The Ultimate Guide to Secure a Long Term Visa

Long-Term Work Visa: An Overview

A long-term work visa, also known as a "nonimmigrant visa," allows foreign nationals to temporarily live and work in the United States for a specified period of time. These visas are designed for individuals who have a specific job offer from a U.S. employer and are not seeking permanent residency.

Long-term work visas provide a pathway for individuals to work and live in a foreign country. Applying for such a visa can be complex, requiring documents and information from both the applicant and their potential employer. It is important to understand the different types of long-term work visas, their eligibility requirements, and the process to apply for them.

Long-term visas typically require a sponsoring employer, proof of financial stability, evidence that you have enough qualifications for the job you intend to do, as well as other documents such as proof of health insurance. Some countries may also require additional steps such as attending interviews or completing medical exams before granting a long-term visa. Depending on the type of visa issued, holders may be able to apply for permanent residency after a certain amount of time has elapsed while living in the host country.

The most common type of long-term work visa is an employment-based visa granted by the government of one's destination country. These are divided into five categories: EB1 through EB5. An EB1 visa is reserved for those with extraordinary ability or achievement, while an EB2 visa requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability in areas such as science or business and Global Mobility

There are several types of long-term work visas, each with their own requirements and eligibility criteria. Some of the most common types of long-term work visas include:

H-1B Visa: This visa is for individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, and is typically used for positions in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

L-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals who have worked for a foreign company for at least one year and are being transferred to a related U.S. company.

E-2 Visa: This visa is for individuals from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States and are investing in a U.S. business.

O-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Each of these visa types have different requirements, but generally, the employer must file a petition on behalf of the foreign national, and the foreign national must then apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Process for Obtaining a Long-Term Work Visa

The process for obtaining a long-term work visa begins with the U.S. employer. The employer must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign national. This petition, also known as a "Form I-129," must include evidence of the foreign national's qualifications and the U.S. employer's ability to pay the foreign national's salary.

Once the petition is approved by USCIS, the foreign national can then apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy. They will need to submit various documents, such as a valid passport and a completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). They will also need to pay a visa application fee and may be required to attend an interview.

It's important to note that the process and wait time for obtaining a long-term work visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the individual's specific circumstances. Some visa types may have shorter processing times, while others may take several months.

Renewal of an Extended Work Visa

Once a long-term work visa has been issued, it is typically valid for between one and six years. Depending on the type of visa, the foreign national may be able to extend it for an additional length of time when it is close to expiration.

An H-1B visa, for instance, may be renewed for up to six years, whereas an L-1 visa may be renewed for up to seven years. Renewing a visa does not, however, guarantee that the foreign national can continue working in the United States. The employer of the foreign national must still file a fresh petition with USCIS, and the foreign national must still apply for a visa.

Notably, some long-term work visas may have a maximum number of years for which they can be renewed before the foreign national must return to their native country.

Global Talent Management allow foreign nationals to live and work temporarily in the United States for a predetermined amount of time.