Can a New Zealander traveller work in the United States?

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a specialty occupation; Specialty-occupation job offer from a US employer; Approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) at the prevailing wage; Employer files Form I-129 petition with USCIS; and others (see full list above).

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 60–240 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: US$5,000,000 payment to the United States government (non-refundable); Source-of-funds documentation showing the money was lawfully acquired; Standard US criminal-history and security background checks; Medical examination by a panel physician; and others (see full list above).

Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: Employed by a multinational company at a foreign branch for 1+ continuous year in past 3 years; Transferring to a US affiliate / subsidiary / parent of the same company; L-1A: executive or manager (up to 7 years); L-1B: specialised-knowledge employee (up to 5 years); and others (see full list above).

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 60–180 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: Evidence of extraordinary ability — major award (Nobel, Olympic gold, Oscar) OR 3 of 8 criteria (national prize, press coverage, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, high salary, lead/critical role, commercial success); Sponsoring US employer or agent files Form I-129; Consultation letter from a peer / labor union in your field; Itinerary of work or events; and others (see full list above).

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 14–90 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: National of a country with a qualifying treaty of commerce and navigation with the US; Substantial investment in a real, operating US enterprise (typically $100k+, but no statutory minimum); Investor must own 50%+ of the business or have operational control; Business must generate more than minimal income (not 'marginal') — usually employing US workers; and others (see full list above).

Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 30–120 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.

Most countries require 6+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.

You'll need: Invest $800k (Targeted Employment Area / rural) or $1,050k (standard) in a new US commercial enterprise; Investment must create or preserve 10 full-time US jobs within 2 years; Source-of-funds documentation traceable back to lawful origin (tax returns, bank records, gift letters); Form I-526E petition filed (Reform Act 2022 enables concurrent filing of I-526E and I-485 if in the US); and others (see full list above).

Bank statements covering 3–6 months are standard. Include both savings and recent income flow — adjudicators look for stability, not just balance.

Biometrics centres often have 1–3 week waitlists. Book the slot the moment your application is submitted, not after.

In person at the consulate with jurisdiction over your residence. Bring originals + photocopies of every document. Most consulates require a prior appointment.

Decisions typically take 365–1095 days. Print or save a clear PDF of the approved visa — airlines check this at check-in.

Carry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.