FAQ - Immigration Visa Information | WATECH NETWORK SOLUTIONS LTD

EB3 Visa - Unskilled Workers to USA

What is the EB3 Visa for Unskilled Workers?

The EB3 visa is an employment-based immigration category for unskilled workers seeking permanent residency in the USA. This visa is designed for positions that require less than 2 years of training or experience. It allows foreign workers to live and work permanently in the United States while performing jobs that don't require specialized skills.

What are the eligibility requirements for EB3 Unskilled Workers?

To qualify, you must: 1) Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer, 2) The employer must obtain a labor certification proving no qualified U.S. workers are available, 3) Be capable of performing unskilled labor requiring less than 2 years of training, 4) Meet health and character requirements, 5) Have no immigration violations. The position must be full-time and permanent.

How long does the EB3 process take?

The EB3 visa process typically takes 2-4 years, depending on your country of origin and the visa bulletin dates. The process includes: Labor Certification (6-12 months), I-140 Petition (4-6 months), and Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing (12-24 months). Priority dates and visa availability can affect timing significantly.

What types of jobs qualify for EB3 Unskilled Workers?

Common qualifying positions include: food service workers, housekeeping staff, agricultural workers, warehouse workers, manufacturing line workers, janitorial staff, landscaping workers, and general laborers. These positions require less than 2 years of training and are not temporary or seasonal.

Can my family come with me on an EB3 visa?

Yes! Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you to the United States. They will receive derivative visas and be granted the same permanent resident status. Your spouse can apply for work authorization, and your children can attend school in the U.S.

EB2 NIW - National Interest Waiver for USA

What is the EB2 NIW visa?

The EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a U.S. employment-based immigration category that allows qualified professionals to self-petition for a green card without needing a job offer or labor certification. You can apply if your work is in the national interest of the United States, such as in STEM fields, healthcare, business, education, or other areas of substantial merit.

What are the eligibility requirements for EB2 NIW?

You must meet three key criteria: 1) Your proposed endeavor has substantial merit and national importance, 2) You are well-positioned to advance the proposed endeavor, 3) It would be beneficial to the U.S. to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. Additionally, you must hold an advanced degree (Master's or higher) or a Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of progressive experience in your field.

How long does the EB2 NIW process take?

The EB2 NIW process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to approval. Premium processing is available for an additional fee, which expedites the I-140 petition to 15 business days. After I-140 approval, you'll need to wait for your priority date to become current (varies by country) before filing for adjustment of status or consular processing.

Do I need a job offer for EB2 NIW?

No! One of the major advantages of the EB2 NIW is that you can self-petition without a job offer or employer sponsorship. You also don't need to go through the PERM labor certification process. This gives you complete control over your green card application and the flexibility to change employers.

What evidence do I need to prove national interest?

Strong evidence includes: recommendation letters from experts in your field, publications and citations, patents or innovations, awards and recognition, proof of membership in professional associations, evidence of media coverage, documentation of contributions to your field, business plans showing economic impact, and a detailed personal statement explaining how your work benefits the U.S.

Work Visas for Dubai & Middle East

What types of work visas are available in Dubai?

Dubai offers several work visa options: 1) Employment Visa (sponsored by employer), 2) Golden Visa (10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and talented professionals), 3) Freelance Visa (for independent professionals), 4) Green Visa (5-year residency without continuous employer sponsorship), 5) Virtual Working Visa (for remote workers). Each has specific requirements and benefits.

What are the requirements for a Dubai employment visa?

To obtain a Dubai employment visa, you need: 1) A valid job offer from a UAE-registered company, 2) Passport valid for at least 6 months, 3) Educational certificates attested by your home country and UAE embassy, 4) Medical fitness certificate, 5) Entry permit issued by your sponsor, 6) Emirates ID application, 7) Passport-sized photographs. Your employer typically handles the visa application process.

How long does it take to get a work visa for Dubai?

The Dubai work visa process typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes: Entry permit (3-5 days), Entry into UAE (immediate upon approval), Medical test and Emirates ID (1-2 weeks), Visa stamping (3-5 days). Fast-track services are available for quicker processing. Delays can occur if documents are incomplete or require additional verification.

