How to get authorization to work in the US?

Design Discussions design employment
1

Hey all,

I live and work in London and am interested in working somewhere else; especially the US. I’ve noticed that almost all of the jobs on coroflot say:

“Candidates who are not US citizens or permanent residents need to have authorization to work in the US in order to apply.”

As a UK/EU citizen, how is it possible to get authorization to work in the US?

Thanks for your help

2

its an interesting catch-22. you can get work authorization by being sponsored by a company (and in turn work for them), but some require the authorization first before they look at your portfolio.

get a company to sponsor your H1-B visa, and jump over the pond.

3

you can be sponsored by a company via H1B, a very very competitive visa as there are quotas for this.

another way is an O-1 visa, or visa for aliens w/ extraordinary ability. you have to have had significant achievements for it, or at least, have very well established yourself in your field. this, i believe, has quotas as well.

you can also go to school in the US w/ a student visa, after which you will be given a year to work in the US using your degree. while working, it is up to your employer if they are willing to sponsor you or not.

4

So it’s possible to get an 0-1 visa before you have a job? Where do you apply? The thing that concerns me is companies want me to already hold a visa prior to applying.

Thanks for the help

5

i believe you can. you have to compile a portfolio of significant achievements, of work, awards, grades, your cv, etc…

for example, i know someone who was recognized by president bill clinton, got an emmy, worked for prominent hollywood and animation studios and got awarded the visa. i also know someone, a sweater designer, who got the visa too. she’s worked with some of the top fashion manufacturers and has been recognized with certain awards and such.