USA Work Visa for Indians Passport Holders

Those who are foreign nationals and have a US work visa can work legally in the United States. The visas are necessary for securing employment in the US and are designed for specific types of work and industries.

It is very important for you to understand the different visa options so that you can determine which one is best for your professional needs.

From the IT industry to the healthcare industry, the H-1B visa caters to the needs of many industries. Indians commonly obtain the following types of work visas:

• H-1B Visa - Skilled Worker Visa

H-1B visas allow foreign professionals to work in the United States for up to six years. Visa holders can become citizens after three years. People working in IT, engineering, healthcare, and other specialized fields such as finance, education, and science tend to prefer the H-1B visa.

Visa requirements for H-1B workers include:

• Eligibility: The H-1B visa is available to individuals in various fields, including teachers, engineers, IT professionals, medical professionals, and others. Employers who wish to sponsor applicants are required to have a job offer from a US-based company.
• Salary: A minimum salary is required, though the exact amount is not specified. For each specific position, employers should ensure they offer wages that meet or exceed industry standards.
• Annual Cap: 85,000 visas are available per year, with 20,000 reserved for those with a Master's degree from a US institution.

Application Process:

• Employer sponsorship: The employer initiates the H-1B process, including creating an account and paying the $10 registration fee. A registration fee is paid by employers when they register employees for the lottery and create an account for them.
• Registration: Employers submit a registration form on behalf of the applicant. Registering usually takes place between February 28 and March 25, when the registration window opens.
• Lottery System: If there are more registrations than available visas, a lottery system is used. There were 758,000 eligible candidates in 2024, which led to 188,400 applicants being selected.
• Fees: After the $10 registration fee, the employer must pay an additional $460 fee for the I-122 form after the employee is selected in the lottery. Fees may change at any time.
• Visa Interview: Upon successful registration, the applicant will be required to attend a visa interview at the embassy.

Required Documents for H-1B:

• Job offer letter
• Passport
• Resume
• H-1B visa approval letter
• I-797 form
• Bank statements
• Appointment confirmation for the US embassy interview
• Copy of the I-140 form
• DS-160 barcode confirmation
• Passport copy

Personal Tip: If you're applying for the H-1B visa, make sure your employer is prepared for the process. The documentation should be clear and thorough, as well as include salary information. Make sure you start early so you can meet the deadline.

• L-1 Visa – For Internal Company Transfers

A L-1 visa is issued to people who are moving from a foreign office to an American office within the same organization. This program is ideal for managers or employees who have specialized knowledge in their field.

Personal Tip: If you’re working for a multinational company, ask your HR department if they have an L-1 visa program. In most cases, existing employees with proven expertise within the organization are more likely to qualify for these visas.

• O-1 Visa – For Extraordinary Abilities

It is designed for professionals who have proven exceptional abilities in their fields, such as science, arts, business, or education. An individual who has gained recognition in their field should apply for this visa.

A personal tip: Write down all the awards, publications, and recognition you have received from your peers in your field that will contribute to your applications for an O-1 visa. You are more likely to succeed if you provide strong documentation.

At first, applying for a US work visa might seem complicated, but if you break it down step-by-step, it will become much easier. From India, you can apply for a US work visa by following these steps:

1. Secure a Job Offer: The first step is to secure a job offer from a US employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa. The H-1B visa can't be applied for without this documentation.
2. Employer Submits the Petition: Once you have the job offer, your employer will submit a petition to USCIS. H-1B visas require a $10 registration fee that must be paid by your employer.
3. Visa Interview at US Embassy: Upon approval of your petition, you must complete the visa application process and attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in India.

Tip: Explain how your experience contributes to the company's goals when attending your visa interview. In order to be successful, communication must be clear and confident.

There can be a lot of competition and challenges involved in the US work visa application process. These are some of the most common obstacles applicants face and how they can overcome them:

• Visa Cap Limits: In 2024, 758,000 applicants were competing for 85,000 H-1B visas, which have a limited number of spots.

Personal Tip: To improve your chances, ensure that your employer submits your application as early as possible within the registration window. Due to the lottery system, early submission is crucial.

• Inadequate Documentation: Incomplete or missing documents can cause delays or even denials.

Personal Tip: Double-check all your documents. In order to ensure everything is in order, it's helpful to hire a professional visa expert.

The US work visa is more than just a legal document—it’s an opportunity for a better career and life. Here’s why Indian professionals should consider applying for one:

• Higher Salaries and Better Benefits: The US offers better salary prospects, particularly in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare. Employers often provide health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
• Career Growth and Global Recognition: The US is home to some of the world's largest companies and best research facilities. A job in the US can offer global exposure, cutting-edge technology, and international networking opportunities.
• Citizenship Pathway: After working in the US for three years, H-1B visa holders can apply for citizenship, opening even more doors for long-term career growth.

Personal Tip: Consider seeking advice from a visa consultant if you are unsure which visa suits your situation. They can provide personalized guidance and help increase your chances of success.

The USA work visa photo requirements state that the photographs submitted must meet the following specifications -

• Dimensions:  50mm X 50mm
• Colour: Coloured
• Recently taken
• Background: plain white
• Must have 70% face coverage
• Facial expression: neutral
• Eyes directed towards the camera and wide open 
• Glasses: allowed for medical reasons only
• Uniforms are not permitted
• Headgears: allowed only for religious reasons
• Facial hair is permitted.

The work visas are normally processed within 7-10 working days.

However, these are almost certain to vary based on the type of the visa, any additional procedures required, the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the specific embassy or consulate, and so on.

Apart from this, you will have to take into account the high wait time for scheduling an interview. It is therefore advised to apply as early as possible.

The total cost depends on several aspects such as biometric fees, service charges, etc. The fees also can be changed by the embassy or consulate without any prior notice and as a result, ensure that you check the exact amount before starting your application.

Once you have submitted your application, your application will be processed by the embassy. Note that once submitted, you will not be able to modify the application.

As a result, ensure that you do not make any mistakes while making the application.

The visa fee is non-refundable. As a result, even if your application is rejected, you will not receive a refund.

Therefore, it is advised to make your application through a reputed travel agency.

While you are waiting for an answer, you can check your visa status. This can be done in multiple ways.

You can do this by visiting the CEAC website and using the interview location, and DS-160 form number to view it. Or, you can email at ‘passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com’ with your passport number.