Help: Immigration Officers in US

Subject: Immigration Officers in US
From: Kjell
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 08:58 AM

My Son is going to the US accompanying his girlfriend who has a job to go to in Denver. He is worried about immigration because he is not technically on holiday and wants to eventually get a job as well. I have no knowledge about this to help him, Have you any advice to offer?
Thank you, Kjell

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: MMario
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 09:03 AM

My only encounter with immagration was when they came in and arrested two of the best workers I have ever been on a teram with...

but that was years ago.

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: GUEST,Nathan
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 09:31 AM

I don't know a whole lot about US immigration but I believe you have to have a "green card" to work in the US. He can go to the US on a tourist visa but that is usually only for a set period of time. And then he would have to return home. A "green card" can be difficult to get. There are many specific exceptions. Usually the broad rule is that a foriegner can not get the right to work a job that a US citizen could just as well do. If an employer can prove that no US citizens can be found for a position they may be able to hire someone with those qualifications from abroad. Like a radio station that wanted a DJ with a British accent. Otherwise, there are few other exceptions. Getting the right to work is easier if you have bachelor's degree. Then you fall under different classifications. Employers can hired you without as much paperwork. The proplem is, that as soon as they let you go, fire you, or give you the boot; you either have to have another job with the same conditions or you leave the country. At any rate, if he wants to legally work in the US he will have to do something before he goes. Probably months before.

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: Kjell
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 10:07 AM

His girlfriend has her work permit, so he will have to go on a tourist visa - yes? If he want to work(he has a degree) can he apply for a green card while in US if he gets offered a job? Or does he have to come home first?
Kjell

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 10:13 AM

Immigration Service Home Page. Maybe you can find something here.

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: Naemanson
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 10:17 AM

I worked for immigration 20 years ago so my knowledge base is somewhat out of date.

Visitors coming into this country on a tourist visa may not work. That rarely stops them. A tourist visa is good for a six month visit. We used to approve them for a three month visit which then required the visitor to go to the nearest USINS office for an extension.

To my certain knowledge, at that time, there were plenty of people working in the US on tourist visas. However, once that visa expired they could not leave the country unless they got another visa while away. Thay cannot get back in. Thus if your son wants to come home for a visit he should plan on being home long enough to get another visa.

If he gets a job, and proves his worth to his employer, then that employer can request a special worker's visa (can't remember the specific names of these things) where he tells INS that he cannot get the particular worker he needs in the US and he knows of one overseas. The State Dept. then issues the visa, the worker flies home to get it and then legally enters the US on the new visa. Happens all the time.

Please note, all of these actions are illegal and could result in court action and deportation.

What is your son's profession? Maybe there is a way to get a worker's visa because of his profession.

Subject: RE: Help: Immigration Officers in US
From: Kjell
Date: 12 Jul 01 - 10:28 AM

Many thanks, I have printed off the information - I am sure it will make the sitation a bit clearer
Thanks Kjell