working in the US - length of stay?

_tumbleweed_

I am thinking of spending summer '08 in the US - for 3 months at least or possibly stay until the end of the year.
I would like to work during my stay.
I am not a student, but I'm under 35 (if that's relevant).
I'm just wondering if there is a maximum time that you can spend there? Also how do I apply for a visa?
Sorry, I'm fairly clueless about this stuff, as I haven't travelled a lot in the past.

Thanks for any replies.

kaimera

3 months is the max you can stay on a holiday visa & a working visa is a bit of a pain to get.

Flynn

Actually you don't need a visa for the standard 90 days... you can just book a flight and go but you can't work legally.
To stay longer you can apply for a 6 month or 12 month (don't think they give too many of these out) tourist Visa and again you can't work legally.. When applying for this visa you'll have to show bank details to prove you have enough money to survive without getting a job..
This differs if your a student on the J1 & J2 but i dunno about them..

I'm looking to head over there myself and i've done a bit of research and it doesn't look too good.
To work legally you can get a Hb1 visa in which you really need a degree and an employer to sponsor you.. and i think the employer has to place the application for you..
Or you can get an O visa if your a genius!

Other than that your kinda fvcked..

_tumbleweed_

Hey, thanks kaimera and Flynn for the replies.

So if I went for 3 months, it might be ok to do so some bar work/waitressing? I mean, I'm not looking to start a career there or anything, just make a bit of money to cover my expenses.

My uncle and his wife own a bar and they mentioned that I could work there, if I wanted to travel and work. This was few years ago when they were over here visiting, and I'm thinking now that I might take them up on it..

Thing is, I don't want to have to get them to have to fill out application forms etc & make a big deal out of it.
Especially if I'll only be there for 3 months!

My question is, would I get in trouble for doing some work there, temporarily?

Thanks again for any replies..

Mellor

It would be quite hard to get work without a visa, as alot of employees won't hire you without a social security number. If your uncle is willing to sort you then it might be ok.

As for getting in trouble for doing the temp work, you certainly would be if caught. Its illegal, and you'd be deported if caught and wouldn't get back in again.

Ted_Bundy

I am also planning to go to the US this summer, I'm not eligible for student visa's as I'm finished college...Is the 3 month holiday visa realistically the only visa I have a chance of getting??
I was hoping to stay for 4 months...If I got the 3 month visa but stayed on for an extra month would I be allowed into the country again if I ever went back or would they turn a blind eye to this sort of thing if you only overstay the visa by a few weeks??

What would the chances of getting a 6 month tourist visa be??

Flynn

Ted_Bundy wrote: »

I am also planning to go to the US this summer, I'm not eligible for student visa's as I'm finished college...Is the 3 month holiday visa realistically the only visa I have a chance of getting??
I was hoping to stay for 4 months...If I got the 3 month visa but stayed on for an extra month would I be allowed into the country again if I ever went back or would they turn a blind eye to this sort of thing if you only overstay the visa by a few weeks??

What would the chances of getting a 6 month tourist visa be??

Hey,
As i said above you can get a 6 month tourist visa.. here's the link 2 of my buddies did it last year.. and ya if you stay longer than 90 days without it you'll have trouble getting back in.. you could get banned for 5 years!