Job offer vs. visa

Four different things are easy to confuse. 1) The job offer: an employer's filing with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) describing the job, wage and conditions — it only means the employer may hire for that position. 2) The program steps: the employer obtains a temporary labor certification from the DOL, then files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 3) The visa application: once the petition is approved, the worker applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate (U.S. Department of State). 4) Work authorization: you may only start work after the visa is issued and you are admitted to the United States for that employer. A listing on this site never means you are eligible or that a visa will be granted. Official sources: dol.gov (foreign labor certification), uscis.gov (petitions), travel.state.gov (visas).

The full guide is being written and will be published soon.