ABOUT THE H-2B VISA & INTERVIEW

Be prepared to communicate effectively with the US Embassy interviewer. If you are prepared you will not feel scared or intimidated. Answer all questions honestly & clearly- DO NOT act dodgy or nervous. If you discuss plans to stay in US, or to move to USA, talk about, or ask about a U.S. Green Card chancs are they will deny you. I also think there is an issue if you have partners or relatives in America; the Embassy might construe that as a reason for you to stay in USA. Leave your family out of the discussion - you are going to work temporarily ....and that is what you need to focus on.

A) WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW & BRING TO THE INTERVIEW

1) All documents must be in English.
 2) Bring official documents completed by you and your U.S. employer.
3) Bring proof and any evidence of previous job experience. These documents do not have to be originals but must be unaltered.
4) You must have experience with the job you have been offered.
5) You must show valid & indepth proof you will return home when your visa expires.
6) You must have a VALID passport and one passport-type photograph.
7) You must know how to read, write and speak English.


B) UNDERSTANDING QUALIFICATIONS

1) An H-2B visa is granted only to skilled workers - bring a photo of yourself in costume or in costume on stage
2) Bring letters of reference from dance schools, previous jobs and/o bring dance graduation certificates if you have any.
3) The H-2B visa program is to help an American company & the U.S. economy- mainly due to a shortage of American workers.
4) The H-2B visa is NOT to be used for training purposes or to gain work experience.
5) It's important that your job in USA is temporary / seasonal only.
6) You cannot act as your own employer. You must have an offer of employment from your petitioner/ sponsor.
7) As entertainers working several locations, an agent is required to act as your petitioner. The petitioner can be an individual or a company.
8) Your petitioner/ employer must hold a Temporary Labour Certificate (TLC); bring a copy of it with you for your Embassy interview.
9) The "temporary job" you will be performing must be one where your services will no longer be required after one year.
10) The job must meet the legal definition of being “temporary”.


C) PROOF YOU WILL RETURN HOME

1) Your application will be denied if you intend to live in the United States.
2) In order to qualify for an H-2B visa you must prove that you intend to return to your home country when your visa expires.
3) You must bring these forms with you to the interview from the EMPLOYER; a copy of the employment contract, US Department of Labour letter, and a copy of the Department of Homeland Security certificate I-797B Notice of Action.
4) Upon your US Embassy interview it is best you bring proof of family ties at home & promises of future employment or education at an established institute, or proof of property ownership. Bring mail with your home address; monthly utility bills, proof of payments for items such as vehicle payments, child school or medical or such monthly payments; bring bank statements showing you have money in your bank accountant, bring rent receipts or rental or lease agreement, home purchase agreement, tax records, phone bills and/or anything that shows you plan on going back to your home country after your visa expires. The more evidence you produce, the better chance you'll have of getting the visa.
5) Bring your original birth certificate; bring your passport; bring photo of you on stage in costume only. Photo must be ok'd by Janet before you go for your interview.
6) The visa is a stamp that will be placed in your passport if and when you pass the interview.
7)   Consular officials will thoroughly review the documents you have submitted with your application, and they will ask how long you intend to remain in the United States. Any answer indicating uncertainty regarding your intent to return to your home country, or any mention of an interest in applying for a green card, is likely to result in denial of your H-2B visa.

*) IF YOU FROM CANADA & MEXICO

If you are Canadian or Mexican you do not need the interview with the US Embassy before you arrive - but you should still bring many of the items above to prove you will return home, plus the forms provided to you, as well as your birth certificate & passport to show to immigration when they grant you the visa.


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