US for a year?

[ywouldi]

Delete MessageOk, so I'm scarily close to finishing Uni and my current plan is to work somewhere reasonably well paid so as to pay off my copious overdraft and save a little prior to a few months in France working at a ski resort. Then I'd like to spend a year in the US, I like NY and would like to work there for a while and then maybe move across the US for the final couple of months. Then back to the UK for some reality!

Can I get a Visa to the US letting me work temporarily there? I've looked at their website but now have a headache! Also does anyone know any schemes etc for that sort of thing?

Ben

[RichUK]

It is very difficult to get a visa to go work in the US, unless you are either working for a company that is willing to spend the time and money to try to get you a visa (they have to also prove that no USC can do your job), or be married to a USC, or be there on a fiancee visa.

For the last two options it would take a minimum of 6 months - 12 months to sort the visa application out, likely the same for an H1B work permit too.

Google will give you plenty of information. Or http://uscis.gov/graphics/index.htm is a good starting point.

[jeff m]

There is a way, but probably not in New York.

Example; Anheiser Busch (Budweiser) have a theme park, it opens three month before the US colleges close for summer so they hire foreign labour. Pay is not great, but you live in.

I'm sure other owners of these theme parks operate in a similar way.

They use agencies to do the hiring, so get yourself on a mailing list for overseas temp employment. You may find something that suits you. Incidently New York is sort of expensive for accomadation. A low paid job and living in NY may not be much fun.

[Tristar]

You CANNOT get a VISA like the 1 year to OZ VISA (under 30). In fact you cannot work as an unskilled unless you can get on a program where you offer something to the USA in the form of your culture e.t.c. you could litter pick at disney under the cultural enrichment sheme but would you want to? Other options are camp america but unless you are an illegal mexican with no skills they do not need or want you in their country. You can holiday for 3 months no probs, unless you have a drink drive conviction or worse then you must get a VISA in advance.

[jimbeaux]

I have seen how this really works. Get someone in a business to do the form, letter, etc stating that they want your particular skill and will employ you upon arrival. True, the US Citizen first rule exists, but nobody can be bothered adhering to that UNLESS a citizen complains about not getting the EXACT job you are getting. Give it a go!