How to Be an OFW in the US
>Most of our Overseas Filipino Workers are employed somewhere in the Middle East, others are in the surrounding of South East Asia. But the most of them are actually dreaming of working in the US. This homeland is everyone’s dream destination. Maybe it is because of the states’ supreme commercialism (most of the international movies and TV scenes are being done in the US) or the beautiful places and people there. Either way, the United States of America is a promise land to every Filipino.
Unfortunately, to enter the American soil is very hard. The US embassy is very strict when the topic is about allowing Philippine nationals to live and work there. It is because of the many illegal settlers already in the US vicinities—there are many Filipinos working and living illegally in America. That is why it is very hard to get even a US tourist visa.
For most OFW aspirants, the US tourist visa is something like their key to America. Having this visa is like having a pass to heaven. Even if you do get a tourist visa, no matter how you look at it, this is a devious way of becoming an OFW in the USA. So how do you work there legally? Let me share what some people I know did.
Through an Agency
Yes, there are agencies that are granted job orders from the US. Look around in the internet and you will find them. Of course, always do the preliminary checks so that you are sure you’re dealing with a legit agency.
Through Recommendations
A friend of mine luckily got hired in the US when a friend of his who is already a resident there recommended him to his employer. The company then processed his working visa for him. So far he has been working there for 4 years and he is allowed to take vacations every couple of years.
By Studying in the US
This is another good way of working in the US. One friend I know was granted a student visa in Washington. While studying, she was able to work part-time in her school and before she graduated, she was able to find herself a good employer who granted her a work visa.
The demand for Filipino employees in the US has definitely decreased as every country has to take care of its own in these struggling times. Still there are lucky “kababayans” who get their much wished for break, you might just be the next!
Reference:
Bignotia, C. (2010). Tips to Pass Your US Tourist Visa Interview. Retrieved on February 8, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-to-Pass-Your-US-Tourist-Visa-Interview&id=4246931