Getting US visa for a job meeting
I am a self-taught software developer been working online for a while. I've been building a software for an employee in a company and getting paid through Paypal.
The company now decides to buy the product, employ me full-time (remote) however they'd like me to go for a meeting to the US.
What is the best way to get a visa for it? Should they invite me or write some kind of an invitation letter? Should I apply to it by my-self?
Some info about me:
The university I finished is completely another field (will that rise an eyebrow?)
I assume they'll cover all my expenses being there.
I am a UK citizen but haven't lived there for the past 4 years. Been traveling/working from home in Europe.
Best Answer
Greg Hewgill's answer is correct, but one caveat: do not talk to the immigration officer about doing any work in the US. A series of business meetings is fine, but the VWP does not allow you to work in the US for money. It is fine to bring your laptop to take notes on at the meeting or to show the immigration officer the work that you are doing (in Europe), but legally you are not allowed to (for example) code for an hourly wage between meetings or in the evenings in your hotel. If you mention you plan to work while in the US, you may be denied entry and possibly will become ineligible for the VWP in the future.
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Can I go to USA for job interview?
You are allowed to travel to the US for an interview, and can tell the immigration agent the purpose of your trip. So long as you don't work there, they don't care.Can I get US visa if I have job offer?
If you want to work in the US, you will need a visa. Most US work visas require that you already hold a job offer at the time of applying.Can I travel to USA for a meeting?
A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations. Attending a business convention or conference.Can you get a US visa without an interview?
You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without an interview based on your age, or if you are renewing a prior U.S. visa. Effective February 25, 2022, the Consular Section is suspending the processing of non-immigrant visa interview waivers until further notice.US VISA Interview Process
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