Work visa for an Italian?

[Diana_it 0]

Hello everyone!

I’m considering moving to the US and I’m trying to understand the best way to do so.

I’m Italian and I have a Master’s Degree in Communication and visual design. I’ve been working for almost three years and I’ve recently registered for VAT (I hope this is the right translation).

I’m keeping my options open, so I would’t mind going back to study. By reading what you said in other topics this doesn’t seem to be the easiest way though. Is there any chance I could obtain a work visa? I figured that the H-1B visa is what I’m looking for. Am I mistaken? Is there any other way I could move to the US?

Thank you!

[kzielu 1,149]

All work visa routes require an employer willing to petition you for one - so yes, you have a chance but you need to find an employer. Also, recognize that work visas are temporary and really have little to do with being able to permanently live there - you may get petitioned for green card later though based on employment but again it depends on employer.

[Diana_it 0]

Thank you kzielu! Yes, I know they are temporary, but it’s a first step!

I read that for the last year they started accepting the petitions from April 1st. Assuming that it’s going to be the same this year (or am I assuming wrong?), the employment start date would be at least October 1st 2016? Judging by the visa quota it’s best to file a petition no later than April 1, right? Also, does some kind of lottery (like the green card one) exist for the H1B Visa? How much would the application cost and how much would I have to pay myself? Does it have to be partially covered by the employee?

Many thanks!

[kzielu 1,149]

Thank you kzielu! Yes, I know they are temporary, but it’s a first step!

I read that for the last year they started accepting the petitions from April 1st. Assuming that it’s going to be the same this year (or am I assuming wrong?), the employment start date would be at least October 1st 2016? Judging by the visa quota it’s best to file a petition no later than April 1, right? Also, does some kind of lottery (like the green card one) exist for the H1B Visa? How much would the application cost and how much would I have to pay myself? Does it have to be partially covered by the employee?

Many thanks!

It will start on April 1st next year and visas will be given out October 1st next year. Last two years quota was gone within couple of days and took so many application that they actually had to do a lottery. You want to have you petition files as early as possible after April 1st, so you have to have the employer found and all paperwork ready way ahead of that.

Whole application with lawyer typically costs in excess of $5k (most are lawyer fees though) and should be entirely handled by employer, employee is not supposed to pay anything. So you really don't have to do anything other than find employer.

[Diana_it 0]

Thank you kzielu, you are very helpful! Just to consider all my options, could anyone shed some light on the J1 Visa? Could I qualify for it under the Information Media and Communications category? Thank you!!

[TylerW 0]

The J1 visa is for temporary work on an exchange basis – for example, summer work at a summer camp, seasonal work for an employer, working as an au pair etc. You may be able to get the J1 visa as a specialist in your field but it is more of an exchange of skills and ideas, and not a permanent or long-term job in the US. You need to apply to a specific organization which is a member of the program. I am planning to take part in the scheme as a camp counselor, but that is probably not exactly what you are looking for. If you want to work long-term in your field then you need to find yourself an employer-sponsor.

[Diana_it 0]

Thank you TylerW! Just one more question: is it possible to get the J1 visa before next April 1 and then apply for the H-1B visa? If the J1 visa lasts longer than April 1, can I apply for the H1B in the meantime? Thanks!

[TylerW 0]

I would not apply for both. If you enter the US on a J visa, there is two year period immediately after the exchange program ends, which you have to spend in your home country. Its possible but difficult to get a waiver from this 2 year rule. Do keep this in mind.