> Hey,
> I've recently been 'loosely' offered a job (i.e. nothing in writing
> yet) in the US. I'd better explain my situation properly first:
> I'm a race car mechanic currently working in the UK for a british race
> team (although raced in the US on numerous occasions).
> I have many friends in the industry who have already made the move to
> an American team, a lot of them have done it on a P-Visa (i.e. One
> that is designed for Sportsmen/Entertainers/Support Personnel).
> I have a HND Diploma in Motorsport Engineering but I'm not sure if
> this would qualify me for an H1-B Visa.
> Does anyone know what the first steps to take would be in getting
> my visa?
> If anybody has any experience or knows anything about the P-Visa I'd
> also really appreciate anymore info on it.
> Thanks
> Lee
The P Visa Support Personnel classification is granted for highly
skilled, essential support personnel who are determined by USCIS to
be an integral part of the performance of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 Visa
worker. P Visa Support Personnel must perform support services that
cannot be readily performed by a United States worker and that are
essential to the successful performance of services by a P-1, P-2, or
P-3 Visa worker.
A petition for P – Visa essential support personnel must be
accompanied by: (i) A consultation from a labor organization with
expertise in the area of the Support Personnel’s skill; (ii) A
statement describing the Support Personnel’s prior essentiality,
critical skills, and experience with the principal P- Visa Worker
or Group; and (iii) A copy of the written contract or a summary of
the terms of the oral agreement between the Support Personnel and
the employer.
Petitions for P-Visa Support Personnel must be filed separately and may
not be included on the petition for the principal P-Visa Worker.
The H-1B is for individuals who possess a U.S. Bachelor's degree or its
equivalent, and who are coming to the U.S. to fill a position that
normally requires an individual to possess a U.S. Bachelor's degree or
its equivalent. H-1B status is valid for a three year period, and may be
extended for another three years for a total of six years. In some
situations, a person may extend his or her H-1B status beyond a sixth
year where there is a pending labor certification or green card
application. You would have to research the industry to determine
whether your positition and degree qualifies for the H-1B visa.
You may find more information on these two visas at my firm's website,
avaliable at
http://www.srwlawyers.com/imm_opt_visachart.asp
I hope this is helpful.
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