<p>Some people think that the entire world wants to come to the U.S. and has to be stopped from doing so, and make it seem as though it's close to impossible to get a work visa to come to this country. Fortunately, they're not as knowledgeable as they are categorical. In fact, it's not very difficult to get a work visa. With very few exceptions, what is required is an employer that will hire and sponsor you. This entails paying a fee and showing that you're qualified to work at something that not every human being can innately do. The most common work visas are the H-1B's. These are given on various preferences, the most relevant being EB1 ("Priority workers," i.e. extremely outstanding, generally famous individuals); EB2 (advanced degrees, professionals, professors and researchers); EB3 (skilled workers). But don't take my word for it. You can see this information at the official USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services, successor of the INS) site: <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/employment.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/employment.htm</a>.</p>
<p>Marriage seems easier. All I need is a greencard anyway. </p>
<p>Maybe I could go to Canada where they have pretty lenient immigration policies and just get a Canadian citizenship. And I believe Canada is a part of the Visa Waiver program.</p>
<p>can you get canadian citizenship and LIVE in the us ?</p>
<p>someone here said that having a liberal arts college education doesn't worth much if you are an international student.
is this true, even if you graduate a major and respected liberal arts college and have a double major like in psychology and computer science? and maybe going to a top graduate school? does research count?
i will be grateful for any suggestions or advice
thank you very much.</p>
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if a company sponsored me a working visa, lets say 3 years long, can I switch my job to another company? or I have to stick to the sponsor? or I need to find another company who s willing to sponsor me another working visa?
[/quote]
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<p>you cannot change jobs, you are obligated to work for them and then return unless they decide to sponsor you further. </p>
<p>Tweety if you are good at what you do and are from a respectable grad school you have a great chance of getting a job. however its not 100 % guranteed like for everyone else.</p>
<p>^^ that sucks....so basically internationals can expect to have no professional growth in those 3 years...because its highly unlikely that a company will promote you as they know you are bound to them...sucks really</p>
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that sucks....so basically internationals can expect to have no professional growth in those 3 years...because its highly unlikely that a company will promote you as they know you are bound to them...sucks really
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<p>That depends on the company, if they took the pains to sponsor you in the first place for that long of a period then they would promote you if you were exceptional in that job and did really well.</p>
<p>Do lots of sucking up to the boss. Xmas presents, Easter presents, expensive souvenirs from your vacation in Hawaii/Caribbean/Europe, blah blah blah :D</p>
<p>bump...Can the employer sponser for a H1-B after I graduate as an engineer? Or do I need a advanced degree? I heard if you have a masters or phD, there is more work visas available to them..Also where can I find a list of employers that sponser the work visas?</p>
<p>I do agree that marrying sounds easier ;)</p>
<p>Getting a work visa is not as hard as many people are making it sound. Not everyone will get one, but if you have a skill and are determined, you can probably find an employer to sponsor you (you may have to pay a fee to the employer though) Also, there are a few back doors, such as marriage to an American citizen, service in the US military, or working in a US Embassy or consulate overseas.</p>
<p>how about being a Canadian citizen? I heard that Canadian citizens can receive their green card and even US citizenship after 2.5 years of work experience in the US.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. </p>
<p>As far as I know... any foreigner, including students, can be <em>sponsored</em> for green card. Possible sponsors include a legally married spouse (US Citizen), an employer (US corporation), a US family member (US Citizen), US government etc. The two most common routes, as some already discussed, are green card by marriage or by employement. Usually, a student under F1 visa will try to look a employer that will hire and sponsor the person, first for a H1 working visa, and then green card.</p>
<p>^good point. Many students who study in the US have relatives who already live here, and they can sponsor you for residency. Also, if you have a kid in the US (who will be a citizen by birth) you can stay if you fill out a few forms and navigate some bureaucracy.</p>
<p>Canadians and Mexicans can work in the states (though it's more difficult for mexicans) under NAFTA. This is a TN visa. There is a job list for TN visas (which include lawyer, teacher, graphic designer among others). If you work in those fields it is fairly easy to work in the states. You just need to pay $50USD at the border along with proof of your employment offer and any educational certificates. The visa is renewable every year for an indefinate period of time though this is becoming more difficult. It is possible to apply for a green card while on a TN visa but your timing has to be right. As for being sponsored by a US family member....they need to be immediate family members. No uncles or aunts or cousins. If people are serious about this they really need to educate themselves on the US government website. It is confusing but knowledge about it is the only way to go.</p>
<p>How closely related must the relative be? I think my mom has an aunt in Houston...</p>
<p>Must be immediate family...</p>
<p>Can my older brother, who is a permanent resident ( Green card Holder ), sponsor me? If so, how long would the process take?</p>
<p>I doubt it. Moreover, immediate relatives sponsored by green card holder usually take a very long time to gain approval. I haven't keep up to date on the processing time. It is best for your brother to consult an attorney...</p>
<p>See: <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/family.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/residency/family.htm</a></p>
<p>for scientists or engineers graduating from US schools, I believe it is an easier process as you get a optional practical training (OPT) at the completion of your degree for a year. If you can get a employment with a company and it is pleased with your performance, they should petition for a H1-B at the completion of your OPT. </p>
<p>btw - you don't sponsor someone for a visa, you petition for it</p>
<p>Boomer, I dont see how its specific to scientists or engineers. Most of the colleges graduates would get a 1 year OPT..</p>