QUESTION

How do one look for jobs while on B-1 visa?

Asked on Feb 01st, 2013 on Immigration - New York
More details to this question:
I'm looking for a job in New York in order to be with my American boyfriend who works here. So far, I have entered the US on the visa waiver program many times. The immigration officer at my last entry advised me to not use the waiver for at least 6 months. What options do I have to re-enter the US in order to look for jobs? Would I be eligible for a B-1 or B-2? I am a freelance consultant (with my own company) in Europe now, have a graduate degree and am able to support myself financially.
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1 ANSWER

I do not believe a B visa is a good option for you. First, getting a B visa is likely to prove problematic: U.S. consul will want to know why do you want to go to the U.S. again after being here so many times on a visa waiver. Second, if you get it, it will be for only 6 months, and getting an extension is very unlikely. Third, you cannot work while on a B visa; accepting employment will be a violation of your status resulting in revocation of your visa, deportation, and getting blacklisted for any future entries into the U.S. I suggest considering three general options. First, you can become a student. It is expensive, you will not be able to work without violating your status, but you will be able to stay in the U.S. (and travel abroad if doing so does not cause you to drop below full-time course load in your school) as long as you continue your studies. Second, you can look for an employer who would be willing to petition the government for an employment-based visa for you (depending on your degree, specialty, and expertise, there are several visas you might be eligible to receive, such as H-1B, for example). If you will work well, your employer might be inclined to sponsor you for a green card. Third, you could establish your business's presence in the U.S. and get one of the visas that owning a U.S. company would enable you to do, for example, an L or an E visa. Doing so, too, can put you on the path to U.S. permanent residency.
Answered on Feb 06th, 2013 at 2:16 PM

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