Frequently Asked Questions

I'M INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE UNITED STATES. HOW DO I GET WORK AUTHORIZATION?

Before you may work in the United States, you must have a U.S. employer offer you a job (in an authorized category and one for which you are qualified), and sponsor you for employment. 65,000 Speciality Occupation (H-1B) visas are made available worldwide each year. A special quota of 5,400 visas are set aside for Singaporeans, who may apply for a visa known as the H1-B1 Free Trade Agreement visa.  There are other visa categories for nurses and other medical professionals, and for seasonal/temporary labor. Some Exchange Programs may also include temporary work authorization.

For an H-1B visa, the U.S. employer must initiate the process of obtaining work authorization for a foreign citizen by petitioning the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS, part of the Department of Homeland Security) for their prospective employee. Once this petition is approved, the employee must apply for a visa if they are outside the U.S. so they may enter to start work. For more information about how an employer petitions for a potential employee, please visit the USCIS website.

You may not take up employment while in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program, but you may interview for jobs with prospective employers. Visa Waiver Program travelers will have to depart the U.S. to obtain work authorization before returning to start their job. B1/B2 holders may petition for a change of status while in the U.S., but this is not automatic, as B visas are not approved for people whose stated intention is to remain in the U.S. and work.