The DV1 visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States in order to pursue professional or business activities. This visa is intended for those who possess specialized knowledge or expertise in the fields of science, art, education, or business. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about the DV1 visa, including the requirements, benefits, and the application process.

Key Takeaways

• The DV1 visa is designed for those with specialized knowledge or expertise in science, art, education, or business.
• The application process for the DV1 visa involves multiple steps, including submitting a petition with the USCIS, obtaining a contract or letter of agreement, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• A DV1 visa allows the visa holder to stay in the United States for up to three years, after which it can be extended for an additional two years.
• A DV1 visa holder is allowed to bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States as dependents.
• There are certain restrictions on the type of work that a DV1 visa holder can perform while in the United States.

Requirements for the DV1 visa

To be eligible for a DV1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have specialized knowledge or expertise in science, art, education, or business.
• You must have a contract or letter of agreement from a U.S. organization or company that outlines the terms of your employment or services.
• You must possess the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the contract or letter of agreement.
• You must demonstrate that your stay in the United States will be temporary, and that you intend to return to your home country once your visa expires.
• You must have sufficient funds to finance your stay in the United States, or a U.S. sponsor who will serve as your financial guarantor.

Benefits of the DV1 visa

• A DV1 visa allows the visa holder to legally work and reside in the United States, while pursuing professional or business activities.
• A DV1 visa allows you to bring your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States as dependents.
• A DV1 visa can be extended for an additional two years, provided that the visa holder continues to meet the requirements of the visa.
• A DV1 visa can serve as a path to a permanent residency status, depending on the circumstances and your employer’s sponsorship.

Application process for the DV1 visa

The application process for a DV1 visa involves several steps. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Obtain a contract or letter of agreement from a U.S. organization or company that outlines the terms of your employment or services. The contract should also establish your specialized knowledge or expertise in science, art, education, or business.

2. Submit a petition with the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) using Form I-129. The petition should include a copy of your contract, evidence of your qualifications and experience, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility for the DV1 visa.

3. Once the USCIS approves your petition, you will receive a Form I-797, Notice of Action. This notice will indicate that your petition has been approved and forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

4. Schedule an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked to provide additional documents and answer questions about your employment or services in the United States.

5. If the embassy or consulate approves your application, you will receive a DV1 visa stamp in your passport. The stamp will indicate the validity of your visa, as well as the duration of your authorized stay.

Restrictions on the DV1 visa

While a DV1 visa provides many benefits, there are certain restrictions on the type of work that a visa holder can perform while in the United States. For example, a DV1 visa holder is only authorized to work for the employer or organization that sponsored their visa. Additionally, if the visa holder is terminated from their job, they must either find another eligible employer who will sponsor their visa, or leave the United States.

Conclusion

The DV1 visa is a valuable option for those with specialized knowledge or expertise in science, art, education, or business who wish to pursue professional or business activities in the United States. While the application process can be complex, the benefits of the visa are significant, including the ability to legally work and reside in the United States, bring family members as dependents, and potentially pursue a path to permanent residency.

FAQs

What is the duration of stay allowed under a DV1 visa?

A DV1 visa allows the visa holder to stay in the United States for up to three years, after which it can be extended for an additional two years.

Can I bring my spouse and children to the United States under a DV1 visa?

Yes, a DV1 visa holder can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States as dependents.

Can I work for other organizations or companies while on a DV1 visa?

No, a DV1 visa holder is only authorized to work for the employer or organization that sponsored their visa. If the visa holder is terminated from their job, they must either find another eligible employer who will sponsor their visa, or leave the United States.

How do I apply for a DV1 visa?

To apply for a DV1 visa, you must obtain a contract or letter of agreement from a U.S. organization or company that outlines the terms of your employment or services. You must then submit a petition to the USCIS using Form I-129, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.