Not everyone who enters the United States for work plans to stay permanently. Certain categories of visas pertain to temporary workers, and there are different types.
One of the important parts of the application process for temporary worker visas is the interview, so it is a good idea for workers to prepare for it.
Categories of temporary visas and how to apply
According to the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, an individual from a foreign country who plans on working temporarily in the United States will apply for a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay. There are various categories, depending on the occupation or type of work, and for some, there is a limited number of visas available each year. Each worker should know the category to apply for to improve the chances of approval.
Before a worker can apply for a temporary visa, the prospective employer must file Form I-129, which is a petition for a nonimmigrant worker. Some employers must also get a labor certification. Once the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services approves the petition and certification, the worker can begin the application process.
What to expect during the interview
One step of the application process is to schedule an interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the worker’s country of residence. According to the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, the main purpose of the interview is to determine whether the temporary worker has plans to return home after job completion. Workers should prepare to show ties to home, such as:
- Family members
- Community ties
- Career or job
Although the interviewer may not ask to see them, it helps if the visa seeker gathers relevant documents, such as birth certificates, bank statements and marriage certificates.