US - Firearms ownership on a working visa?

[Alistair]

Gents.

I've just today recieved a job offer for a role in the US, based in Milwaukee.

I'm almost certainly going to accept it and I'm pretty excited about the whole thing.

One question though. I would very much like to continue my shooting hobbies in the US, but I'm a bit unclear about the rules around firearms ownership and use on a H1-B working visa.

Will I be accorded the same rights to purchase arms on this visa as a citizen or green card holder?

I'm not terribly interested in concealed carry or whatever, but I would like to own rifles and possibly pistols for hunting and competition purposes.

Anyone got any experience of this and can advise?

I suppose longer term a green card might be in my future if the job goes well and I like the country and location, but I'll not be applying for several years at the least.

Oh, and if anyone is based locally to Milwaukee and fancied a meet up, I'd be very keen to meet some local people with similar interests as well!

Cheers,
Al.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

You might check here: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may...dmitted-united-states-under-nonimmigrant-visa

It seems if you can obtain a hunting license or membership in a gun or shooting club, then you might have legal basis for owning or pocessing a firearm.

 

[Alistair]

You might check here: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/qa/may...dmitted-united-states-under-nonimmigrant-visa

It seems if you can obtain a hunting license or membership in a gun or shooting club, then you might have legal basis for owning or pocessing a firearm.

View attachment 343981

Funny old world. Almost the same requirements as for the grant of my certificate here in the UK!

Thanks,
Al.

 

[Alistair]

That says 'admitted for hunting or sporting purposes'.

Much as I wish that were so, I'm most definitely being admitted to the states to do a day job.

Do you reckon that someone who was already admitted, but happened to want to partake in some 'hunting or sporting purposes' would qualify?

 

[Shootist43]

Alistair, read the requirements a little more closely, "a valid hunting license or permit," In order to get one you will have to take a Hunter Education Class. These are generally free. You might try sending an inquiry to the BATF. I know for a fact that prior to 9/11 lawful immigrants and or visa holders could purchase a firearm.

 

[BRICKBURN]

This is the form us Aliens have to complete to bring our firearms into the US.
The instructions do define some of the terminology required to understand your position.

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/f...-importation-firearms-and-ammunition/download

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

I would simply move to the US, get a local address, go get a drivers license, take a hunter's ed course and then go buy the cheapest hunting license (small game) and you should be good. Maybe go to a local gun store and have a conversation with someone working the counter.

 

[Alistair]

Fair enough!

I think an enquiry to the BATF might be in order.

Fun, fun. I do hope I can continue my hobbies though, there's a touch of irony in a UK firearms certificate holder moving to the US and losing his right to bear arms.

I've got time anyhow, 3 months for a visa and there's no flights at present either way so I'm sat here till August at the earliest I reckon!

Al.

 

[Shootist43]

Alistair I don't believe you have anything to worry about. I wouldn't hesitate to mention that you are a UK firearms certificate holder when corresponding with the BATF.

 

[Alistair]

Alistair I don't believe you have anything to worry about. I wouldn't hesitate to mention that you are a UK firearms certificate holder when corresponding with the BATF.

I hope you're right. If it's one thing I do have its an embarrassment of riches in terms of paperwork attesting to my suitability and qualifications for using firearms. The UK's good like that...

A job for next week when the contract is signed and the visa process underway then.

 

[BRICKBURN]

By the way, Congratulations!

 

[Hogpatrol]

Playing the devil here, are you absolutely certain you are coming to the U.S. The administration is considering a temporary moratorium on H1-B visas.
From Economic Times:

A senior administration official said the administration was looking at a separate action to cover others affected by U.S. immigration policy, including those on so-called H-1B visas.

Trump confirmed that a secondary order was under consideration.

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

 

[Bullthrower338]

I’m not sure what all the qualifications are to meet “Resident Alien” but that requirement is needed to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer. Proof of resident alien status is required to be submitted with the 4473 form

Q5: Is a Social Security card a proper means of identification for purchasing a firearm from an FFL?
No. A Social Security card, alien registration card, or military identification alone does not contain sufficient information to identify a firearms purchaser. However, a purchaser may be identified by any combination of government-issued documents which together establish all of the required information: Name, residence address, date of birth, and photograph of the holder. [27 CFR 478.11 and 478.124(c)]

As per the above a resident alien card plus another form of Government issued ID that establishes all of the requirements of the above and you may legally purchase a firearm. I am not aware of what the status of your Visa would classify you as but I have worked with several guys from Canada that have purchased firearms and shot with me in many events. I would assume that they were here on a H1-B Visa as they were here on transfer from our Alberta office.
Cheers,
Cody

 

[Alistair]

Playing the devil here, are you absolutely certain you are coming to the U.S. The administration is considering a temporary moratorium on H1-B visas.
From Economic Times:

A senior administration official said the administration was looking at a separate action to cover others affected by U.S. immigration policy, including those on so-called H-1B visas.

Trump confirmed that a secondary order was under consideration.

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.co...ofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Eventually I am, just might be a few months for things to settle. It's the same company I work for here in the UK, so I have a sponsor sorted and they're happy for me to work remotely until I can sort visa and flights.