Gym willing to sponsor me, UK resident.

[thomasbirch3 0]

Also apologies but when they start the process, is it filing the form I-765 and what VISA is it? H1b?

[inloveVEN 46]

Thank you for your response! What is a GC if you don't mind me asking?

And I would need to show the lawyer my certifications or corporate office at the gym?

All I know is they're very keen so they may be willing to go for it. I just wanted to get all the information I could before I got back to them a second time.

GC means Green Card.

The lawyer will ask you for everything you have that could be used as a proof, based in the gym´s needs. right know in my opinion, the only thing you can do is doble check all certifications you have, all your studies, etc, and surely the lawyer will tell you if is needed to do something else. And wait

[thomasbirch3 0]

How much will a lawyer cost? And what would you think the time frame would be? And where's the best place to find a lawyer?

Thank you!

[thomasbirch3 0]

GC means Green Card.

The lawyer will ask you for everything you have that could be used as a proof, based in the gym´s needs. right know in my opinion, the only thing you can do is doble check all certifications you have, all your studies, etc, and surely the lawyer will tell you if is needed to do something else. And wait

And I'm guessing the lawyer is needed to go through the case to prevent further costs and to prevent time wasting either end correct ?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Start your research here at USCIS website https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers

And at the State Department here https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment.html

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

work visa lawyers cost $6000 and up, depending on the exact visa.

Not wanting to burst your bubble, but most likely the gym simply doesn't realise how difficult and expensive it is to hire a foreigner. Plus if they try for a H1B, even if you COULD get one, the next application period is April 2017 to start work in October 2017.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

And I'm guessing the lawyer is needed to go through the case to prevent further costs and to prevent time wasting either end correct ?

The prospective employer hires the lawyer, not you.

[EM_Vandaveer 2,408]

Also apologies but when they start the process, is it filing the form I-765 and what VISA is it? H1b?

I-765 has nothing to do with work visas.

[caliliving 606]

while this is a joke, no gym can 'sponsor' you to be a personal trainer.. you CAN apply for an O1 to show you are exceptional talent.. i know a personal trainer in LA personally, he has a tv show and all that that got an O1 basically of extraordinary talent! if you have been in fitness shows ect and won alot of awards you CAN get an O1

but, no gym can sponsor you! that is a joke.. most companies dont understand what goes in to a visa and think they can just 'sponsor' like sign on a dotted line somwhere...

i suggest you find a really REALLY good O1 lawyer and go from there!!!

good luck its about 8K too on your part.

[mindthegap 2,590]

However I am a specialist trainer, and have specific qualifications in a certain field. Does this help at all?

Yes, no, maybe. I know people in your field who have done so.

O-1A possibly (personal trainer would fall under the 'athletics' section), depending on your level of remuneration, skills, reputation, qualifications, and any prizes/awards/peer group memberships etc.

Also, if you are or have been lets say, a personal trainer to clients with notable achievements such as a prize winning athelete, or a notable actor (or something else of that profile) that is usable as evidence for your skillset and ability.

They - and subsequently you - need to speak to a good attorney with experience of and ideally specialising in O petitions and it may just be possible.

Worth noting that often, lots of companies are all gung ho about hiring someone, until they realise the monumental amount of hassle and potential high cost - particularly attorney fees - involved so don't be surprised if they change their mind!

Edited September 2, 2016 by mindthegap

[lost_at_sea 995]

An additional wrinkle to your situation is that since you are in an LDR with someone in the US, you may have trouble being approved for any visa that does not have dual intent (i.e. a visa that has the criteria that you will not be making any attempts to stay permanently and obtain a green card). I don't know if the O visa is a dual intent or not, but worth also checking. The H1B and L1 are dual.

Not a deal breaker, but a thing to keep in mind.

Edited September 2, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[JFH 12,190]

How much will a lawyer cost? And what would you think the time frame would be? And where's the best place to find a lawyer?

Thank you!

Since you will not be paying, that doesn't matter to you. The gym has to pay all costs. The whole process is going to cost tens of thousands.

If you were the personal trainer to Mo Farah, you might be in with a chance.

[Cathi 5,755]

To be blunt, you have a zero chance. Even with your so called specific qualifications there are hundreds of thousands with the same specialization who are US citizens and permanent residents. You keep asking how much the process will cost and how much an attorney will cost and to be honest no one can tell you exactly how much, except to say it will be extremely costly. Several people have told you that you have no chance yet you are still grasping at straws. In the end IF the employer decides they will apply on your behalf they are going to lose every last penny they invested.

Edited September 2, 2016 by mimolicious

[Boiler 45,525]

It is not impossible, I agree from the limited amount you have said very unlikely.

The first thing to happen is for the Employer to contact their Immigration Lawyer, sounds like they currently do not have one. There is no shortage of immigration lawyers.

Chances are that it will all fall apart there.

H1b requires both you and the job to have degree qualification and requirements. I do not believe a Personal Trainer requires a degree qualification.

Others have mentioned an O1, No idea if you meet that level.

All are expensive options but if you really are something special perhaps they will try and see what is possible.

You make it sound like you spoke to someone at the coal face who has no clue what is involved.

[La Isla Bonita 22]

Gym have to start the process, Commonly a good Immigration lawyer knows if there is or not a case. they will need to ask you for information and evidence that can show your special qualifications. who knows, things happens.

Recently an artistic painter that i know received his GC and an spanish teacher received her work authorization, in both cases based on sponsorship

so the first step is to define with the gym if they will move forward with this process

well said inloveVEN.