What kind of visa do I need?

[Rarchy]

I am planning to move to the US in about a years time and I’m hoping someone might be able to help me out concerning visas. Now I know it isn’t as simple as decided you want to move there, filling out a few forms and hey you’re done (if only!) which is why I am getting quite confused…

I don’t want to stay there permanently, but I don’t have a set time period either, maybe 2-3 years. My plan is to move to the US with the intention of eventually finding a job in PR or Event Management (in the UK I could find something reasonably easily as I have a degree, speak a foreign language and have some experience so it’s not like I am useless!) However I am assuming I won’t get a job before I move there so my rough timeline is:

- In UK: work and save money from Nov – May 08 so I have sufficient funds
- June 08 move there, get a job as a waitress or in a bar or something so I have some kind of income
- At the same time start looking for a job in my desired occupation – I know this can take many months hence the reason I would waitress in the meantime

I thought the B-1 visa seemed most suited to me, so with this in mind my questions are:

1) Does this visa allow me to work as a waitress or something? If not what kind of temporary visa should I apply for because I don’t really fall under the business or temporary work one
2) Once I was living in the US, when I was offered a job in PR or something does the company have to sponsor me? What kind if visa is applicable?
3) Do these visas have expiry dates?

I am finding it hard to explain myself, but I hope someone can understand what I’m saying! If you could offer any advice that would be great…

[pdave26]

Before anyone answers any of your questions, they would need to know whats your current visa status in UK (student/work visa or citizen).

[Rarchy]

Sorry, I thought I included some information about me but obviously not! I'm 24 yr old British female (so citizen of UK) with no American relatives and no specific or extraordinary skills so I can’t fall under the immigration type visas.

[pdave26]

I'm 24 yr old British female (so citizen of UK)

UK citizens don't require US visitor visa, so you could come and stay here for upto 90 days (or the term specified at the time of entry) without any visa issue.

link - http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

as far as work permit goes, you will need a work visa - aka H1B visa. H1B quota is over for year 2007, so you'll have to wait until April 2008 to apply (that means have a job offer by March, and have all your paperwork ready to submit by late March 2008). make sure you apply on April 1st, else you will have to wait until April 2009!

[Rarchy]

Hi pdave,

Thanks for your reply. The reason I wanted the B1 visa was because I think it's valid for more than 90 days and I want to stay for longer than that! I also read that if you come on the visa waifer programme you can't change it into a different visa and therefore would have to leave the country after 90 days and return with a new visa?

Is the H1B the only way you can work? I think in Australia there is a visa which allows tourists coming for 1 yr to do such work as waitressing and bar work to fund their travels - is there any such thing in the US?