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Information about the I-129 form for overseas job seekers.

The I-129 form is filed by employers who want to hire foreigners to work temporarily or to be trained.  This form is for non-immigrants who will then leave once the overseas job is completed.  The job can be extended at a future time.

There are many categories of temporary workers depending on the type of job.  They are designated by different letters as listed on this page and the homepage. 

Sometimes, the employer must also get permission from the Department of Labor in addition to getting the work permit.
If the work permit is approved, the employer receives a Notice of Approval.

The next step is then to apply for the visa to enter the US if the employee is not already inside the US under another non-immigrant status.  Even if the visa and work permits are approved, it is still possible that customs will not let someone in.

These applications should be submitted at least 45 days before employment begins, but not more than 6 months before.
Maximum Stay Information for Temporary Employment Visas
Class Initial Stay Extension of Stay
E-1 Two (2) years Up to 2 years per extension. No maximum number of extensions, with some exceptions.
E-2 Two (2) years Up to 2 years per extension. No maximum number of extensions, with some exceptions.
H-1B1 Up to 3 years Increment of up to 3 years. Total stay limited to 6 years.
H-1B2 Up to 3 years Increment of up to 3 years. Total stay limited to 6 years, with some exceptions.
H-1C Up to 3 years Total stay limited to 3 years.
H-2A and H-2B Same as validity of labor certification, with maximum of 1 year. Same as validity of labor certification (increments of up to 1 year). Total stay limited to 3 years.
H-3 Special Education Training-up to 18 months.
Other Trainee-up to 2 years		 Special Education Trainee-total stay limited to 18 months.
Other Trainee-total stay limited to 2 years.
L-1A Coming to existing office-up to 3 years.
Coming to new office-up to 1 year.		 Increments of up to 2 years. Total stay limited to 7 years.
L-1B Coming to existing office-up to 3 years.
Coming to new office-up to 1 year		 One increment of up to 2 years. Total stay limited to 5 years.
O-1 and O-2 Up to 3 years Increments of up to 1 year
P-1, P-2, P-3 and their support personnel Individual athlete-up to 5 years.
Athletic groups and Entertainment groups-up to 1 year.		 Individual athlete-Increments of up to 5 years. Total stay limited to 10 years.
Athletic groups and entertainment groups-Increments of 1 year.
Q-1 Up to 15 months. Total stay limited to 15 months
    (Note: definition of each class of visa should display once only per chart)
R-1 and R-2 Up to 3 years Increments of up to 2 years. Total stay limited to 5 years.
All other Up to 1 year Increments of up to 1 year
This table is from http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/tempworker.htm

Recommended Links:
Official US website with visa information: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
Work Permits and Immigration website: http://www.uscis.gov