Going Back to the US--Can we bring our maid?

[JimH5]

As our time in Singapore winds down, we are interested to see if anyone has information on bringing a maid into the US. Is it easy to do? Is it even possible? What forms are required? Approvals?

We have never employed a maid before coming to Singapore, but our maid is now part of our family, she has expressed an interest in joining us, and we would love to have her come with us, if it is possible.

Any resources or info provided would be much appreciated. . .

And if it's simply not possible due to immigration rules/employment visa stuff, etc., we will have a gem ready to join a new family in Singapore later this year.

[jpatokal]

It's "possible", but exceedingly expensive and difficult and not really practical for ordinary mortals. The US Embassy has the full scoop:

http://singapore.usembassy.gov/domestic ... visas.html

[JimH5]

Thanks very much for that link.

It appears that regardless of our maid's own qualifications to enter the US, we fail to meet the prescribed guidelines. This is our first expat assignment, and being an expat isn't one of the regular requirements of our employment, as is outlined in that document.

Plus, the minimum wage requirement (without being able to factor room & board, medical care, transportation, etc.) will probably be problematic.

I would expect that by mid year, we'll have an awesome maid/nanny/cook available for hire, and will try to get her into an employment situation that recognizes her work.

Bad for us, but great for a new family. . .

Thanks again!