DOMESTIC HELPERS

Under certain conditions, a domestic helper may be eligible for a business visitor (B1) nonimmigrant visa (NIV) to accompany an employer to the U.S.  Employers who are in the U.S. in diplomatic (A) or international organization (G) visa status may have domestic helpers join them under A3 or G5 visas.  As in all visa matters, the burden of proof lies solely with the applicant to qualify for the appropriate visa in time to suit the applicant’s desires.  B visa applicants must show compelling ties to a life outside the U.S.  All visa applicants are seen by appointment only, following the instructions on our website. 

In addition to the usual visa requirements, noted on our website, a complete application for a domestic helper requires confirmation that: 

o      The applicant has 1 year experience as a domestic helper;

o     The applicant was employed by the employer as a domestic helper for at least 1 year prior to the date of the employer’s entry to the U.S. OR the employer has regularly employed (either year-round or seasonally) domestic helpers for several years preceding this domestic employee’s visa application;

o     If the employer is a U.S. citizen, the employer is subject to frequent international transfers lasting at least two years as a condition of his/her work, and be in the U.S. no more than four years between international transfers;

o     If the employer is not a U.S. citizen, the employer is not a permanent resident of the U.S. (“green card” holder) and most hold one of the following NIVs:  A, B, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, M, O, P or Q.

o     The applicant understands and carries a signed employment contract in English:

o     describing the position;

o     guaranteeing the minimum or prevailing wage, whichever is greater, and payment of necessary taxes, see http://www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm for wage rates;

o     stating work hours/week, holidays, vacation, regular days off and sick days

o     offering free room and board;

o     stating that the applicant will only work for this employer and not become a public charge;

o     noting both parties’ understanding that the applicant cannot be forced to remain at the workplace after work without compensation. 

Still confused? Please check out our most frequently asked questions page. Or, for more information, please contact one of our visa assistants by phone at + 62 (21) 3435-9050 (between 13:00 and 15:30 WIB only), by e-mail at jakconsul@state.gov or by fax at + 62 (21)385-7189.