The laws vary from state to state. I don't know whether a foreign national on a work permit can become an FFL. However, if you fill out the correct paperwork, qualify under certain exemptions, have resided in the USA for at least 90 days and have a hunting license or other permit, I believe you will be able to obtain a long-gun, in most states. Throughout the USA, the action is considered the gun.
Although some states impose few restrictions on private party sales among adults, you should be wary of "straw purchase" prohibitions.
The best thing to do is consult the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to ensure you comply with all Federal Requirements. Then you have to check the laws of the particular state in which you will reside/work.
Here is the ATF website: http://www.atf.gov
Here is part of the relevant ATF Firearms FAQ:
,A15) Q. May foreign visitors and other aliens legally in the United States purchase or possess firearms and ammunition while in the United States? [Back]
A. Nonimmigrant aliens generally are prohibited from possessing or receiving,purchasing) firearms and ammunition in the United States.
There are exceptions to this general prohibition. The exceptions are as follows:
1. nonimmigrant aliens who possess a valid hunting license or permit lawfully issued by a State in the United States;
2. nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States to participate in a competitive target shooting event or to display firearms at a sports or hunting trade show sponsored by a national, State, or local firearms trade organization devoted to the competitive use or other sporting use of firearms;
3. certain diplomats;
4. officials of foreign governments or distinguished foreign visitors so designated by the U.S. State Department;
5. foreign law enforcement officers of friendly foreign governments entering the United States on official law enforcement business; and persons who have received a waiver from the prohibition from the U.S. Attorney General.
Significantly, even if a nonimmigrant alien falls within one of these exceptions, the nonimmigrant alien CANNOT purchase a firearm from a Federal firearms licensee,FFL) unless he or she,1) has an alien number or admission number from the Immigration and Naturalization Service AND,2) can provide the FFL with documentation showing that he or she has resided in a State within the United States for 90 days prior to the firearms transaction.
,A16) Q. Typically, who are "nonimmigrant aliens?"
In large part, nonimmigrant aliens are persons traveling temporarily in the United States for business or pleasure, persons studying in the United States who maintain a foreign residence abroad, and certain foreign workers. Permanent resident aliens are NOT nonimmigrant aliens.,Permanent resident aliens often are referred to as people with "Green Cards").
,A17) Q. How do I obtain a waiver from the Attorney General? [Back]
You must contact the Department of Justice for information on that procedure. However, in order to even apply for the waiver you must have resided in the United States continuously for at least 180 days prior to submitting your application.
,A18) Q. I have a "green card" and have lived in Texas for several years. Am I prohibited from purchasing firearms and ammunition in Texas?
As long as you are not otherwise prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms and ammunition,for example, a felon), Federal law does not prohibit you from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition. However, you will need to put your INS-issued alien number or admission number on the Form 4473. Moreover, you must make sure there are no State or local restrictions on such a purchase.
