Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is the H3 Visa?
- H3 Visa Programs
- H3 Visa Conditions
- How to Apply for a US H3 Visa?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Would you like to come to the US and study in the country for a period of time? If yes, then present to you the US H3 visa. This type of visa is for foreigners planning to go to the US for a specific period of time to receive training or special education.
This blog will provide you with all the information you need to know about US H3 visas, including how to apply for them and their requirements. Whether you're interested in training programs that are part of academic disciplines or special education for children with special needs, we've got you covered.
What is the H3 Visa?
The H3 visa allows you to enter the country legally and choose the desired training course at the educational institution where you have been accepted. The primary condition for this visa is obtaining admission for a training course that does not exist in your country. Unfortunately, there is a numerical limit on the annual issuance of this visa. Only 50 people can enter the US under the H3 permission each year. Additionally, your training course cannot be a full academic course or a medical training course. It must teach you some advanced skills. You must also show that you will return to your home country after acquiring the skills and implement what you have learned.
H3 Visa Programs
There are two types of programs for the H3 visa:
1. Training programs
These programs are part of academic disciplines, except for medical fields. Examples of these training programs include finance, transportation, agriculture, communication, business, and government.
2. Special education
This program is provided for children with special needs in terms of physical, mental, and emotional needs. It is a combination of theoretical and practical programs. Participants can only participate in the practical work that is part of their curriculum and are not allowed to work. To work in the United States, you would need visas such as H1B, H2A, and H2B visas.
H3 Visa Conditions
To get an H3 visa, you must meet certain conditions:
1. Official invitation from the educational institution
The educational institution must issue an official invitation to you.
2. Unavailability of the desired educational program in your country
You cannot find the desired educational program in your country. However, educational programs do not include medical disciplines.
3. Return to your home country after completing the training program
You must return to your home country after completing the training program. The training program will also help strengthen your career.
4. No full-time job in the US
Apart from practical programs that are part of the training course, you will not be allowed to have a full-time job in the US.
How to Apply for a US H3 Visa?
First, you need a sponsor to begin the visa application process. In the first step, you must find the training program that you want. Then, the educational institution that has accepted the applicant begins the visa application process on your behalf. You cannot do it on your own. The institution submits the request to the USCIS and provides the necessary requirements.
Choosing a good sponsor is important because you can only work for the employer that has submitted the petition to the USCIS. Your sponsor needs to provide certain documents, such as details and description of the training program and the staff of the institution, your education details, previous training, and related work experiences, a commitment that you are not willing to take eventual employment in the US, the reasons why you cannot take the training in your home country, whether you benefit financially by taking this program, details explaining how the training will influence or help you in your home country, and how the costs of employment will be paid.
The sponsor also needs to prove that you will be employed in the specific field of training. Besides, the institution should submit Form I-129 to USCIS. The fee for the petition is $460. The appeal must be submitted to USCIS more than six months before the start of the training program. This period allows the processing of the filed documents.
After the USCIS evaluates the submitted documents and the Form I-129, the decision is made and they notify the educational institution. If the request is approved, Form I-797 will be sent to the institution. At this step, you can start the visa application process. The H3 visa application must be done through the embassy of the country where you live. You also must submit some documents, such as Form DS-160 online, Form I-129 and Form I-797, your birth certificate, a valid passport, a photo, and evidence showing that you do not intend to remain in the United States, such as a property deed or future job contracts.
You also need to pay the application fee of $190. Participating in an interview is an essential part of the pre-visa process. During this interview, it is assessed whether you are appropriate for the training program and whether you have provided the necessary qualifications. Your documents and the interview help the US embassy to decide whether you are eligible for this visa or not. If the embassy approves the issuance of the visa, you will then get the visa stamp and will be ready to attend the program you have been admitted to.
FAQs
How long does it take to get an H3 visa?
The H3 visa processing time is different. Necessary documents must be sent to USCIS at least six months before the start of the training program. It takes nearly 4 to 6 weeks for USCIS to process the request. After this period, you must collect and submit the necessary documents. Depending on the workload of the embassy where you are applying, it may take 1 to 3 months to make a final decision.
How long is an H3 visa valid?
You can stay in the United States until the end of your training program. This date is stated in the I-797 Form. In general, visas issued for participation in training programs are valid for up to two years. After this period, you must return to your home country. The H3 visa validity is up to 18 months for those who intend to participate in special education programs. Unlike other types of H visas, this visa cannot be extended. In other words, once this visa expires, you cannot renew your stay in the US. The good news is that you can change your visa type if you can find a job when you participate in the training program. A job offer allows you to change the H3 visa to an H1B, H2A, or H2B visa.
What are the reasons for an H3 visa rejection?
The H3 visa rejection rate is significantly high due to the numerical restriction on the annual issuance of this visa. Some reasons for visa rejections include the cap already being completed, late submission of the request by the educational institution, previous receipt of similar training, USCIS suspecting that you will be employed in the US, or the institution not having enough capacity to train the applicant.
Can you bring family members to the US?
Your spouse and child under the age of 21 can come to the United States under an H4 visa. This visa allows them to enroll in academic courses but they cannot work in the United States.
Can you convert your H3 visa to a green card?
One of the most important conditions of an H3 visa is that you won’t stay permanently in the US. Therefore, you cannot extend your visa and also cannot apply for a green card. If you are looking for a visa that provides you the opportunity to live permanently in the US, getting an H3 visa is not recommended.
What is a US H3 training visa?
The H3 visa is often referred to as an H3 training visa. The reason for the word "training" is that under an H3 visa, you can only receive applications through an institution or education center that provides training courses and non-academic majors or fields.
Conclusion
Obtaining a US H3 visa can open doors for you to receive specialized training or special education in the United States. It is important to follow the application process diligently, find a good sponsor, and provide all the necessary documents. Remember, the H3 visa is not extendable and is intended for temporary stays. If you are interested in pursuing a career or living permanently in the US, it is advisable to explore other visa options.
Thank you for reading my blog! We hope you found it informative and helpful.
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