How to Apply for a Visa to Be a Civil Engineer
- 1). Find a civil engineering job that offers visa sponsorship. The best way to start the job search is online. There are a few job search engines that feature available positions that sponsor visa applicants. It is important that the applicant finds an employer that is willing to sponsor the visa because they will have to fill out an ETA-9035 application, along with a Form I-129 petition for a non-immigrant worker. These should be completed and submitted by the company's human resources department.
- 2). Obtain a valid passport. The passport must have at least six months before expiration from the time you plan on departing from the United States. This sometimes can be waived if you have the ability to renew your application overseas. However, check with the United States consulate before proceeding with a passport that does not meet these requirements.
- 3). Fill out the DS-160 application form which can be downloaded at the U.S. Diplomatic Missions website after the employer has filed the I-129 with the Department of Labor. The application will prompt you to answer several questions about your passport, citizenship and other basic information about yourself. This basic information will include your name, address, prior employment information and education. Also note that on the application you will have to fill out what type of visa you are applying for. A civil engineering position requires an H1B visa.
- 4). Arrange to have your photo taken. You will be required to bring in one additional passport photo when you submit the application.
- 5). Pay the visa application fees online. The United States embassy website is set up to take payment for visa applications. On the embassy website, there will be a section for payment processing; follow the appropriate steps to pay the fees. This application fee must be paid prior to your appointment day. You must print out the receipt of payment to show the U.S. consulate that you have paid the fee. As of April 2010, the application fee is $320.
- 6). Make an appointment with your nearest consulate services. United States consulates do not offer walk-in services; the applicant must have an appointment before entering the building. At the appointment time, you must provide a copy of the DS-160 (that states that you are applying for an H1B visa), the passport photo, proof of payment of fees and any supporting documentation requested by the U.S. government.
- 7). Wait to receive your passport and visa in the mail. The visa and passport will take about five to 10 days to reach you. If you were denied a visa, you will receive your passport in the mail along with a letter stating the reasons why you were denied the visa.
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