Embassy of the United States

Non-Immigrant Visas

Worker Visa ("H" or "L") Information

Applying for a Worker Visa ("H" or "L")

The “H” categories apply to aliens that wish to enter the United States temporarily to engage in non-agriculture employment, a specialty occupation (e.g. fashion model), as a worker of distinguished merit and ability or for work that is seasonal, intermittent, a peak load need, or a one-time occurrence.

The “L” category applies to aliens who work for a company with a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate in the United States.  These workers come to the United States as intra-company transferees temporarily to perform services either in a managerial or executive capacity, or who have specialized knowledge.

If the prospective worker (beneficiary) is outside the U.S., s/he must apply for a visa.  After the DHS (formerly INS) has approved the I-129 and sent a Notice of Action to the beneficiary and to the Consular Section in Tegucigalpa (Form I-797), the beneficiary must go to Banco Atlantida, pay a fee of US$131 (if your payment is in dollars, you will be charged an additional amount based on the exchange rate), purchase a PIN for an additional US$13 to obtain an appointment through our Visa Information Service, which is the authorized entity by the Embassy of the United States of America to schedule visa interview appointments for nonimmigrant visas, and to provide the necessary information.  Similarly, you must complete the electronic visa application form (DS-156) and the supplemental form (DS-157) (PDF - 128K) if the worker is a male between 16-45 years old.

If the appointment provided by the Visa Information Service (VIS) agent turns out to be too late with regards to the date that you should be in the United States, please explain the urgency to the Visa Information Service agent so that they can assign you the earliest available date.  The day of your appointment, please bring an original Notice of Action from DHS (formerly INS), a valid passport for at least 6 more months. If you need additional information about the requirements according to your nationality, please go to this website.  In addition, other supporting documents, such as employment letters, training certificates, evidence of qualifying relationship between the U.S. and the foreign employer, letter from the alien's foreign qualifying employer detailing his or her dates of employment, job duties, qualifications, salary, and the duration of the contract.

The process for scheduling appointments to apply for H2A and H2B visas is different.  You must request appointments by sending an e-mail to H2HON@csc.com or a fax to the number (703) 653-9795.  There is a three step process:

1. You must submit documentation regarding the Petition with which you would like to schedule the appointments.  For a complete list of what must be submitted, please send an inquiry to the email or fax above.
2. The Embassy will consider the documentation and will authorize the Petition for scheduling.  Should they need additional information you will be notified.  Otherwise, you will be informed that the Petition is authorized for scheduling and provided with instructions on how to submit a request to schedule appointments.
3. Once you have submitted the request to schedule appointments, you will receive a confirmation letter with the appointment date and time that the workers should appear.  The confirmation letter will include the documents you should present and other useful information regarding the appointment.