Easto

Dear All,

I am a University academic and am currently applying for positions in the US. I am fairly confident I will secure a position at my choice of institution but will need to travel for an interview (and attend others while there). My girlfriend (US citizen) lives in the city where I am applying for jobs and thus I am staying with her during my stay.

What I would like to know is, can I apply for my US visa (H-1B) while I am in the US (i.e. on my 3 month tourist visa) or do i have to travel back to the UK to get the visa and then back to the US once I have secured it?

Many thanks

Easto

Elvira

I believe the H1b paperwork can be processed whilst you are in the US, but you will need to go to a US Consulate abroad for visa stamping.

Make sure you maintain status at all times.

Easto

Thanks Elvira, much appreciated. I fully intend to relocate to the US permanently so I won't do anything to endanger this and will ensure I am in status at all times. I will be booking a return flight from the UK to the US so that if my visa hasn't been secured within my 3 month tourist visa period, I will travel back to the Uk until it has.

Slainte,

Easto

Elvira

I assume you are referring to the Visa Waiver Program - this is not a visa.

And it's 90 days, not 3 months.

Be sure to be able to demonstrate ongoing ties to the UK ONLY if asked at the POE.

Easto

Thanks again for the tips. Yes I meant the waiver program and I did know it was 90 days! Good point about the resume etc, I will mail them to my gf before I travel. Should I say I'm travelling for an interview or just to see my girlfriend?

Elvira

I see 2 potential red flags there...

md95065

Going for interview and visiting a fiend in the US are both perfectly legitimate thing to do under the VWP.

If that is what you are doing, and you are asked the purpose of your visit, then say so.

If you are not asked, then don't.

Ray

You don't apply ..your employer does ....

BritishGuy36

Mailing paperwork won't do you any good, as if they are going to question you about your attempted entry you won't get as far as seeing your girlfriend. You need to have any proof of ties on your person at the point of entry.

Marocco

Everyone travelling on the VWP is asked for the purpose of their visit, since officer needs to know if you are travelling for business or pleasure. So it's ok to say "pleasure". If they ask any more questions you should tell the truth, but if you mention girlfriends or wanting to look for a job, be prepared for a trip to secondary and possibly being denied entry if you can't convince them that you'll be going back soon.

Easto

OK thanks for this Marocco. I certainly don't want to be denied entry so will just give the explanation I have given on my last 5/6 trips to the US of visiting friends and having a holiday.

Orangepants

Good luck with your interviews. I'm sure you're aware that you can only apply for the H1B's once a year in April to start in Oct of that year. I believe this is the same even if you are under the Master's quota.
I only mention this as I was very successful in getting positions with several investment banks, (was offered 4 positions) but unsuccesful in being chosen for a visa in the H1B lottery and subsequently had to move to London to their international office and complete a year overseas in order to qualify for an L1 transfer (45 days to go).
You'll be doing quite a lot of trips to the US in the coming 15 months (until Oct 09) if you get the H1B, so if you have a good job and responsibilities here then it may be worth applying for the B1/2 so that multiple entries over a period of time may be easier, although never guaranteed.

Unfortunately it's never as easy as first thought and requires much patience and persistance.

Good luck.

Elvira

I gathered from his OP that he was hoping to secure a position with an academic institution. These are exempt from the cap.

Orangepants

Oh yes - so he did - always had a problem with jumping in without testing the water first!