status?
Once your I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status has been submitted, you are generally permitted to remain in the country while doing so, regardless of whether the date on your I-94 expires. In reality, if you leave the country without having applied for Advance Parole (Form I-131), until it has been granted and received by you, you run the danger of abandoning your I-485 application.
How Long Does it Take to Adjust Status to “Permanent Resident”?
The U.S. government takes a long time to change an immigrant’s status to legal status. Processing periods for many other types of cases, including adjustment of status, are taking longer than ever thanks to Covid and the negative impacts of the global pandemic.
The process typically takes more than a year to complete, and in certain jurisdictions, more than a year and a half. It will be helpful to have an immigration lawyer walk you through the entire process because it will be a long one.
There are some circumstances that might be handled faster without an in-person interview. For many situations of adjustment of status, the in-person USCIS interview is waived when a U.S. citizen’s son or daughter files a petition for a parent or parents.
How Much Does it Cost to Submit an Application for an Adjustment of Status?
Currently, the I-485 application costs $1,140 in addition to a $85 biometrics charge. The cost of biometrics is required for candidates between the ages of 14 and 79. Outside of this age range, there are no biometrics fees for candidates.
Before submitting any immigration application, always verify the filing costs on the USCIS website. These alter from time to time, and if you file your case with the incorrect filing price, it might not be accepted.
Who Is Eligible for a Status Adjustment?
Many individuals who come to the country as students, tourists, or other visitors may be eligible to apply for a status adjustment in order to become legal permanent residents and, eventually, citizens.
You might be eligible if you have family members who are citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents who are prepared to sponsor you, if you find work with a company that qualifies, or if you meet certain requirements, such as having outstanding abilities.
Additionally, if a person met particularly strict standards, they might be qualified to alter status under section 245(i) even though they entered the country undetected.
The first step for anyone who wants to apply for an adjustment of status (Form I-485) from a visiting visa to a green card is to speak with an immigration lawyer so that we may ascertain whether you meet the requirements to do so while in the U.S. on a tourist visa.
Conclusion
To convert US visit visa to a work visa can be a complex process, but it is not impossible. With the right documents and procedures in place, you can successfully obtain a work permit and pursue your career goals in the United States. Remember to fulfill all the requirements, find a job that qualifies for a work permit, and have your employer sponsor your work permit.
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