How to get a working visa in the US from Australia?

[Anonymous]

Quite a simple question. Just wondering hw to get a working visa in the US from Australia? I have a few friends that have moved back there and felt it would be a great opportunity to work in the US while being around them. They have kind of been my inspiration to move there. I would like to be a permanent resident there (through working), and also have a chance to explore. I have little experience as I am just finishing high school. I don't know if I need to get a job here first and then transfer? If so, how does that work? Do I apply for a job in America first? What are some jobs or websites I can use that will be willing to take in international workers? Or do I have to get a working visa first before applying for jobs in America? If that is the case, how do I obtain a working visa? What would easily help me get one?

[MTC29]

It is a long process: firstly, you need to find a job in the United States. Once you've found the job your potential employer needs to file a petition with the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) explaining why they need to "import" you rather than hire an American citizen to do the job.

Because you state little work experience and have only a high school education, the petition being approved is unlikely. On the off chance that it is approved, you would apply for a work visa and then go through a background check followed by an interview at the nearest US consulate. If approved, you will receive your work visa and begin working in the USA.

I believe it requires five years of living and working in the USA before you can apply for permanent residency. Once you've done that, you are set. As permanent resident the only things you won't be able to do is to vote, serve on a jury, or serve as a commissioned officer in the US military.

What you want to accomplish is entire possible, but not right now. You need job experience and a university degree. Graduates with degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects are the most likely to be given work visas, so focus on those. Once you have your degree you need work experience, so take a job and work for a year or two before looking to immigrate to the US. Good luck.

[Asker]

Thank you very much. I understand why it might be unlikely. And even if I were to get a job, they would probably prefer one with a "higher qualification". So I was thinking of doing a lot of volunteering? Would that make the chances of being hired more higher?

That is very tough. It seems like I probably won't get it. I want my chances of it to remain high. Is there any other advice you could give to me despite having a certain degree? Like maybe certain things I could do? How many references do you think I should have?

That's okay. I'm happy to spend a few years working even before getting permanent residency. I'm not too fussed about voting, serving as a jury or any of that. I just want to be able to establish a new life, explore a new place, work, and all of it. I love Australia, but I want to take this opportunity

[Anonymous]

Talk to the State Department for Australia, or the equivalent.

[Asker]

Thank you. I'll look into it!