Anyone familiar with laws / visa regarding self-employed UK residents carrying out work in the States

[hub2dee]

Hi,

I am thinking of establishing a UK business to carry out photography and wanted to also work as a photographer whilst holidaying in the States.

This might be a fairly naïve enquiry, but I understand it is legal to attend conferences, even present papers etc. under a 'normal' tourist visa (ie. issued on entry to the US valid for 6 months max). Whilst this is deemed 'work', I think this is acceptable under the standard visa.

I am interested in clarifying, however, if it is feasible to do certain work (or to bill in a certain way - ie. from the UK) whilst carrying out work in the States. For example, does a UK model hired for a photoshoot in New York need a business / working visa ? Are there accepted minimum periods (ie if it was just for a few days work, would a different scheme / visa class apply ?).

This might be relevant to my photography work - If I would like to shoot in the States (but not as an accredited press photojournaslist; I know there is a specific visa for them), would I be obliged to enter under the (rare as hen's teeth) working visas ? Would billing US clients out of the UK make this any easier ?

Longshot I know, and just thinking out loud, but I wondered if anyone has specific relevant experience / advice ?

TIA

nope so bump

Have you tried contacting the US Embassy in London?

elusis and i could be your enterage.

I haven't called the embassy; I don't think anyone answers the phone, but I suppose that may be the sensible thing to do.

Can you twos hold a reflector, nod sagely and say "great light" ?

i was thinking more glitzy miself. enterage rather than stage hand. champagne and small food at high class loft parties.

Only if you wear a minxy dress, and are prepared to take olives off the plate with a toothpick rather than grabbing a handful.

i don't like olives. i can do the dress, no sausage and cheese cocktail stick i take it?

Quails eggs and oysers I expect. And lettuce leaves for the minxes who look like toothpicks.

I want poncy cheese and cracker with my wine.

I'll eat the olives.

Hate oysters. They are like cured snot.

Happy reading

Well, I finally completed my research into all this (I'd seen your link Eleusis), and just got off the phone with the premium rate US Visa information line.

The conclusion: There is no visa class available to the self-employed wishing to carry out trade in the States in the way I envisage (ie. client books a photo session, I do the shots, I sell the prints).

I don't know how freelance photographers engage in this kind of work legally.

[hmmm]

I have read widely around the topic, and appreciate there are visas for those establishing feasibility of a new business, those investing in a US business etc. but I was surprised that there are NO vehicles for any kind of arrangement for the self-employed who wish to carry out their trade in the States.

Interesting, huh ?