Changing from an ESTA to a more permanent VISA

[j-h-1989 0]

Hi there,

I wonder if anyone can offer advice having been in my situation or know someone who has?

I have recently come to the US from the UK, initially on an ESTA to visit my boyfriend who has moved here permanently having been offered a job in Boston, MA. I didn't know if I was going to like it or how well he would settle in to the job so I didn't look for anything VISA wise, I just applied for an ESTA.

Now that he's been here a few months I would really like to stay and be able to apply for jobs myself, but I am confused about how to do so. It seems that you can't be granted a visa without a job offer, but employers won't even look twice at me if I'm seeking sponsorship, surely?

Does anyone know if there is a VISA I could apply for (ideally whilst remaining here, hence an AOS) that would allow me to work, even if it was just coffee shops/bars.

I have already been offered an internship but I am unsure if I could fincance myself here. Does anyone know, if I decide to take the internship, if I can apply for a H-3 as I am already in the states, or if I would need to return home?

Any comments hughely appreciated.

Thank you!

[NancyNguyen 1,658]

H-3 trainee must prove there is no training in your country, which is extremely difficult to prove.

[canadian_wife 1,826]

Have you thought of a student visa? They are pricey but would allow you to stay in the US with your BF.

Otherwise, make sure you do not overstay, you'll wreck your chances of ever using ESTA again.

Good luck

[Ryan H 3,819]

Moved from Adjustment of Status from Work, Student, & Tourist Visas forum to Work Visas forum.

[Boiler 45,908]

Terminology, it is important.

VISA is a credit card.

A visa is something you enter with. Status is what you need when in country.

Very very few options allow you to adjust status in the US from the VWP, none seem to apply in your case.

What visa does your BF have, some allow spouses to work, some do not.

What is your skill set, what are your qualifications in?

[j-h-1989 0]

Thank you for the advice.

My experience lies predominantly in school admissions and marketing, which is a very competitive field in the US.

Is there a way that I can apply for a visa that would allow me to remain here and search for work?

I have been offered an internship with a speech therapy centre which is the career path I would like to pursue. I will eventually apply for a student visa to study SLT in Boston but need some savings first!

[Boiler 45,908]

You can look for work on the VWP.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

What is your education level?

[j-h-1989 0]

I can look for work but nobody will even consider me without a social security number. I have written to a few employers explaining the situation and have had no replies. Is it best to be less honest?!

I have a BA hons from Cardiff University, and would like to do a Masters in Boston next year.

[Boiler 45,908]

You need to find someone who is willing to sponsor you, if it is only until next year very unlikely anyone would go through such a long and expensive process.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I can look for work but nobody will even consider me without a social security number. I have written to a few employers explaining the situation and have had no replies. Is it best to be less honest?!

I have a BA hons from Cardiff University, and would like to do a Masters in Boston next year.

Nope, always be honest. They likely know how difficult work visas are to obtain these days so that may be why.