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Question:
I have several years of experience working in sales/marketing areas in hotels in Australia, Asia and Europe. I would like to work for two to three years in the U.S., but the hotels respond to my letters by writing that they can't hire me without a work visa, but without an offer of employment I can't get a work visa. I've thought of getting a Masters in Hospitality degree in the U.S. before working there. Any advice?
First Answer:
A visa issued for full-time academic study in the USA is a called an F-1 Visa. The F-1 category includes academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, other academic institutions and in language training.
http://www.new2usa.com/showpage.jsp?PageID=Education-010600-F1
A visa issued for full-time vocational study in the USA is a called an M-1 Visa. The M-1 category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
http://www.new2usa.com/showpage.jsp?PageID=ed-042700-m1
If you are international student in the USA on an F-1 visa, then you have an excellent opportunity to eventually become a permanent resident of the USA. F-1 visa holders can become H-1B visa holders by accepting a job that will sponsor them for the visa, and then use the job to get their green card. Learn how to turn your F-1 into a green card.
http://www.new2usa.com/showpage.jsp?PageID=legal-082200-01
Good Luck!
-- Anita Moses, Careers & Education Department, New2USA.com.
Second Answer:
My son spent 6 months working for a firm in England this summer after graduating from college and my best advice is:
Try getting a job with a world-wide hotel firm. Once you have established yourself with the company, apply for positions in the United States. Once you are working for a corporation and they know your ability and skills they are more likely to pursue the massive amount of paperwork that needs to be done so that you can work in the United States.
If you decide to enter a graduate program and come to the US on a student visa, you will still not be able to work. The other option is to get a work permit visa, come to the US and then find a job.
-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College.
Third Answer:
What you are experiencing is a simple case of miscommunication. You have to explain to the prospective employer that you need the offer of employment BEFORE you can get the work visa. Acknowledge to the employer that this may entail a little extra effort on their part, but you will more than make up for the extra effort by the extensive and worldly work experience you will bring to the position.
Any good employer will go the extra mile for an applicant if they know they will be getting the services of an excellent employee. The key here is to showcase your talents on your resume and cover letter to spur the employer to take action for you.
-- James Aure, A and A Resume.
Fourth Answer:
Try working for resorts in US territories (Virgin Islands, Guam, etc) with a temporary work VISA. Once that experience is gained, then you can apply for resort jobs in the US mainland. For example, KEY WEST Florida has many resorts that hire folks on temporary VISA's.
Sometimes, getting to know people on the inside is the best way to go, not sending cold letters. I would also not encourage you to pursue an advanced degree here in the states. Degrees are not the saving grace that will ensure an opportunity to work in the states. As a past college career counselor, I have met dozens of students who tried the same tactic only to be sent back home with 3 masters degrees and a Ph.D.! You can't make employer connections in school.
-- Troy Behrens, JOBGOD.NET.
Fifth Answer:
Your challenge is not uncommon. However you did hit upon a good idea. If you study in the United States, you can get special permission to work for what is called "practical work experience." This is good for up to one year and must be endorsed by the educational institution you are attending. Typically this only happens toward the end of your coursework. Your work must be directly related to what you are studying in school.
Be sure to review all the regulations well in advance. All too often foreign students make assumptions and miss critical deadlines which makes getting work permits difficult or impossible.
Best of luck to you.
-- Holly Lentz, Lentz Productions.
Sixth Answer:
Prior to 2000, the number of visas issued in the United States was extremely low. A large percentage of these were granted to individuals in the technology fields. However, a law passed last year that considerably raised the annual number distributed, so you may not continue to have as much difficulty as you did in the past.
Furthering your education and obtaining your Master's degree is an excellent option, as it will make you more valuable to a prospective employer. While you're enrolled in the program, be sure to take advantage of internships and similar learning opportunities with companies.
-- Rene' Hart, Resumes for Success!
