Work & Live in US

10 must-knows to get a work and live a life in the US.


          On Immigration
  1. If I am offered a permanent employment opportunity in the United States, am I eligible to become an immigrant?
    Yes, you may become an immigrant based on the fact that you have a permanent employment opportunity in the United States. However, you must go through some processes.

  2. What are those processes?
    First, you will receive an offer of employment from your US employer. Then, your employer will review your credentials to determine if you are eligible for a US permanent residency.

    • First, you will receive an offer of employment from your US employer. Then, your employer will review your credentials to determine if you are eligible for a US permanent residency.
    • Your employer will then file an immigrant petition for you at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A copy of the petition will be sent to you for reference.
    • When the USCIS approves the immigrant petition, your file will be transferred to the National Visa Center. The State Department will then give you an immigrant visa number.
    • When you have an immigrant visa number, you will go to US embassy in Manila to complete the processing.

  3. How long does it normally take to complete all these processes?
    It usually takes nine to 12 months. This does not include the processing in the US Embassy in Manila.

  4. Why is it that for nursing profession an immigrant visa is obtained instead of a working visa?
    The US requires the foreign national (you) to have a U.S. bachelor's degree or its equivalent to be able to obtain an H1B visa; however, it doesn’t consider nursing as a bachelor’s degree.


    Aside from that, working visa is not good for nurses because when you bring your spouse to the US, he/she doesn’t have the right to work.

  5. If I am given an immigrant visa, how can I bring my spouse and children to the US?
    Once you received an immigrant visa number and your papers are forwarded to the US consulate in Manila, you may then petition for an immigrant visa for your spouse and children.


    On Getting a Job Offer

  6. What does it take to be a marketable professional in the US?
    You must have these THREE: (1) Good English, (2) Good experience, and (3) Good education.

    • Good communication skills in English are very important because both your professional and social interaction rely in communication.
    • Good experience is likewise needed; though you will learn more in the job, it is vital to practice your profession first in your country before landing a job in a foreign land.
    • Good education is important because it is the backbone of your skills.

  7. There are plenty of candidates for a single job offer, how would I be one-step ahead of them? What do US companies prefer?
    The US companies prefer those applicants who passed the first attempts of examinations (CGFNS and English exams). So to avoid slowing down of application, be diligent in the review course and pass the exam in the first attempt for you to get to the US in the fastest possible time.


    When you finally get there



  8. When I get to the US, how will I be able to survive my first months?
    Most US companies give free temporary housing for two months and a relocation allowance. The Adventist HealthCare Inc., for instance also provides a system that aids new employees to be familiar with the use of public transport system, banking, grocery shopping, etc., and help them to cope with the life in the US.
    The free housing slot is limited so once you finished two months you have to give way to a new occupant. By that time you are financially prepared to acquire a place for you and your family.

  9. Is the temporary housing also available for my family?
    No, temporary housing is provided for the employees only, as more often than not immigrants’ families arrive in the US months later to make sure the immigrant has already set his/her foot on the ground.

  10. When I finish my contract, what is in store for me?
    You may renew your contract or you may look for another work or company in the US. Once you have finished your contract, you are free to leave the company. High retention to most companies is attributed to good salary and enjoyable work environment.

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Visa Backlog | Work, Live in US | Visa Screen | Visa Category | Time & Cost

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