- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
I will work
H-1B, L-1, O-1 and work permit
Topics in this section
- 10.0 New arrivals: first 30 days checklistThose newly arriving in the USA should complete I-94, registration, address reporting, SSN, banking, health insurance, and other important procedures in order during the first 30 days. Most steps are not required for short-term tourists; checking the I-94 is important.
- 1.1 The two ways to go to the United StatesThere are two basic ways to go to the United States: a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary purpose and period, or an immigrant visa (green card) for permanent residence. Your purpose of travel determines your choice.
- 15.2 Taxpayer identification number: SSN or ITINFor tax matters in the United States, people need an SSN or, if they cannot obtain an SSN, an ITIN. An ITIN is obtained with Form W-7 and supporting documents; it does not provide work authorization or immigration status.
- 17.2 Social Security tax (FICA) and exemptionsFICA consists of the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by people working in the U.S.; certain foreign national statuses may be exempt. For incorrect withholding, first contact the employer, then the IRS using Form 843 and, if necessary, Form 8316.
- 1.3 Temporary visa application step by stepFor temporary visas, the process proceeds with the DS-160 form, creating an appointment account and paying the fee, followed by an interview in Ankara or Istanbul. The confirmation page, correct barcode, and required documents are critical.
- 15.3 Tax returnFederal income tax returns in the U.S. are filed every year based on your tax status and income. Follow the steps for form selection, deadlines, free assistance, and refund tracking.
- 17.3 401(k) and IRA: 2026 contribution limitsIn 2026, 401(k) and IRA contribution limits, income-based rules, early withdrawals, and required minimum distributions apply depending on the circumstances. When returning to Türkiye, also consider withholding and the tax treaty.
- 1.4 FeesU.S. visa fees vary by visa type; application and SEVIS fees are generally nonrefundable. Turkish citizens are not charged a reciprocity fee, but some new fees have not yet been added to the official list.
- 14.4 Reporting obligations of foreign-owned companiesForeign-owned U.S. companies may be subject to reporting obligations such as Form 5472, FBAR, withholding, or BE-13 even if they earn no income. Requirements and deadlines vary depending on the company structure.
- 15.4 State income taxState income tax is separate from federal tax; rates and residency rules vary by state. The federal filing obligation continues even when there is no state tax.
- 1.5 Visa validity periods (Turkish citizens)Visa validity is not the period you may stay in the United States; it is the period during which you may request entry. Your stay in the United States is determined not by the visa but by the I-94 record.
- 14.5 Company bank account and other stepsOpen the company account after obtaining the EIN; compare bank documents, FDIC insurance, and fees. If you hire employees, complete I-9, W-4, SSN, payroll tax, and new-hire reporting requirements.
- 15.5 Türkiye–U.S. tax treaty for the prevention of double taxationThe Türkiye–U.S. income tax treaty contains rules intended to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries and tax provisions for different types of income. To claim benefits, you must make a claim on the relevant returns and forms.
- 16.5 "Public charge": Does receiving benefits affect a green card?A public charge assessment may affect whether a person considered likely to need public assistance in the future can obtain a visa, enter the United States, or get a green card. Receiving benefits alone is not an automatic reason for denial; the person's overall circumstances are considered together.
- 1.6 InterviewPrepare properly for your temporary visa interview with the correct documents, demonstrate your ties to your country, and do not bring prohibited items into the building. Some B-1/B-2 and other applications may qualify for interview waiver renewal.
- 1.8 Expedited Appointment and Business Visa ProgramFor an expedited appointment, you must first complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and schedule a regular appointment. The BVP provides expedited appointments and a special email channel for employees of companies that meet the requirements.
- 5.11 Job searchWhen looking for a job in the U.S., use free official tools such as CareerOneStop, USAJOBS, BLS, and O*NET. Check your work authorization, research salaries, and be cautious of job offers that ask for money.
- 2.2 Student visa (F-1): from application to graduationF-1 is for academic education, while M-1 is for vocational training. This guide covers admission, the I-20, SEVIS, the visa, entry into the United States, maintaining status, and OPT.
