What comes first? Do I need a visa or a job?
You CANNOT move to the USA without a visa, or with only an ESTA, to work or find a job — never, not even for one week!
But you cannot obtain a work visa simply by asking the embassy. You cannot get a work visa on your own. You must first find a job with a company that will sponsor you for the working visa you qualify for.
It's a circular challenge: no job means no visa. But no visa means no job.
Step 1: Find your company and sign your employee letter
The solution is to find a job in your own country, or with a company in the USA, that is ready to sponsor you for the visa you're qualified for.
How can I find a job with a company that sponsors in America? Target your search strategically — 96% of companies in the United States are not interested in sponsoring you for a working visa.
It took me three months to secure a job through French companies, interviewing in Paris rather than New York.
Step 2: Apply for your working visa and get it
Once you have a job offer, the company has to fill out its part of the paperwork, and you have to fill out yours, so the application can be submitted to the government.
The Green Card is the most popular American working visa because it's an immigrant visa. However, don't expect to get the Green Card from your employer first. It could happen, but it's very rare!
I received an E-1 essential employee visa, while my partner obtained an E-2 essential employee visa after the H-1B lottery didn't come through for him.
Step 3: Start your job and get your Social Security Number
Once approved, you can go through U.S. customs and start your job in the USA.
I received my visa within three months and flew to the U.S. three days after my embassy interview.
Ten days after arrival, we obtained our Social Security cards, which carry the Social Security Number that allows you to work and pay your taxes in the USA.