How can I get a work permit in order to act in films in the USA?

Question

As a Swiss-Croatian, I am very serious to become an actor, and I would like to attend auditions to get roles and maybe do some extras. Therefore I want to know how can I get a work permit. I know that they are many actors from Europe in the US and that is why I know its possible, but I do not know how it works. I am already in the USA as an international student. Please help, thank you.

Answer 1

I don't know

Answer 2

you need what's called a Green Card too, for acting

Answer 3

You can't work legally if you are here on a student visa. You know that.

You could audition for amateur productions, or anything else that doesn't pay you.

Answer 4

You can't work legally on a student visa but then again you already know that right. I know it was one of the first things explained to you when they gave you the visa

You are here to study a career not be an actor, now if you want your visa revoked go into INS office and let them know you want to work but that you are an international student on such a visa and sooner than you can say Swiss-Croatian you'll have your visa revoked and be DEPORTED

Answer 5

If you have any experience in your home country you can put together a package of your accomplishments, and any press you have and apply for a (H1-B ?)  visa.   I think that is the one.  There is also a way to get sponsored by an agency that is willing to rep you.  In all honesty the best thing you can do is meet with a lawyer and discuss your options.  Any immigration lawyer who is worth his/ her salt wont charge you for a conceltation.

It is always an expensive process, and can cost upto $10,000 US.

Answer 6

To get the steps to securing a work visa in the U.S. check out the State Department website.

This is complicated though. After 9/11 the government really tightened up on visa regulations. I would also advise asking someone at your school for some direction on where to find this information.  While I know that you can't work on a student visa and also it's difficult to get a work permit when you aren't actually coming here for a specific job, I'm sure that people have done it. I don't know enought about the ins and out to tell you how they've done it though.

You should be able to audition and perform in non-paying projects, so why not take this time to do some community theatre or student films?