Ask the Consul
K1 or K3 Fiancee and Spouse Cases for Couples with Common Children Born in the Dominican Republic
Work Visas
If you want to work in the U.S. temporarily, you need a
specific visa, based on the type of work you will be doing. The process for
getting a work visa starts in the United States. Prospective employers in the
U.S. must obtain certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and file a
petition with the Department of Homeland Security in the United States before
you can apply for your visa. You cannot work legally for pay in the U.S. on a
temporary visitor (tourist) visa.
Under U.S. law, only certain kinds of workers are
eligible for temporary visas. These include: people in specialty occupations
who have certain kinds of higher education; temporary seasonal workers; managers
of multinational corporations; persons with extraordinary ability in the arts,
sciences, or education; and internationally recognized artists or athletes.
In most cases, applicants for these temporary work
visas must demonstrate to the consular officer’s satisfaction that he or she
will leave the United States after the authorized work term, and that the
applicant’s social, economic, professional, or family ties compel him or her to
return home.
Some local organizations work with U.S. employers,
helping them to identify potential Dominican temporary employees. Before you
pay any recruitment fees, take time to find out as much as you can about the
firm. Have they sent employees to the U.S. in the past? Have friends and
family heard of them? Beware of anyone who claims he or she can guarantee you a
job in the United States. Local recruiters can help match you with a potential
employer, but cannot “fix” a visa for you. In addition, review the potential
job offer, wages, and recruiter fees carefully. Once you pay for food and
housing in the United States, and the recruiter’s fees, how much money will you
earn?
U.S. employers do hire thousands of temporary
foreign workers every year, and a temporary work visa can be a way to earn good
money in a short time. However, before you pay any agency fees, find out as much
as you can about the work visa process, the local recruiter, and the job offer. |
