IMMIGRATING TO THE USA WITHOUT A DIPLOMA

 IMMIGRATING TO THE USA WITHOUT A DIPLOMA

Is moving to the United States to live the American dream one of your wildest dreams? It's also one of many French people! Do you have to show your credentials? Isn't the dream likely to turn into a nightmare due to a lack of means and resources? Is it possible to immigrate to the USA without a diploma? The Investir US team focuses on this last question in this article.

What visa do I need to work in the United States?

The rule is simple: if you want to move to the United States to work, a visa is essential. Without one, you can only stay 90 days, without the right to work. Whether your employer is American or the company you work for is based elsewhere, the rule is the same for everyone. Of course, there's always the Green Card lottery solution... but if you really want to fulfill your dream without taking any risks, it's better to go the traditional route of obtaining a visa.

A U.S. work visa application is automatically subject to a job offer. It is up to the employer to submit their application to the Department of Immigration. The latter will provide a Notice of Approval , which will be a key component of the visa application. The work visa, on the other hand, is provided by the consular services. Depending on the applicant's situation and the job, there are several forms of services to contact.

The value of a French diploma for working in the USA

If you have a French higher education diploma equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, you will need to find a job that a US citizen cannot hold. This condition will allow you to obtain an H-1B work visa. This visa is valid for 3 years, renewable once. Note that if your spouse and/or child(ren) are accompanying you, they will need to apply for an H4 visa, which does not allow them to work on US soil.

Furthermore, executives and managers of multinational companies have the right to work in the USA if they have an L visa, also called Blanket L.

Is it possible to immigrate to the USA without a diploma?

When it comes to seasonal employment, for example during peak season, or temporary employment, French citizens with or without a diploma can apply. In addition to the Notice of Approval mentioned above, interested individuals will need to obtain an H-2A visa (for agricultural workers) or an H-2B visa (in other cases). The work visa is valid for a maximum of three months.

The situation of students wishing to work in the USA without a diploma

A student who wants to work in the USA without a degree (one that is in the process of being obtained) has several options. If they land an international corporate volunteer (VIE) contract, they can apply for a job in the United States. The VIE is aimed at young people aged 18 to 28.

Another way for a student to immigrate to the USA without a degree is to obtain an au pair contract or an internship. With a J1 visa, students can work in the United States for 18 months. They can also continue their studies with an F1 visa. During this period, they may even be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week if they apply.

Immigrating to the USA without a diploma: focus on the H-2B visa

The H-2B visa applies to non-agricultural workers coming temporarily to provide services of a temporary nature.

An H-2B Visa is valid for the validity of the application plus a maximum of 7 days before the application validity date and up to 10 days after the expiration date.

A person wishing to immigrate to the United States without a degree, if applying for an H-2B visa, must have a residence abroad. In addition, they must only come to fill a temporary or seasonal position. Dependents, i.e., spouses and children (children must be under 21), are admitted as H-4s. Remember that dependents cannot work. However, they can attend school without changing their status.

The H2B visa is intended for seasonal or temporary work. It is issued for a maximum period of two years. Typically, this period is shorter.

The H-2 visa cannot be issued based on a temporary job offer for a future permanent position. Furthermore, employment is "employer-specific," meaning that H-2 visa holders are authorized to work in the United States only for a specific employer. This employment cannot begin until the individual enters the U.S. territory. Employers must obtain a certification from the U.S. Department of Labor confirming that there are no qualified U.S. citizens or residents willing to provide the corresponding services.

The applicant must provide proof to U.S. immigration authorities that they meet the requirements for the job for which they are applying for a visa. The visa is granted for a period of one year and may be renewed in one-year increments for a maximum period of three years.

Immigrating to the USA without a degree is entirely possible. To gain valuable experience, especially when you're young, it's worth the effort!