The H-3 visa gives foreign nationals a chance to come to the United States for job-related training. It’s designed for individuals who need hands-on experience in a field that’s not available in their home country. While this visa allows you to receive training in a wide range of industries, it is not intended for employment in the U.S. At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we help individuals and companies apply for this visa properly, making sure the training plan is clear and the requirements are met from the start.
Who Qualifies for an H-3 Visa?
The H-3 visa is for people coming to the U.S. temporarily to receive professional training that will benefit them in their careers back home. To qualify, you must:
- Be invited by a U.S. company offering structured training
- Show that this kind of training is not available in your country
- Intend to use the training outside the U.S.
Common fields for H-3 training programs include:
- Agriculture
- Commerce
- Communications
- Finance
- Government
- Transportation
It’s important to understand that the H-3 visa is not for graduate medical education or productive work. The main purpose must be training, not working in a regular job.
What Employers Must Show to Sponsor You
To support an H-3 visa, the U.S. company must demonstrate that the program meets certain standards. The training must be structured, meaningful, and aimed at improving your professional skills.
The employer must submit:
- A detailed training plan outlining goals, curriculum, and duration
- An explanation of how the program will help your career abroad
- Proof that the training is not available in your home country
- Confirmation that you won’t be replacing U.S. workers or filling a labor need
Productive employment is only allowed if it’s incidental to the training. If the training appears to be a job in disguise, the petition is likely to be denied. That’s why careful documentation is so important.
How Long Can You Stay on an H-3 Visa?
The H-3 visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to two years. After that, there’s no option to extend your stay under the same visa category. If you have family, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you under H-4 visas. However, they won’t be able to work in the U.S. during your stay.
Keep in mind that the H-3 is a nonimmigrant visa, so you must show that you plan to return home after your training ends.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Applying for an H-3 visa involves a few key steps:
- U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS – This petition includes the full training plan and proof that the training is unique.
- Visa application – If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll apply for the visa through your local U.S. consulate.
- Interview and documentation – You may need to show:
- Evidence of your professional background
- A valid passport
- Proof that you intend to return home
- Any other supporting documents requested by USCIS or the consulate
Processing times vary, so it’s important to start early. We help clients stay on track and avoid delays by preparing a complete and well-organized petition.
How Rahimi Law Firm Can Help
Whether you’re a company hoping to train international talent or an individual seeking new opportunities, we can help you through the process. We’ll assist with:
- Reviewing training plans to meet USCIS guidelines
- Preparing and filing petitions and visa applications
- Answering questions and addressing any concerns that come up
We’ll work closely with you to help things go smoothly from start to finish.
Contact Our Experienced NYC H-3 Professional Training Visa Attorneys
The H-3 visa opens the door to professional growth and international experience. If you’re ready to move forward, we’re ready to help. Contact Rahimi Law Firm, P.C. today to discuss your plans and get clear guidance on what comes next.