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Getting a Job in the U.S. as a Foreign Worker
- Temporary or permanent foreign worker, or a
- Temporary visitor for business
Under certain circumstances, you may also be able to work in the U.S. if you’re a foreign student or an exchange visitor.
Get a Work Visa
As a foreign worker, you will need a visa to get a job in the U.S. Each type of visa has unique requirements, conditions, and time limits.
Visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) Working in the U.S. web page for an overview of each worker category and type of visa.
Use the Department of State’s visa wizard to find:
- The visa you need
- The application process
- Fees
- Estimated wait time for a visa interview
Your Rights and Protections as a Temporary Foreign Worker
- As a temporary foreign worker in the U.S., you will not be denied a visa or be punished by the U.S. government because you have exercised your rights under U.S. laws. Learn your rights and protections.
- If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
- If you think you or someone you know is being brought to the U.S. for human trafficking, get help now.
Immigration Questions
If you’re in the U.S. and have questions about visas and immigration, visit the USCIS Contact Center. If you’re in another country, contact your nearest international immigration office.
The K-1 or Fiancé(e) Visa
If you’re a citizen of another country, you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen, and you plan to marry and live in the U.S., your fiancé(e) can petition for a K-1 visa for you. The K-1 visa allows you to travel to the United States to marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days of arriving. After you marry, you may apply for an adjustment of status to get a Permanent Resident (Green) Card.
The K-1 visa expires after 90 days and cannot be extended. If you don’t marry within that time, you must leave the country or face possible deportation.
- Find instructions for applying for your K-1 visa on the Department of State K-1 visa page.
- Download forms for your fiancé(e) to petition for your visa and for you to apply for authorization to work. Find these on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fiancé(e) visas page.