Can I bring my family to Dubai on a work visa?

Yes! Once you have a valid work visa and meet minimum salary requirements (typically AED 4,000-10,000 depending on the emirate), you can sponsor your spouse, children, and even parents. You'll need to provide: marriage certificate, birth certificates, passport copies, tenancy contract, salary certificate, and bank statements. Your family members will receive residence visas tied to your sponsorship.

What are work opportunities like in other Middle Eastern countries?

The Middle East offers diverse opportunities: Saudi Arabia (Vision 2030 creating jobs in tech, tourism, entertainment), Qatar (construction, energy, hospitality), Kuwait (oil & gas, healthcare, education), Oman (tourism, logistics, renewable energy), Bahrain (finance, tech startups). Each country has unique visa processes. Tax-free salaries, accommodation allowances, and career growth are common benefits across the region.

What is the Dubai Golden Visa and who qualifies?

The Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency that offers independence from employer sponsorship. Eligible applicants include: investors (real estate AED 2M+), entrepreneurs with projects valued AED 500K+, specialized talents (doctors, scientists, engineers, artists), outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes. It provides long-term stability and the ability to sponsor family members.

USA - Work, Study & Visit Visas

What types of work visas are available for the USA?

The USA offers several work visa categories: H-1B (specialty occupations requiring bachelor's degree or higher), H-2A (temporary agricultural workers), H-2B (temporary non-agricultural workers), L-1 (intracompany transfers), O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability), and EB visas (employment-based immigration including EB3 for unskilled workers). Each has specific requirements and processing times.

How do I apply for a student visa (F-1) to study in the USA?

To apply for an F-1 student visa: 1) Get accepted to a SEVP-approved school, 2) Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, 3) Receive your I-20 form from the school, 4) Complete the DS-160 online application, 5) Pay the visa application fee, 6) Schedule and attend your visa interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate, 7) Provide proof of financial support, academic transcripts, and demonstrate intent to return home after studies.

What is a B-1/B-2 tourist/visitor visa to the USA?

The B-1/B-2 visa is for temporary visitors: B-1 for business purposes (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations) and B-2 for tourism, vacation, or medical treatment. Typically granted for 6 months, it requires proof of ties to your home country, sufficient funds, and a clear purpose for your visit. The application involves completing DS-160, attending an interview, and providing supporting documents.

How long does it take to get a USA visa?

Processing times vary: Tourist/visitor visas (B-1/B-2) typically take 3-5 weeks after the interview, student visas (F-1) take 4-6 weeks, and work visas range from 2-6 months depending on the category. Interview wait times vary by location and season. Premium processing is available for some work visas for an additional fee, reducing processing to 15 calendar days.

China - Work, Study & Visit Visas

What are the requirements for a China work visa (Z visa)?

The Z visa requires: 1) A job offer from a Chinese employer with a work permit notification letter, 2) Bachelor's degree or higher (with at least 2 years of relevant work experience), 3) Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, 4) Health certificate, 5) Criminal background check, 6) Invitation letter from Chinese employer. After arrival, you must convert to a residence permit within 30 days.

How can I get a student visa (X visa) for China?

China offers two student visas: X1 (for studies over 6 months) and X2 (for studies under 6 months). Requirements include: 1) Admission letter from a Chinese educational institution, 2) JW201 or JW202 form, 3) Completed visa application form with photo, 4) Valid passport, 5) Proof of financial support, 6) Physical examination record. X1 visa holders must register with local police within 30 days and apply for a residence permit.

What is a China tourist visa (L visa) and how do I apply?

The L visa is for tourism and family visits. Application requirements: 1) Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and blank pages, 2) Completed application form with recent photo, 3) Round-trip flight bookings, 4) Hotel reservations or invitation letter from host in China, 5) Proof of financial means, 6) Travel itinerary. L visas are typically issued for 30, 60, or 90 days and can be single or multiple entry.

How long does China visa processing take?

