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As per data published in The Economic Times, Indians secured 3.01 lakh H – 1B visas in the fiscal year 2021, which was 74% of the total amount. H – 1B visas are the most in-demand work visas among Indians. However, there are other types of work visas issued to foreign nationals, such as Indians.
If you want to learn about the availability of different types of US work visas for Indian citizens and live the American Dream, then you have come to the right page. Stay tuned!
A US work visa is an official permit that gives legal rights to foreign nationals such as Indians in the country for a fixed period of time.
Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit to take up a job legally in the United States.
There are various types of visas issued to foreign nationals such as Indians. The availability of diverse types of visas varies from one nation to another and is subject to the US immigration policy.
Below is a list of non-immigrant types of visas available to Indian applicants.
As individuals are now aware of the issuance of different types of work visas in the USA for Indians, let’s learn about the eligibility parameters that they need to fulfil.
The requirements for a US work visa for Indian citizens are discussed below.
Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for a US Work visa,
Step 1 – Visit the official website of the CEAC (Consular Electronic Application Centre).
Step 2 – Choose ‘DS-160, Online non-immigrant Visa Application’ under the non-immigrant section.
Step 3 – Select the location in India from where applicants are willing to apply and enter the code as shown on the screen.
Step 4 – Navigate to the ‘Start Application’ option to initiate the application process.
Step 5 – Save the application ID and make a security question for the application.
Step 6 – Provide all essential information in the application form.
Step 7 – Submit the duly filled application form.
Step 8 – Complete payment of MRV or Machine Readable Visa application fee.
Step 9 – After the DS-160 confirmation page appears on the screen, take a printout of the same.
Step 10 – Visit the official website of ‘US Visa Information Services in India’.
Step 11 – Make a profile and set an appointment with the nearest US Visa Application Centre and the US Embassy Consulate.
Step 12 – Select a location to pick up the passport after getting approval for the US work visa.
Step 13 – Visit the US Visa Application Centre on the fixed date. Provide biometric details.
Step 14 – Go for the interview at the pre-set date at the US Embassy / Consulate with all the supporting documents.
Step 15 – After a successful interview, individuals will get their US work permit.
Step 16 - Pick up the passport from the given location in the application form after receiving the US work visa.
Note: Applicants of the H and L visas must obtain approved petitions from the Department of Homeland Securities of the United States before setting up Visa appointments.
Indian applicants have to submit certain documents at the Visa Application Centre and others at the US Embassy. These are discussed separately below.
The processing time of a US work visa depends on the type of work permit the individual has applied for. Refer to the following table for a better understanding.
|
Types of US Work Visa |
Processing Time |
|
H-1B Visa |
3-6 months |
|
H-2B Visa |
1-4 months |
|
H-3 Visa |
1-1.5 months |
|
H-4 Visa |
Varies |
|
L-1 Visa |
3-4 months |
|
L-2 Visa |
15 days-1 month |
|
O Visa |
2-3 months |
|
P Visa |
3-6 months |
|
Q Visa |
3 months |
Refer to the table mentioned below to get a clear idea about the application cost of a US work visa.
|
Types of US Work Visa |
Application Fees |
|
H Visa |
$190 (₹ 12,920) |
|
L Visa |
$190 (₹ 12,920) |
|
O Visa |
$190 (₹ 12,920) |
|
P Visa |
$190 (₹ 12,920) |
|
Q Visa |
$ 190 (₹ 12,920) |
The validity of a work visa in the United States depends on its type. Check the following table to get a clearer idea.
|
Types of US Work Visa |
Visa Validity |
|
H-1B (Workers in speciality occupations) |
36 months (can be extended by up to 6 years) |
|
H-2B (Skilled and unskilled workers) |
36 months |
|
H-3 (Trainee) |
Up to 24 years |
|
H-4 (Dependents) |
36 months |
|
L-1 (Intra-company transferees) |
Maximum 36 months (can be extended from 2 years to 7 years) |
|
L-2 (Dependents) |
Valid as long as L1 is valid |
|
O (Extraordinary Ability) |
Initially for 3 years and can be extended indefinitely in one-year increments |
|
P (Artists/entertainers) |
1 year |
|
Q (Cultural exchange) |
30 days after the attending the cultural program |
The following reasons can lead to work visa rejection in the United States.
Now that individuals have gained knowledge about the issuance of different types of work visas in the USA for Indian citizens, eligibility parameters, and the application process, they can obtain it easily.
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Disclaimer -
Your policy is subjected to terms and conditions mentioned in your policy schedule and policy wording. Please go through the documents carefully.
The information mentioned here about the countries, visa fees and others is taken from different sources. Digit Insurance is not promoting or recommending anything here. Please verify the same before you book your tickets, apply for a visa, buy a travel policy or make any other decision.
