How quickly can I obtain a work permit for the USA?

Question

I would like to contract in the USA and wondered how quickly I could get a VISA.

Answer 1

For temporary visas:

The majority of American Work Visas are Non-immigrant Visas, and allow foreign workers temporary residency so they may live and work in America.

Each visa class differs in their duration of stay, although in some instances visa holders are able to extend their stay in America providing they meet the requirements for an extension.

The most popular option is Specialty Workers (H1B Visa) which
applies to foreigners entering America to perform services in a speciality occupation. But this is not available to October 2007.

For more information and to read about your options, visit:

http://www.visabureau.com/america/work-visa.aspx

For permanent visas:

The employment based visa preference system allows American employers to petition the USCIS on behalf of certain qualifying employees. Preference categories are based around a numerical limit which determines the availability and waiting period of each preference category.

Many preference visa categories are oversubscribed. This means this system is often backlogged and employees often have to wait several years to be allocated a visa.

You can learn more about preference categories at:

http://www.visabureau.com/america/employment-based-visa.aspx

Answer 2

The work permit EAD can take a short time, maybe 30 days, maybe more, depending on where you apply and under what visa application....as to what visa you need.... depends on how long you are staying, and what kind of work you will be doing i suppose
to work as a temporary worker, you can file a I-129, and get a visa (last link)
if this is permanent, you need to have a job and the job would need to apply for you (1st link)
and you could also apply for the HB visa....
however, the time it takes depends on where you are applying from.... but processing time in the US are the 2nd link

Answer 3

you have to get a sponsor. Once you do that. It takes 30-90 to process depending on country of origin

Answer 4

30 days.