Standard processing takes 4-5 business days for tourist and business visas. Express service (2-3 business days) and rush service (1 business day) are available for additional fees. Work visas (Z visa) can take 2-4 weeks as they require work permit approval from Chinese authorities first. Student visas typically take 1-2 weeks. Processing times may be longer during peak seasons or holidays.

Germany - Work, Study & Visit Visas

What types of work visas are available for Germany?

Germany offers several work visa options: 1) EU Blue Card (for highly qualified workers with university degrees and job offers above €58,400/year), 2) General Employment Visa (for qualified professionals with job offers), 3) Job Seeker Visa (6 months to find work in Germany), 4) Skilled Worker Immigration Act visas (for vocational training qualifications), 5) ICT Card (for intra-company transfers). Requirements include recognized qualifications, employment contract, and proof of financial means.

How do I apply for a student visa to study in Germany?

To study in Germany: 1) Get admission to a German university or preparatory course, 2) Open a blocked account with €11,208 (as of 2024) for financial proof, 3) Obtain health insurance, 4) Complete visa application form, 5) Provide valid passport, admission letter, academic transcripts, language proficiency proof (German or English depending on program), 6) Attend visa interview at German embassy. Processing takes 6-12 weeks. Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

What is a Schengen visa for visiting Germany?

The Schengen visa allows visits to Germany and 26 other European countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Requirements: 1) Valid passport, 2) Completed application form with photos, 3) Travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage), 4) Proof of accommodation, 5) Flight reservations, 6) Financial proof (bank statements), 7) Employment/study proof from home country, 8) Travel itinerary. Tourist, business, and family visit purposes are covered.

How long does German visa processing take?

Schengen tourist visas typically take 15 calendar days but can extend to 30-60 days in exceptional cases. Student visas take 6-12 weeks. Work visas (including EU Blue Card) take 1-3 months depending on qualification recognition. Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date. Appointments at German embassies often need to be booked weeks in advance, so start early.

Middle East - Work, Study & Visit Visas

What are the requirements for Middle East work visas (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)?

Middle East work visa requirements vary by country but generally include: 1) Valid job offer from a licensed employer/sponsor, 2) Employment contract, 3) Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), 4) Educational certificates (attested by embassy), 5) Medical fitness certificate including tests for communicable diseases, 6) Police clearance certificate, 7) Passport-size photos. The employer typically handles visa processing as your sponsor. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.

Can I study in the Middle East? What are student visa requirements?

Yes! UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have growing education sectors with international universities. Requirements: 1) Admission letter from accredited institution, 2) Valid passport, 3) Academic transcripts and certificates, 4) Financial proof (scholarship letter or bank statements), 5) Medical fitness certificate, 6) Student visa application through the university (they act as sponsor), 7) Passport photos. Some countries require language proficiency tests. Student visas are typically renewable annually and allow part-time work with restrictions.

How do I get a tourist visa for Middle East countries?

Tourist visa options vary: UAE offers visa-on-arrival for many nationalities (30-90 days) or pre-arranged tourist visas. Saudi Arabia now offers eVisas for tourism (up to 90 days, multiple entry for 1 year). Qatar offers visa-on-arrival for 80+ nationalities. Requirements typically include: valid passport, return flight ticket, hotel booking, travel insurance, proof of funds, and visa application fee. Some countries require a local sponsor or tour operator.

What is the sponsorship system in Middle East countries?

Most Middle East countries operate under a sponsorship (Kafala) system where employers or institutions sponsor foreign workers and students. The sponsor is responsible for your visa, legal status, and often your residence permit. You cannot change jobs without sponsor approval (though UAE and Saudi Arabia have introduced reforms allowing more flexibility). Your employer handles visa processing, work permits, and residence permits. Family sponsorship is available for certain visa categories allowing you to bring dependents.

How long does Middle East visa processing take?

Processing times: Tourist visas are often instant or 1-3 days (especially eVisas). Work visas take 2-4 weeks after medical and document attestation. Student visas take 3-6 weeks. Document attestation (by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in home country and destination country) adds 2-4 weeks. Medical fitness testing takes 1-2 days. Overall timeline from job offer to arrival: 6-8 weeks for work visas. Apply early and ensure all documents are properly attested.

Frequently Asked Questions