Possible Job in USA. Is it possible?

[craig_b1990 1]

Hi everyone, I recently posted before I went to the USA on my last trip about having a possible interview whilst I was there (a "chat"). To cut it short the "chat" went well and I was basically offered the job. However here is my situation. The interviewer (company owner) has no idea what paperwork is needed and all that sort of stuff. She said that if I could research the process and get her what she needs, then she will try and sort the application out for me. I personally have no idea where to start or how to start for that fact. All along so far I have been focused on the K1 process, and so have only really glanced at the other options (yes, I know, that was ignorant of me. I regret it now).

Anyway, the job is working in gold marketing. I know its not a specialised trade, and I know that its not a great job. However, to me this is a job, and it is a chance to live out my dream.

Could I kindly ask to be pointed in the right direction for the information I need to gather for my potential employer?

Is this sort of work visa or sponsorship (or whatever it may be) possible? - Whilst I was there I met 3 Isreali men who had been "sponsored" by a friend to work for them, so to me it sounds possible.

What do I need to do/what does the employer need to do? such as who starts the process etc.

Sorry if I sound like a complete 'muppet' about this, but any help right now would be SOOOO appreciated.

Thanks a bunch

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Start at uscis.gov and look for the "work" links. The employer will need to pay a lot of money for you, and attest that there is no one in the US who can do the job, so they must hire you. This is handled by a company lawyer, so if this friend doesn't have one... it might be tough. Furthermore, there are long waiting periods for many work visas. Best of luck.

[craig_b1990 1]

Start at uscis.gov and look for the "work" links. The employer will need to pay a lot of money for you, and attest that there is no one in the US who can do the job, so they must hire you. This is handled by a company lawyer, so if this friend doesn't have one... it might be tough. Furthermore, there are long waiting periods for many work visas. Best of luck.

Thank you for that. I'm not sure if they can prove that no one in the USA can do the job however, in the last 2 months, they have had to fire and re-hire crews of people each time, as both times there has been gold or money stolen, or something has gone wrong, they're currently looking for the 3rd set of staff (hence my "chat"). I know its not proving what you said, but maybe that would work in my favour? I will go look on the USCIS site next. I will let the employer know there are costs, I'm sure she will have a lawyer though. When you say there are "long waiting times", what is "long" considered? I'm trying to understand how these Isreali men managed to do what they did.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

My impression is that a lot of H1Bs "write-ups" are scams. You'd have to ask them what they did.

[craig_b1990 1]

Alright,I had a feeling they wouldn't be 100% genuine. But I guess I will have to get someone I know to ask the men in more detail I suppose. However I wouldn't want to be doing it the "scam" way. Thanks anyway :

[craig_b1990 1]

What is the amount considered as a "lot of money" and a "long waiting time"?

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

A lot of money is about $5000 or more to get the visa- your employer has to pay, you are not allowed to pay for it, as they msut sponsor you and the process.

As to time, it depends on the scarcity of jobs and the type of work visa. Anything from a few weeks (with expensive priority processing) to many years. I believe with H1B, you usually apply in April to start work in October, but I am no work visa expert.

[Boiler 45,785]

You asked this question and were answered some time back. Asking again will not change the issues.

You can help your prospective Employer only by looking up the name and number of a local immigration lawyer.

[craig_b1990 1]

Okay, sorry, i was just checking on what i need to know and making sure

Edited April 3, 2012 by craig_b1990

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

What is the amount considered as a "lot of money" and a "long waiting time"?

I don't know the ins and outs of H1B visas. I know my daughter works for one of the largest accounting/consulting firms and she used to scramble to get things off to the immigration attorney firm for the coders they wanted before April 1(?) when filing opened for the year. Seems as though there is a yearly quota for visas and the applications received on Day 1 often exceeds the quota for the year so they wanted theirs filed April 1 to have a chance. With premium processing fees, there might be a visa by October. You may have missed to 2012 boat.

And for whatever reason, she compared one of her friends/co-workers to an "indentured servant" because he was a contract programmer who had to remain with the lousy company that sponsored his visa or leave the US. So research the terms of the visa with regard to your obligation to remaining with the employer.

Question: Is this change of visas because you don't want to get married to your girlfriend, or she hasn't agreed to marry you yet? If that's the case, then your attempt to get into the US a different way might make more sense.

[craig_b1990 1]

I don't know the ins and outs of H1B visas. I know my daughter works for one of the largest accounting/consulting firms and she used to scramble to get things off to the immigration attorney firm for the coders they wanted before April 1(?) when filing opened for the year. Seems as though there is a yearly quota for visas and the applications received on Day 1 often exceeds the quota for the year so they wanted theirs filed April 1 to have a chance. With premium processing fees, there might be a visa by October. You may have missed to 2012 boat.

And for whatever reason, she compared one of her friends/co-workers to an "indentured servant" because he was a contract programmer who had to remain with the lousy company that sponsored his visa or leave the US. So research the terms of the visa with regard to your obligation to remaining with the employer.

Question: Is this change of visas because you don't want to get married to your girlfriend, or she hasn't agreed to marry you yet? If that's the case, then your attempt to get into the US a different way might make more sense.

Thanks for the info there. Im still jetlagged right now, so i will give it another read tomorrow, and make double sure i understand what you said. With regards to 'change of visa' It is purely because whilst i was out visiting my girlfriend the past 2 weeks, i spoke to this employer and had a sort of interview at the same time. However, i also proposed to my girlfriend this visit (she said yes), so im not necessarily changing the visa, but its something im seriously looking at seeing as i have been offered the job. Should the work visa not be completed or fall through for whatever reason, i am still looking at going ahead with the K1 process. That was my plan from the start, the work visa is just something that happened last minute.

[SapphireDreams 71]

Honestly, the work visa sounds like it's going to be a lot more hassle then it's worth. Seems doubtful that you'll get a work visa for that type of job.

I'd go for a K1 if that's your original intention anyways.

[Boiler 45,785]

Ditto

[jaycali 415]

Go with the K1. By far the superior visa in your case. Less complicated too.

Once approved and status adjusted, the company can hire you just as they would any American.

Unless you absolutely will not want to get married this year, I see no reason why you should consider the H-1b.

[Harsh_77 718]

It would be really difficult to get a H1b with the job position you are looking at, I believe this is the same place where your GF’s mother is hiring manager or working.

As you were giving advice in past, getting a work visa would be difficult it would be best for you to go with the spouse visa.