Foreigners and America –Guns.

[myopicmouse]

Hi guys, I was wondering...if I got a work Visa to work for a year in America would I be able to buy guns over there or do I need to be an American? Also how much do visas cost?

 

[Art Eatman]

Cost of visas? Contact a U.S. embassy. Also, there's probably a website where you can find that information.

SFAIK a legal alien can purchase a firearm. Used to be so, but I haven't kept up with recent laws/regulations. I'm sorta guessing that your passport and visa would be ample ID and proof of legal presence here. I don't know how the FBI's National Instant Check System works on that, though.

Somebody here probably has better info.

Art

 

[Cosmoline]

It has gotten tighter for non-immigrant visa holders

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/022002form6updates.htm

But it's not impossible. Many foreign nationals visiting my state, Alaska, are approved to bring rifles in or buy them locally for hunting purposes. Unless it's for proven hunting purposes though you may be SOL.

Keep in mind that these restrictions may not apply to mere use of a firearm at a range. I believe there are many ranges which rent firearms to foreigners, esp those coming from anti-gun nations who want to try them out.

ALso, don't forget STATE law. The feds are only part of the picture. Everything can change depending on whether you end up in Wyoming or New Jersey.