- 2.3 Exchange visitor (J-1)J-1 is the visa issued to participants in BridgeUSA exchange programs. Applying first requires acceptance by an approved sponsor and a DS-2019; some people are subject to the two-year home-country return requirement.
- 2.4 Work visasFor most work visas, the process begins when the U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS. After approval, the employee completes the DS-160 and applies for a visa at the consulate in Ankara or Istanbul.
- 2.5 Investor and trader (E-2 / E-1)Turkish citizens may apply for an E-1 or E-2 visa by meeting the trade or investment requirements with the United States. Applications are handled by the E visa unit in Istanbul.
- 2.7 Spouse and child (dependent) visasSpouses and unmarried children under 21 may come to the United States on a visa linked to the principal visa holder’s status. Work, school, extensions, and age-21 rules vary by visa type.
- 2.8 Change of status and extension of stay (from inside the United States)People who are temporarily in the United States can extend their stay or change their status by applying to USCIS before their I-94 period expires. The form to use is I-539 or I-129, depending on the applicant and status.
- 3.3 How to read the Visa BulletinThe Visa Bulletin shows the line status of people waiting for a green card through family or employment. By comparing your priority date, the column corresponding to your country of birth, and the table to be used, you can determine whether your turn has arrived.
- 3.4 Employment-based green cardAn employment-based green card may be obtained through the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories by completing PERM, filing Form I-140, and then pursuing I-485 from within the United States or the immigrant visa process from Türkiye. Certain EB-1 and EB-2 NIW petitions may be self-filed.
- 3.9 Immigrant visa interview (Ankara)All immigrant visa interviews in Türkiye take place at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Before the interview, ustraveldocs registration, a panel physician examination and the required documents must be completed.
- 5.1 Who can work: work authorization by visa typeWork authorization in the United States is determined not by the name of the visa, but by immigration status. Your status may fall into one of three groups: unlimited authorization, authorization tied to a specific employer, or authorization requiring you to obtain an EAD first.
- 5.2 Employment Authorization (EAD / I-765) and categoriesAn EAD is a photo identification work authorization card showing that you may work in the United States, obtained through Form I-765. The application category, timing, fees, validity period, and renewal rules vary by category.
- 5.3 How to get a Social Security Number (SSN)An SSN is a 9-digit number used to track wages and tax records in the United States; applying and receiving the card are free. The application method depends on your status, and the SSA requires original documents for most applications.
- 5.4 When starting workWhen starting work in the U.S., you use Form I-9 to document your identity and work authorization, E-Verify to check your records, and Form W-4 to arrange federal tax withholding. You have rights to choose your documents and to be protected in the event of mismatches.
- 5.5 Workers’ rightsPeople working in the U.S. have rights to wages, overtime, a safe workplace, and protection against discrimination regardless of their immigration status. Report violations to the appropriate agency within the applicable deadline.
- 5.6 Diploma equivalency (credential evaluation)No single federal institution decides whether your diploma is equivalent in the U.S.; the school, employer, state professional board, or immigration authority evaluates it for its own purpose. If necessary, obtain a credential evaluation report from a private organization.
- 5.7 Licensed professionsIn the United States, you must obtain a license from the state where you will work to practice medicine, nursing, law, engineering, teaching, pharmacy, or dentistry. Diplomas and licenses from Türkiye are not automatically valid; a license also does not provide work authorization.
- 8.7 Childcare and child care; tax credit (Child Tax Credit)This page explains childcare options, childcare assistance, the rules for employing an in-home caregiver, and the Child Tax Credit and other care credits for the 2026 tax year.
- 9.2 Health insurance optionsIn the U.S., health insurance can be obtained through an employer, the Marketplace, Medicaid/CHIP, Medicare, or school plans. Eligibility depends on status, age, income, and the 2027 change to premium assistance.
- 10.7 Leaving and returning to the U.S.Before leaving the U.S., determine the return document appropriate for your status. Traveling without checking the rules for green cards, travel authorization, reentry permits, visas, and I-94s may cause your application to be considered abandoned or create problems when you return.
- 12.7 Workplace and rental scamsLearn the signs of fake job offers, wage theft, and rental scams. Know your rights regardless of your immigration status, and report quickly if you are scammed.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.