Visas for Domestic Employees

Versión en español

Employers wishing to obtain visas for domestic employees must submit the following information to the Consular Section:

1. A valid contract containing the following the provisions:
   1. Salary, while in the United States, of either the prevailing wage or, if greater, the U.S. minimum wage ($5.15 per hour, but it varies by state), plus 1.5 times minimum wage for hours worked in excess of 40 per week
   2. Room and board
   3. Payment of the employers' share of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, and withholding of the employee's share of all applicable taxes
   4. Provision of health insurance and/or payment of the employee's medical expenses
   5. Vacation provisions
   6. Round trip transportation to and from Colombia

2. Form DS-156 - filled out by the domestic employee

3. Photocopy of the employer's visa

4. Evidence that the employee has at least one year's experience as a domestic employee,

5. Proof that the employee has been employed in the home of the employer for at least one year prior to the date of the proposed trip to the U.S., or

6. Evidence that the employer has regularly employed domestic employees over a period of years prior to the domestic employee's application,

7. Evidence of ability to pay the required salary and benefits.

Diplomats and employees of international organizations wishing to obtain visas for domestic employees must submit:

1. A valid work contract containing the following the provisions:
   1. Salary, while in the United States, of either the prevailing wage or, if greater, the U.S. minimum wage ($5.15 per hour, but it varies by state), plus 1.5 times minimum wage for hours worked in excess of 40 per week
   2. Room and board
   3. Payment of the employers' share of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, and withholding of the employee's share of all applicable taxes
   4. Provision of health insurance and/or payment of the employee's medical expenses
   5. Vacation provisions
   6. Round trip transportation to and from Colombia

2. A diplomatic note from the Foreign Ministry or from the Chief of the Transportation Section of the United Nations, or personnel office of the international organization,

3. Evidence that the domestic employee is appropriately qualified for the position offered.

U.S. citizens who are on temporary assignment in the United States may obtain visas for domestic employees under the following circumstances:

1. The employee has been employed abroad by the employer for six months previously or the employer has regularly employed domestic help during the time of the assignment period

2. The employee has at least one year of experience as a domestic

3. A valid work contract containing the following the provisions:
   1. Salary, while in the United States, of at least the U.S. minimum wage (US$5.15 per hour, but it varies by state), plus 1.5 times minimum wage for hours worked in excess of 40 per week
   2. Room and board
   3. Payment of the employers' share of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, and withholding of the employee's share of all applicable taxes
   4. Provision of health insurance and/or payment of the employee's medical expenses
   5. Vacation provisions
   6. Round trip transportation to and from Colombia

4. The employer is subject to frequent international transfers lasting two years or more and is returning to the U.S. for no more than four years

5. The employer can demonstrate the ability to pay the required salary and benefits.

All employers who wish to renew the visas of their employees, or who wish to obtain visas for other employees, will be required to show that they have complied with the provisions listed above.