What Non-us Citizens Should Know To Get Work In Los Angeles
First, visit the U.S. Department of State to find out more information about visa requirements and eligibility.
If you are a non-immigrant and have been hired by a US company, they will apply for a H1B visa on your behalf. It is designed for staff in "specialty occupations" with usually graduate level education. Under the H-1B visa, if you are fired, the company is responsible to pay all reasonable costs for moving back to your home country. Any children you have will be granted H-4 visa, which does not authorize them to work, but they may study in the United States.
H-2A visas are for aliens entering the United States to perform agricultural work of a temporary or seasonal nature. H-2B visas are for temporary work in non-agricultural fields that meet recurring seasonal or intermittent needs, and the employer must prove that there are no unemployed US workers willing or able to do the work and is good for up to one year (extensions are possible, but rare). Again, the ball is in your employer's court and they must file an I-129 petition. Once that is done, you must apply for a visa with the US consulate. Find a U.S. Embassy here. Make sure you apply at least 45 days before your employment is schedule to begin, but no more than six months.
Once your visa has been granted, make your travel and destination arrangements. Often your company will help you with these details, but you should be proactive so that you are in control of your visit. Plan ahead - will you need to rent your house while you are gone? Where will you store the stuff you cannot pack? Is it worth keeping a car for when you return? Then think of all of these issues in reverse - where will you stay when you arrive? How much money will you need? Have you set a budget? What will you need to purchase when you arrive? If you are living and working in the downtown Los Angeles proper, you may be able to ride the Metro while commuting, but everything in California is very spread out and public transportation is minimal. You will likely need a car - will you buy, borrow or lease?
Last, be sure to get insurance! Health care in America is exorbitantly expensive compared to most other nations. Patriot America travel insurance offers a wide array of plans designed to meet your needs and budget, and allow you to seek treatment at the hospital or doctor of your choice. Most of their information is designed to be easy to understand so that you are well informed.
Enjoy your time in the US! And don't forget to visit the J. Paul Getty Museum will you're in town -- it's free!