US Work Visas for Filipino Citizens
A US Work Visa allows foreign workers to relocate to the country and be employed by an authorised organisation or employer. If you are a Filipino citizen considering relocating to the US then you may need to apply for a Work Visa.
Our lawyers at Total Law can guide you through the entire process. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
Overview of the US Work Visa for Filipino Citizens
A Work Visa permits individuals from the Philippines to work in the US for an approved US employer or organisation. This visa is granted to foreign workers who possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and employment offers.
There are different types of Work Visas available, including the H-1B for specialised occupations, the L-1 for intracompany transferees, and the H-2B for seasonal non-agricultural workers. The specific visa category will depend on your qualifications and the nature of the job in the US.
To obtain a Work Visa, you must undergo an in-depth application process, which involves securing a job offer from a US employer, demonstrating qualifications, and meeting specific eligibility criteria.
At Total Law, we can provide guidance and support throughout the application process to help ensure a successful application. Call +1 844 290 6312 to book an appointment.
Page Contents
- Overview of the US Work Visa for Filipino Citizens
- Types of Work Visas for Filipino Citizens in the US
- Special Immigrant Visas for Filipino Citizens
- US Work Visa Required Documents
- How to Apply for a US Work Visa From the Philippines
- US Work Visa Processing Time for Filipino Citizens
- How Filipino Citizens Can Switch Between US Work Visa Types
- How Can Our Lawyers at Total Law Help You?
- FAQs
Types of Work Visas for Filipino Citizens in the US
The US has different Work Visa options for Filipino citizens, including permanent and temporary permits, and it is important to apply for the correct one.
Permanent Work Visas
Permanent Work Visas, also called Employment-based Immigrant Visas, allow foreign citizens to live and work in the US permanently. People who are granted employment-based permanent resident status receive a Green Card, which allows them to work anywhere in the US.
Holders of an Employment-based Green Card can apply for US citizenship through naturalisation after five years of maintaining their permanent resident status.
The types of Permanent Work Visas available for Filipino citizens include:
- EB-1 Visa is for priority workers, such as people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors and researchers, and multinational executives and managers. There are three sub-categories for the EB Visa:
- EB-1A is for people with extraordinary abilities and does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship.
- EB-1B is for outstanding professors and researchers and requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.
- EB-1C is for multinational executives and managers who have a job offer and employer sponsorship.
- EB-2 is for professionals with advanced degrees or for individuals with exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.
- EB-3 is for skilled, professional, and unskilled workers and requires a US employer to file a labour certification approved by the Department of Labor (DOL) and offer the applicant a job.
- EB-4 Visa is an employment-based immigrant visa for religious workers, broadcasters, NATO-6 employees, armed forces members, US government international employees, and other eligible candidates.
- EB-5 Visa is a capital investment visa for foreign investors in new US businesses. It requires a minimum investment of $900,000 or $1.8 million, depending on the category. Investors first receive a conditional Green Card, which becomes permanent after two years if they meet certain requirements.
Temporary Work Visas
Temporary Work Visas are issued to foreigners who need to work in the US for a limited period of time. The types of Temporary Work Visas for Filipino citizens are:
- H-1B Visa is for workers in specialised occupations that require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
- L-1 Visa caters for intracompany transferees who have been employed by a US company abroad for at least one year in the past three years and are being transferred to a branch or subsidiary of the same company in the US.
- O-1 Visa is issued to people with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- P-1 Visa allows athletes and entertainers coming to the US to perform at a specific athletic competition or entertainment event.
- J-1 Visa is for exchange visitors who are coming to the US to participate in a work and cultural exchange programme.
Each of these visa categories has its own eligibility criteria and application requirements. Choosing the right one depends on your qualifications and the nature of your job. If you are interested in applying for a Work Visa to the US, consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility and options.
Total Law is here to provide guidance and support to you throughout the process, ensuring that your application is accurate. For more information and assistance, please call us at +1 844 290 6312 or reach out to us online.
Special Immigrant Visas for Filipino Citizens
In addition to the different US Work Visa types, there are Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) options for Filipino citizens who meet specific eligibility requirements. These visas allow Filipino nationals to immigrate to the US permanently.
Several types of SIVs are available for Filipino citizens, including:
- Special Immigrant Religious Workers Visas for qualifying workers who have been in the US for at least two years and are unable to obtain a Green Card through another means.
- Afghanistan-Iraq Allied Worker Visas for individuals who worked as interpreters or translators for the US government in Afghanistan or Iraq.
- Violence Against Women and Girls Protection Act (VAWA) Visas for foreign nationals who have been victims of violence, abuse, or neglect by their US citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent.
The application process for SIVs can be complex, and it is important to seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney. Total Law can assist you with the process. Call +1 844 290 6312 for more information.
US Work Visa Required Documents
The required documents to apply for a US Work Visa depend on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some general documents are required for all US Work Visa applicants, including:
- Valid passport
- Completed DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa application form
- Passport photo
- Copy of job offer letter from a US employer
- Proof of qualifications for the job, such as a diploma or degree certificate
- Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter from a sponsor
- Evidence of ties to the Philippines
How to Apply for a US Work Visa From the Philippines
Your employer must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, along with supporting documents. Once this is approved, you will receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797). This form is proof that you are eligible to apply for a US Work Visa and you can complete the
Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (Form DS-160).
A fee of $190 will need to be paid alongside the form and you will be required to schedule and attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.
If your visa application is approved, you will receive a US Work Visa in your passport. To ensure a successful application, consult our professional immigration lawyers at Total Law. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 to get started.
US Work Visa Processing Time for Filipino Citizens
The processing time for a US Work Visa for Filipino citizens depends on various factors, including the type of visa being applied for, the time of year, and the workload of the US Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.
Standard processing time for a US Work Visa for Filipino citizens is around 2-4 months but can be longer, especially during peak seasons or if there are any unforeseen circumstances. It is recommended to prepare ahead of time and apply early to avoid any delays.
How Filipino Citizens Can Switch Between US Work Visa Types
To switch between US Work Visa types, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Living in the US
- Possess a valid Form I-94 arrival-departure record
- Have a job offer from a US employer
Depending on the type of visa you are applying to switch to, you may also need to meet additional requirements. For instance, if you are applying to switch to an L-1 visa, you must have been employed by the same employer for at least one year within the three preceding years.
To apply to switch between US Work Visa types, you must complete the Form I-129 petition and submit it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Switching between US Work Visa types can be a complex process. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 for more information.
How Can Our Lawyers at Total Law Help You?
Understanding which US Work Visa is suitable for you as a Filipino citizen can be complicated. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of experienced immigration attorneys to make it easier and stress-free.
Our immigration lawyers are experts in US immigration law and are well-versed in the requirements for successful visa applications. Working with us allows you to benefit from our guidance throughout the application process.
We will guide you through every step of the process. For inquiries and assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
FAQs
After your Work Visa is approved, review visa terms, gather documents, inform your employer, open a US bank account, obtain a US Social Security Number and familiarise yourself with US laws and regulations.
The US Embassy in the Philippines provides Work Visa application processing and issuance.
