US Work Visa?

funktastic

Hi,

I've been trying to find some information on the embassy site but am still a bit unclear. Basically I'm a qualified teacher and my sister (who is married to an American) is getting me a job teaching in a summer camp for kids in Albany. I'm wondering what sort of visa do I need for this? Will I need a letter from the employer to get this visa?

Job starts in July- how soon should I go about applying?

Thanks in advance

Gwenneh

funktastic wrote: »

Hi,

I've been trying to find some information on the embassy site but am still a bit unclear. Basically I'm a qualified teacher and my sister (who is married to an American) is getting me a job teaching in a summer camp for kids in Albany. I'm wondering what sort of visa do I need for this? Will I need a letter from the employer to get this visa?

Job starts in July- how soon should I go about applying?

Thanks in advance

The visa you'd be looking for as a camp counselor is called the J-1 visa, and you can find the information about it HERE.

To paraphrase (greatly), to get this visa you need evidence that you plan to return at the end of your visa and evidence you can support yourself while in the US.

Good luck!

funktastic

Thanks-would it still be a J1 visa even though I'm not a student?

Gwenneh

You're a teacher, and teachers are eligible for J-1 status.

funktastic

Great-thanks a lot. So I should just ring embassy to go about this?

Gwenneh

Yep! They have a packet which they will send to you detailing the information you need to have with you when you go in person to make your application.

Basically they will want to know two things - one, that you have the funds to cover you while you are visiting (your job offer letter can be used to satisfy part of this) and two, that you plan on leaving at the end of your stay. That's the more tricky one; if you have not gotten your offer letter yet make SURE that your employer puts a date when the programme ends; also, you can have a letter from your permanent job stating when you are due back. Ancillary evidence like bank statements, utility bills, tenancy agreement or evidence of a mortgage can also be used to make your case.

But the Embassy will detail all of this when they send you the appointment info. It can be quite confusing, but it's definitely possible to get this visa with more than enough time.

funktastic

Thanks a lot - does anyone know the number I should ring to arrange this? The American Embassy website isn't very clear.