Work Experience - US Visa Requirements
 

Hi All,

Returning to FT after a sabbatical :D Not really sure where to post this, but this seems to be as good a place as any.

I'm currently studying law and have managed to secure a fantastic work experience opportunity over in the US (TX) this summer. Do I need a different Visa to be able to do this? I haven't been able to find a definitive answer. I already have a valid ESTA and as far as far as I'm aware, it's unpaid (not sure if this is relevant?).

Thanks in advance for your advice! :)

Studying law usually indicates a preciseness in language [edited by Moderator.]. You ask about a different type of visa which suggests that you already hold a visa and you then go on to say that you have an ESTA which is not a visa and indicates that you are using the VWP. Which is it? What is your citizenship? It is highly improbable that you will be able to follow your plan Non payment is irrelevant. You need authorization to work which based on the very limited information you have provided is unlikely to be forthcoming.

Ok, let's try that again.

I'm a British citizen and have an ESTA, which as you say, falls into the visa waiver programme. The offer I have is to shadow within a legal firm in Texas, which is a fantastic opportunity, and one that I would like to take advantage of provided that it is possible.

[Unduly personalized text edited by Moderator per FT Rule 12.]

Slightly more helpfully.... My nephew, a UK citizen, undertook a three month internship in Chicago. He required a letter of invitation from the firm and evidence he was returning to the UK ( a letter from his university was sufficient). He needed a visa, ESTA wasn't enough. but the process was relatively painless involving submitting the form and having an "interview" at the US Embassy where they talked through the form. I think it cost around £100.

[Unduly personalized text edited by Moderator per FT Rule 12.]

ESTA is NOT a visa just as a law student is not a lawyer in the accepted sense. Preciseness in framing a question correctly is essential in visa issues or you likely to get the wrong answer.

Your nephews story which may be warm and fuzzy is not really more helpful to the OP as it purely anecdotal and you have no way of knowing the OP;s full situation.

For the OP it would be difficult (but not impossible) to obtain a J1 visa, assuming all of the conditions are met, in time for an internship this summer given the current processing times in London. Have you actually obtained a DS-2019 yet?

Y29M - I'd suggest just asking the law firm in Texas what you need to do, since they would presumably know (or be able to point you to someone who does).

Very good to hear that it's possible. Thanks.

I've done just that and am awaiting their response. I thought it may be worthwhile to ask here too, though given the apparent complexity of this, the law firm is definitely the best option.

I wouldn't be so sure. Just because they're a law firm doesn't mean they practice immigration law, and just as you wouldn't go to a cardiologist for a broken leg, you wouldn't expect a family or IP or real estate or bankruptcy or personal injury or tax lawyer to have any clue as to the answer unless they regularly bring in interns from other countries.

While you wait for them to respond [off topic text edited by Moderator], I might suggest you read up on the J1 visa because that is more than likely the one you will need to use. It's not complex at all. Anyone that tells you different is trying to sell you something.

I'll take it one more step. They are the ones who should be arranging your visa.

If this is classified as an internship or training program, then you will most likely need a J-1 visa. They aren't difficult to get for UK citizens, if you have an invitation letter. If this is a major firm, they should have someone on staff who can guide you. If it's a small company, you may have to do it yourself.