Apply for US Work Visa from India

Surya Rathee
[Published 11 Nov, 2024 | 05:49 PM]
About Author - 8 min read
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Looking to work abroad?

With over 7 million job vacancies throughout the country, Indian professionals and recent graduates looking to work abroad from India have the chance to earn 4-5 times their current salaries in the United States of America (USA). The strong economy, high demand for workers, and attractive employment benefits, such as healthcare and paid leaves, make the US an appealing destination for Indians.

Indian immigrants are the second largest immigrant group in the United States. As of 2024, over 5.4 million Indians are living in the US, with over 3.3 million of them being people of Indian origin. A majority of these choose to move to the US for employment.

Here’s how you can apply for a US Work Visa from India in 2024-25.

Check Eligibility for US Work Visa

Why work in the US?

• Over 7 million job vacancies.
• Earn 50-60 lakh per year.
• Low unemployment rate.
• Largest economy in the world.
• Employment benefits including healthcare.
• Excellent work-life balance.
• Affordable housing and transport.
• Roadmap to US Green Card and Citizenship.

Types of Work Visas in the US

US Work Visas can be categorized based on the nature of employment, industry, skill level, and the applicant’s country of origin. Some of the most popular visa options to work in the US include:

Skilled and Professional Worker Visas

• H1-B Visa: For professionals in speciality occupations.
• TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican professionals (USMCA).
• E-3 Visa: For Australian professionals in speciality fields.
• O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like arts, science, and business.

Temporary and Seasonal Worker Visas

• H-2A Visa: For temporary agricultural workers in seasonal farm jobs.
• H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural workers (e.g., hospitality, construction).

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

• L-1 Visa: For employees transferring to a U.S. branch of their foreign employer.

Specialized Talent and Cultural Visas

• P Visa: For athletes, artists, and entertainers.
• R-1 Visa: For religious workers employed by non-profit religious organizations in the U.S.
• Q-1 Visa: For cultural exchange participants sharing cultural traditions.

Trade and Investment Visas

• E-1 Visa: For treaty traders from countries with trade agreements with the U.S.
• E-2 Visa: For treaty investors who invest in a U.S. business.

US Work Visa eligibility for Indians

To be eligible to apply for a US Work Visa from India, you must:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Have a valid passport.
• Have a confirmed job offer from a US employer.
• Have relevant education qualifications.
• Have at least 1 year of work experience.
• Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English.
• Show proof of funds to support your stay in the US.
• Have no criminal background.

Documents required for a US Work Visa from India

To apply for a US Work Visa from India, you must submit the following documents:

• Signed and filled US Work Visa application form (DS-160).
• A passport which is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay in the US.
• A job offer or employment contract from an employer in the US.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of education qualifications such as a degree or diploma.
• Proof of relevant work experience.
• Proof of financial means for intended stay e.g., bank statements.
• English language proficiency test results.
• A police clearance certificate from your home country.
• Receipt of payment of the Work Visa application fee.

How to apply for a Work Visa in the US from India?

The process to apply for a US Work Visa from India can be carried out in 5 easy steps.

STEP 1: Choose the right visa type: Identify the visa category that matches your job and qualifications, such as H-1B (speciality occupation), L-1 (intra-company transfer), or O-1 (extraordinary ability).

STEP 2: Secure a job offer: Get a job offer from a U.S. employer, who will file a petition (Form I-129) on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Wait for petition approval.

STEP 3: Complete the visa application form: Fill out the DS-160 online visa application form, pay the visa fee, and keep the confirmation receipt. Make sure to submit a complete application form to avoid any unnecessary delays.

STEP 4: Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy, Consulate or nearest Visa Application Center (VAC), attend the visa interview, and bring necessary documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and employer documents.

STEP 5: Wait for approval: The processing time of a US Work Visa can take several weeks, depending on the visa type. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to travel and work in the U.S. If you’re having trouble with the application process, seek guidance from immigration consultants at Nationwide Visas.

Book a Free Consultation

US Work Visa fees from India

The US Work Visa fees from India are non-refundable. You may also need to pay extra for biometrics. Also, the fees and currency exchange rates in Indian rupees are subject to change. You can refer to the official US Immigration website or consult an expert at Nationwide Visas to know the updated fees.

US Work Visa processing time from India

The US Work Visa processing time from India depends on the visa type. Typically, it takes 2-3 months to process a US Work Visa application from India.

Arriving in the US on a Work Visa

After arriving in the US with a Work Visa, you need to visit the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office or designated service centre to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or other required documentation, depending on your visa type. Some offices require appointments, while others accept walk-ins.

During your visit, you may be asked to provide documents such as your valid passport, visa documentation, two recent passport-sized photos, a clean criminal record, and proof of any required qualifications or language proficiency (if applicable). The duration of your work authorization or visa status will typically match the terms of your employment contract and visa type (e.g., 2-3 years). Extensions are generally available if you continue to meet eligibility requirements and your employment is maintained.

How can we help?

At Nationwide Visas, one of the best immigration consultants in India, we offer expert assistance throughout the US Work Visa application process. From helping you with documentation to ensuring a smooth visa experience, our team is here to support you every step of the way to immigrate to the US. Contact us for a free consultation and start planning your journey to the US!

Call us at +91 92 92 92 92 81 or email us at info@nationwidevisas.com.

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