Work Visa FAQ

Q.1 What is a Petition?

Before applying for a temporary worker visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, applicants must have an approved Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker from USCIS. This petition must be submitted by your prospective employer no earlier than 6 months prior to the proposed employment start date. For more information, see USCIS’s Temporary Workers webpage. Employers should file the petition as soon as possible within the 6-month period to allow adequate time for processing. Once approved, the employer will be sent Form I-797, Notice of Action.

Important Note: The Form I-797 is no longer needed for your interview, however, to verify petition approval we will need your I-129 petition receipt number so please make sure to have this available.

Q.2 Can I obtain a visa to do casual work?

No, there is no visa that covers casual employment in the U.S.

Q.3 Is there an age limit for applying for a temporary work visa?

No.

Q.4 Can my U.S.-based relative sponsor me for a work visa?

Only your employer can sponsor you.

Q.5 When can I enter the United States?

You may not enter the United States until 10 days prior to the start date of your employment as noted on your I-797 or offer of employment letter.

Q.6 Who pays the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and when do they pay it?

An applicant for an L-1 visa traveling on a blanket petition will need to pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee. On individualL, H-1B and H-2B petitions, the U.S. petitioner pays this Fraud Prevention and Detection fee to USCIS when they file the petition.