Special Cases

When B-1 and B-2 visas aren't enough

Although business and pleasure are the most common reasons for people to visit the U.S., many people come to study, receive medical treatment or work under special circumstances.

I have a special skill. Can I work in the U.S.?
Maybe. Currently, the U.S. is looking for people with special skills in the following areas:

  • Science
  • Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Athletics

If you have special skills in these areas, you might be able to get sponsored by a U.S. company. Your sponsoring employer will file a petition on your behalf, and after this has been approved, you can apply for your visa.

How do sponsors apply?
Because most sponsors are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. companies, they must file a petition with an office of USCIS in the U.S.

If the sponsor is a U.S. citizen living abroad, they may file at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign country where they are living.

When do I file for a visa?
If the petition is approved, you will file an application for the appropriate visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. They cannot process your application without all the paperwork, so ensure you have the petition first.

Visas used to be issued quickly. Why does it take so long to get a visa now?
There are many reasons visas take longer to process than before:

  • Many U.S. consulates and embassies no longer allow you to apply in person. Instead, you mail the application and then attend a personal interview.
  • Having a common name can delay the checking process for weeks. All names area checked against various databases, and if several people share your name, it can take a long time to verify you.
  • USCIS centers in the U.S. are backlogged due to increased security measures. If your visa requires someone in the U.S. to file a petition with the USCIS (like student visas and work permits), it can be delayed for months.

Can I change my visa once I'm in the U.S.?
Sometimes. If your personal circumstances change, you might be able to change your visa from one kind of non-immigrant visa to another. For example, if you're in the U.S. on a student visa, you might want to work after you graduate. Workers might want to go back to school. These types of applications are filed in the U.S. with a USCIS office.