Many Colombians dream of working in the United States for various reasons, including career opportunities, financial gain, and access to world-class education. In recent years, the U.S. has been a popular destination for Colombians seeking better job prospects. Whether it’s to gain international work experience, support family back home, or improve quality of life, working in the U.S. offers numerous benefits. Moreover, the U.S. government created the H-2 Visa program to provide temporary work opportunities for foreign nationals, including Colombians. This program allows workers to fill gaps in the labor market where U.S. citizens or residents may not be available. This guide will take you through the process of working in the U.S. from Colombia, detailing everything you need to know about eligibility, visa types, documentation, and the application process. If you’re interested in applying for a work visa from Colombia to USA, understanding the program details and requirements is crucial.

Overview of Working in the U.S. as a Colombian National

The Growing Need for Foreign Workers in the U.S.

The U.S. labor market has experienced a significant labor shortage in recent years. According to reports, in June 2022, there were 10 million job openings in the U.S., yet only 6 million people available to fill them.

This creates a unique opportunity for foreign nationals, including Colombians, to come and work in the U.S. under various work visa programs.

The H-2 visa program, designed to address this gap, allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in the U.S. in fields that U.S. workers are unwilling or unable to fill. This program includes both agricultural and non-agricultural job opportunities, which we will explore in greater detail. If you’re considering applying for a work visa from Colombia to USA, the first step is understanding which job sectors the U.S. is most in need of.

Types of U.S. Work Visas for Colombians

There are two primary work visa categories available for Colombians looking to work temporarily in the U.S. – the H-2A visa and the H-2B visa. These visas allow foreign workers to fill seasonal or temporary jobs in various sectors. Let’s break down both types.

H-2A Visa: Agricultural Jobs

The H-2A visa is designed for temporary agricultural workers who are needed to fill seasonal positions in the U.S. These jobs typically include work on farms, in fields, and in other agricultural settings.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approve these visas for workers who can meet the requirements.

To qualify for the H-2A visa, applicants do not need to possess a specialized degree or experience, though experience in agriculture is a strong plus. The job offer must be seasonal, and employers must demonstrate that no U.S. workers are available to fill the positions.

H-2B Visa: Non-Agricultural Jobs

The H-2B visa allows foreign nationals to work in temporary non-agricultural jobs. These roles can be in sectors such as hospitality, landscaping, construction, fishing, and certain manufacturing industries.

Like the H-2A visa, applicants do not need to have a specialized degree or professional qualifications, but employers must prove that they are unable to find local workers to fill the roles.

Both the H-2A and H-2B visas are valid for one year but can be extended for up to three years. Once the visa expires, workers must leave the U.S. but can reapply if they wish to return after a brief waiting period.

Eligibility for Emigrating from Colombia to the U.S.

Before applying for a work visa from Colombia to USA, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements. The U.S. has specific criteria to determine who qualifies for a work visa and who does not. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for Colombians wishing to work in the U.S.

General Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a work visa, you need to meet the following criteria:

• Sponsorship: You must have a sponsor in the U.S., which could be an employer, spouse, parent, or another family member. For employment-based visas, the sponsor is typically the employer who offers you a job.
• Job Offer: You must secure a job with a U.S.-based employer before applying for the visa. Unlike some other countries, you cannot go to the U.S. to search for work; you must already have a job offer.
• No Criminal Record: A criminal history may disqualify you from receiving a U.S. work visa. However, certain waivers and exceptions may apply, especially for applicants with minor offenses.
• Specific Visa Categories: Special visa categories exist for refugees, abuse victims, journalists, and human trafficking victims.

Required Documents

When applying for a work visa from Colombia to USA, you must provide various documents to support your application. These may include:

• A valid passport
• The Form DS-160 application form
• Proof of your job offer
• A medical examination report from an approved physician
• Payment of the application fee and other necessary fees

Understanding the Work Visa Process for Colombians

The process of applying for a work visa to the U.S. is thorough and requires specific steps to be followed. It’s important to understand each step to avoid delays or complications. Here’s an outline of the visa application process.

Step 1: Find an Employer in the U.S.

The first and most critical step in obtaining a U.S. work visa is finding a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you. Your employer will need to prove that there are no qualified U.S. workers available to fill the position.

Without an employment offer, you cannot proceed with the visa application process.

Step 2: Employer Submits Petition to USCIS

Once you have a job offer, your employer will need to submit a petition (Form I-129) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

This petition is a formal request to hire a foreign worker. The petition must demonstrate that the employer is unable to find a qualified U.S. worker to fill the position.

Step 3: Apply for a Visa at the U.S. Embassy

Once USCIS approves your petition, you can apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy in Colombia. This involves filling out the Form DS-160 and scheduling a visa interview.

Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview

At the U.S. Embassy, you will undergo an interview with a consular officer who will assess your eligibility for the visa. The officer will ask about your qualifications, job offer, and your intentions in the U.S. You must bring all required documents, including proof of your job offer and passport.

H-2 Visa Countries and Eligibility for Colombians

While the H-2 Visa program is open to many countries, not all countries are eligible every year. For the year 2022, the U.S. included Colombia on the list of eligible countries for the H-2 visa.

This means that Colombians can apply for the H-2A or H-2B visa, provided they meet the necessary qualifications.

Key Requirements for H-2 Visa Applicants

• Proof of Job Offer: You must have a formal job offer from a U.S. employer who is participating in the H-2 Visa program.
• Proof of Labor Shortage: Employers must show that there is a labor shortage for the position being offered, and U.S. workers are not available.
• Seasonal or Temporary Employment: The job must be temporary or seasonal in nature.

It’s also important to note that the H-2 Visa can only be granted once a year, but it can be extended twice.

After three years of staying in the U.S., the worker must leave for at least three months before applying for the visa again.

Work Visa Requirements for Colombians

To apply for a U.S. work visa from Colombia, you’ll need to meet specific requirements set by U.S. immigration authorities. Here are the key documents and requirements:

Required Documents for the Visa Interview

• Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in the U.S. plus six months.
• Visa Application: Complete the Form DS-160 online.
• Petition Approval: You must present a receipt confirming that your employer’s petition has been approved by USCIS.
• Payment Receipts: Bring proof of payment for the visa application fee and any additional fees.
• Medical Exam: You may need to provide a medical examination report from an approved physician.

Costs Associated with the Visa Application

Applying for a U.S. work visa involves several costs. These include:

• Visa Application Fee: Ranges from $325 to $1,140, depending on the visa category.
• Medical Exam Fees: Typically between $100 and $200.
• Additional Costs: Translation services, notary fees, and mailing expenses can add an additional $150-$400.

What to Expect After Your Visa Interview

Once you’ve completed the visa interview and submitted your documents, the embassy will process your application.

The processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed. You will be notified once a decision has been made, and if approved, you’ll receive your visa.

Conclusion: Making Your U.S. Work Visa Journey a Reality

Obtaining a U.S. work visa from Colombia is a detailed and structured process, but it is achievable with the right preparation and guidance.

Whether you are applying for the H-2A or H-2B visa, understanding the eligibility requirements, documentation, and application steps is crucial to successfully securing a job in the U.S.

If you need expert assistance in navigating the U.S. work visa process, Visa Franchise is here to help. Our team of professionals can guide you through each step to ensure your application is successful. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on how to start your U.S. work visa journey today.