Visas USA
The rules governing the ability to work in North America are stricter than in other popular backpacker destinations. Because of this, the majority of UK travellers planning to work in the USA will choose to contact a reputable company or "sponsoring agency".
The US Government has understandably tightened up their immigration laws since 2001, making it harder for you to obtain a visa to work in the country without help from an agency. The main type of visa that students wishing to work in the USA apply for is the J-1 visa, which allows you to combine work and travel. For more information on securing your visa, see our USA visa section.
Their are mainly 2 types of the J-1 Visa. The "Work and Travel" visa allows you to work temporarily in a "guest service position" - ie working in the tourist industry. The "Camp Counsellor" visa allows you to work at a summer camp. In the unlikely event that you can find work on your own from the UK and get the employer to vouch that they can't find an American citizen to do the job instead (!!), you can apply for an H category visa.
Visas USA
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Getting a visa on your own is a real hassle but there are organisations will help you through the application process - see our sections on Jobs in the USA and Destination USA for details of companies who will help you.
This is strongly recommended unless you have a firm offer of a job from an American employer before you go, who is prepared to vouch for you and do the necessary paperwork at their end. Immigration laws into the US are understandably tougher since September 11th, and the way that immigration law works (even for tourists), is that the official checking your visa application or passport has to presume that you are actually an immigrant. It is up to you to prove that you only want to stay in the US temporarily, and that you’ll definitely be going home at the end of your trip!
The different sorts of visas:
- The visitor visa
This is the most straightforward type of visa to get. Aplicants for visitor visas from certain countries, including the UK and Ireland, can apply under the visa waiver program. This means that your entry to the USA is more straightforward. You are not allowed to work on a visitor visa.
- "J" category visas
This sort of visa is for those visiting the USA on an exchange trip. In theory it is to promote educational and cultural exchanges. In practice the J1 visa has been the best way of combining work and travel in the USA if you are a student.
However, post September 11th, all visa regulations and eligibility have been tightened up, and you should speak to a sponsoring agency to clarify the latest criteria for J1 visas.
- "F" and "M" category visas
The "F" category visa is for those wanting to study an academic subject in America. The "M" category is for those wishing to study a non-academic or vocational subject. If you are offered a place by an American educational institution, you have to apply for an "F" or "M" category visa at your nearest American embassy or consulate. You will need to show evidence of enough funds to cover at least your first year of study on an acadmic course. For a vocational course you will need to show evidence of funds to cover all of your costs throughout your entire stay.
- "H" category visas
The H-2A visa is for people wishing to work in America as temporary or seasonal workers in agriculture. The H-2B visa is for those wishing to work on a temporary or seasonal basis in a non-agricultural sector. These are only issued if you are offered a job in the US by an employer who has completed the correct paperwork and has proven that they can’t find any American citizen who can do the job instead. This is the kind of visa you’ll need if you want any kind of work, permanent or temporary, that isn’t an organised program or exchange. If you want to get paid work in a ski resort or pick fruit for a few weeks, You’ll need an "H" category visa, unless it’s a recognised, organised programme.
