Temporary worker H1-B, L1

The application process for a work visa can be complicated, and it is the U.S. employer’s responsibility to file an application with the Department of Homeland Security of the United States (DHS). Once the petition is approved, the employer should send all of the documents (copies of the I-129 petition and the approved I-797 petition) to you to present at the Applicant Service Center and at the Consulate on your appointment dates. If you have been offered employment in the U.S. ask your prospective employer exactly what procedures he/she has followed to allow you to work legally in the U.S.

Petition-based visa appointment are assigned independently of tourist visas. When you call to schedule an appointment, clarify the type of visa you wish to obtain. In order to obtain an interview for a temporary worker visa, your petition must have been aproved. You must be prepared to provide the petition approval number from the Notice of Approval (from I-797) when you call to obtain an interview.

For additional requirements see How to Apply for a visa. Be prepared to present either the original or copies of the I-129 petition and the approved I-797 petition to present at the Applicant Service Center and at the Consulateon your appointment dates.

H1B and L1 visas: If the visa is approved, the maximum validity for the visa will be 1 year or until the date the petition expires if there is less than 1 year remaining on the petition.

For Blanket L petitions, there is a $500 processing fee which must be paid at the cashier in the American Citizens Services section of the consulate prior to your interview. We accept pesos or dollars, and Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.