In collaboration with Adam Pepka
Are you looking to take a trip to the U.S.? There are plenty of reasons to visit the U.S., some of which can range from student trips to work trips. Do you have some business to attend to in the country?
Before you book your trip to the U.S., there are some things you’ll want to consider so that you have a successful and smooth experience. Take a look at our top tips for your visit:
You need a visa
Some countries let you in with a simple stamp of a passport, with the promise you’ll leave at a certain date—typically a few months from your visit. However, for most every U.S. visitor, a visa is required. There are a variety of visa options available for you, so if you’re not sure which one would be best for your needs, consider consulting with a non immigrant visa lawyer to make sure you apply for the option that will be helpful for your trip: especially if it’s a business-related trip.
The visa you need depends on what you want to do
Applying for the right visa is important when traveling to the U.S. for work. For example, if you’re a person who has a specialty career, the visa H-1B may be the best option for you. A H-3 visa is for temporary non-agricultural workers, while a P-1 visa is for an athlete visiting for a specific competition. So, before you apply, take time to understand which visa will work for your trip, whether you’re a specialized professional doing what you love, a company CEO visiting for a leadership training conference, or a temporary agricultural worker, etc.
If you need it, there is help available
It’s important that you understand that there is help available, should you travel to the U.S. for work and run into trouble. Whether you’re in a domestic abuse situation with your partner while traveling for work in the U.S. or you face any legal issues while on your work trip, consider saving the information of a local visa lawyer to help if you should need it.
Distances can be very long
The U.S. is a very large country, and it’s important to realize that in many cities, there aren’t metros or trains to get you from one place to the next. You’ll want to budget your work budget to include the expenses of either renting a car to get around or taking ride shares from one place to the next.
Make sure to look up distances between cities or places you want to visit during your trip, as even if it’s in the same state, it could be more than 10 hours away.
Don’t try to overstay your visa
There may be some countries where overstaying your visa may get you a slap on your wrist. However, overstaying your visa in the U.S. at the most ideal lodging in the city you’re visiting can mean that in the future, you may not be approved to enter the country once again. If you find that your work trip needs to go longer than planned, you’ll want to apply for an extension of your visa, at least 45 days before it expires.
In Conclusion
Traveling for work, instead of staying put with remote work, in the U.S. can be a great way to see the country and also make great connections for your company. However, it’s important to be prepared and know your rights as a visitor, as well as what kind of visa is the right option for your specific needs and reason for traveling. If in doubt, reach out to a visa lawyer to help you navigate the process, so you can avoid any issues along the way.
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