Do I Need a Work Visa as a Person from Spain to the United States?

Yes, if you are an Spanish citizen and you would like to work in the United States, you will need to obtain a valid work visa. Different types of visas are available to Spanish citizens depending on the purpose of their travel and the length of their stay in the United States. To apply for a work visa, you will need to submit an application to the U.S. Department of State and meet certain eligibility requirements.

What Types of Work Visas Can I Get as a Person from Spain to the United States?

As a citizen of Spain, you may be eligible for a number of work visas to the United States, such as the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, H-2B visa for temporary seasonal workers, O-1 visa for persons with extraordinary ability, and E-2 visa for treaty investors. You may also be eligible for L-1 visas for intra-company transferees, TN Visas under NAFTA, or P Visas for athletes, entertainers, and artists.

Do I Need a Work Visa Interview as a Person from Spain to the United States?

Yes, if you are a citizen of Spain and you want to work in the United States, you will need to attend a work visa interview. This is a mandatory requirement of the US immigration process. During the interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your background, employment, and education history. The officer will also check your documents to make sure they are valid and that you meet the requirements for working in the United States. After the interview, the officer will decide if you will be granted a work visa.

What are the Required Documents to Work as a Person from Spain to the United States?

In order to work legally in the United States, you must obtain the proper authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This may include obtaining an employment-based visa or a work permit.

The most common visa for working in the US is an H-1B visa, which requires an approved labor condition application from the US Department of Labor and a petition filed with the USCIS. You will also need a valid passport, proof of legal status in Spain, and evidence of your educational or professional qualifications. Additionally, you may need to provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself while in the United States.

What are the Steps to Apply for a Work Visa as a Person from Spain to the United States?

1. Determine Eligibility: Determine what type of U.S. work visa you need to apply for and ensure you meet the qualifications to qualify for it.

2. Prepare the Necessary Documentation: Gather the necessary documents, such as a copy of your passport, copies of any previous visas, letters of reference, and any other supporting documents that may be required by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Spain.

3. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160): Complete and submit the online nonimmigrant visa application form. Print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.

4. Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee using the payment method accepted by your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Spain.

5. Schedule an Interview: Schedule an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Spain by completing the online appointment system or by calling the embassy/consulate directly.

6. Attend Your Interview: Attend your visa interview on time and bring all necessary documents with you, such as your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and any other required documents requested by the consular officer.

7. Await Your Visa: Once the consular officer has made a decision on your visa application, you will receive notification via email or mail with instructions on how to receive your visa and any necessary documentation you need to have with you when entering the United States.

Are There Special Instructions to Work as a Person from Spain to the United States?

Yes. If you plan to travel to the United States from Spain as a visitor, student or temporary worker, you will need to obtain a nonimmigrant visa from the United States Embassy or Consulate in Spain. Depending on the purpose of your travel, you may need to apply for a different type of visa. Additional information about U.S. visas and the visa application process, including specific instructions for Spanish citizens, can be found on the U.S. Department of State website and the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Spain website.

What is the Work Visa Fee for a Person from Spain to the United States?

The cost of a nonimmigrant visa for a person from Spain to the United States is $160.

What is the Processing Time to Get a Work Visa as a Person from Spain to the United States?

The processing time to get a work visa as a person from Spain to the United States depends on a variety of factors, including the type of visa and the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally, it may take anywhere from two weeks to several months to obtain a work visa.

What to Do in Case of a Work Visa Denial as a Person from Spain to the United States?

If your work visa application to the United States from Spain is denied, there are a few steps you can take to try to get a visa approved.

1. Speak to an Immigration Lawyer: Schedule a consultation with an immigration lawyer familiar with the U.S. visa application process for Spain. An experienced lawyer can provide guidance on how to challenge the denial and what options may be available.

2. File an Appeal: If you feel that your denial was incorrect or unfair, you may be able to file an administrative appeal with the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

3. Submit a New Petition: Depending on the reasons for the denial, it may be possible to submit a new petition or other documentation that could help secure a visa approval.

4. Check Visa Wait Times: If your visa was rejected because of an immigrant visa backlog, you can check the U.S. State Department website to determine how long it will take for your priority date to become current again and if any additional measures are needed to proceed with your application.

5. Utilize Other Visa Options: You may be eligible for other types of visas, such as a visitor’s visa, that would allow you to stay in the United States for shorter periods of time and complete certain activities.

What are the Frequently Asked Work Visa Questions and Answers as a Person from Spain to the United States?

1. What type of visa do I need to work in the United States as a person from Spain?

Answer: To legally work in the United States, you will need to apply for an H-1B visa. This visa is for people who have a job offer from a US employer, and the offer must be for a “specialty occupation”—a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

2. How do I apply for a US work visa?

Answer: You must first obtain a job offer from a US employer. Then, the employer must file an H-1B petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must include evidence of your qualifications and your employer’s ability to pay your salary. Once approved, you may apply for an H-1B visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in Spain.

3. Is there a limit on the number of H-1B visas granted each year?

Answer: Yes, there is an annual cap on the number of H-1B visas issued each year. In 2021, the cap is 85,000, with 20,000 additional visas available to people with a master’s degree or higher from a US institution of higher education. Visas are also available to those who have been granted an extension beyond the six-year maximum stay limit.

4. How long can I stay in the United States on an H-1B visa?

Answer: You can usually stay up to six years on an H-1B visa with extensions available in certain circumstances. However, you will need to remain employed by your current employer in order to keep your H-1B status valid.