America Internship (H3) Visa: Before Applying for a Visa

America Internship (H3) Visa: Before Applying for a Visa

If you are a foreign national who wishes to gain practical training or work experience in the United States, one way to achieve this is through an H3 visa. The America Internship (H3) Visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals to come to the United States for a maximum of two years to receive training in an intensive program related to their profession or field of study.

Before applying for an H3 visa, it is crucial to understand the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the restrictions that come with this visa. Here are some important things to consider before applying for an H3 visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for an H3 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be coming to the United States for the specific purpose of receiving training in a field that is not available in your home country.
• The training program must be established and structured to provide you with training in a specific field.
• The training program must not be designed to provide productive employment.
• You must have a foreign residence to which you intend to return after completing the training program.
• You must have the necessary qualifications and background to benefit from the training program.

Application Process

To apply for an H3 visa, you must first find a training program that meets the eligibility requirements. The training program provider or sponsor must file a petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The petition must include details about the training program, including the nature of the training, the number of hours of training, the location of the training, and the qualifications of the trainers. It should also include information about your qualifications and how the training program will benefit you in your career or field of study.

Once the petition is approved, you can apply for an H3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Restrictions

While on an H3 visa, you cannot engage in productive employment in the United States. You can only receive training in the specific field or profession for which you were granted the visa.

The maximum duration of an H3 visa is two years. However, if you complete the training program before the two-year period, you must return to your home country.

After you complete the training program, you cannot extend your stay in the United States, change your nonimmigrant status, or apply for permanent residency based on your H3 visa.

FAQs

Can I apply for an H3 visa without a training program sponsor?

No, you must have a training program sponsor who will file a petition on your behalf with the USCIS.

Can I apply for an H3 visa if I am already in the United States?

No, you must apply for an H3 visa from your home country.

Can I bring my family with me on an H3 visa?

Your spouse and dependent children under the age of 21 may accompany you on an H3 visa, but they cannot work while in the United States.

Can I travel outside of the United States while on an H3 visa?

Yes, you can travel outside of the United States while on an H3 visa, but you must have a valid visa to re-enter the United States.

Can I apply for permanent residency based on an H3 visa?

No, an H3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa and does not lead to permanent residency in the United States.