USA Work Visa for Indians: Process, Fees & Documents Required

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.

• H-1B (Workers in Specialty Occupations)
• H-2B (Skilled and unskilled workers)
• H-3 (Trainee)
• H-4 (Dependents)
• L-1 (Intra-company transferees)
• L-2 (Dependents)
• O (Extraordinary Ability)
• P (Artists/entertainers)
• Q (Cultural exchange)                               

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.

• H-1B (Workers in speciality occupations): Applicants must have a Master's/Higher Degree and earn at least $ 60,000 per annum.
• H-2B (Skilled and unskilled workers): These types of visas are issued for seasonal or temporary jobs, which enable employers to hire unskilled or skilled workers to manage the shortage of workers in the United States. Here, employers need to obtain a Department of Labour certification before initiating a visa application.
• H-3 (Trainee): This type of visa is for those applicants whose purpose of visiting the US is to receive training from an employer. Applicants must submit an application form along with a completed Form DS-160, letter of employment, receipt number from USCIS, etc.
• H-4 (Dependents): Dependents of H visa (H-1B, H-2B, and H-3) holders are eligible for H-4 visa application. H-4 visa holders cannot work in the US.
• L-1 (Intra-company transferees): Individuals working at the executive or managerial level of an international company and who are temporarily transferred to the US can apply for an L-1 visa. These applicants must obtain an approved petition from USCIS before initiating an L-1 application.
• L-2 (Dependents): Similar to H4 visa holders, dependents of L-1 visa holders can apply for an L-2 visa. At present, L-2 visa holders can apply for a work permit in the US.
• O (Extraordinary Ability): Individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, education, business, sciences, athletics or extraordinary achievements in motion pictures or television production can apply for an O work visa.
• P (Artists/entertainers): To visit the US to perform as entertainers, athletes, support personnel and artists, visitors need to apply for a P work visa.
• Q (Cultural exchange): This type of visa is specifically for those individuals who will be imparting knowledge related to his/her own native country’s tradition, culture, and history at an international cultural exchange program. Visitors can also apply for a Q visa to extend employment or training at an international cultural exchange program.

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.

• Passports – current and old (if any)
• A printed copy of your appointment letter
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Receipt number available on your approved I-129 petition
• Printed receipt of visa fee paid at the time of US visa application
• Supporting documents based on the applied visa type

The following reasons can lead to work visa rejection in the United States.

• Not having enough funds to financially support the stay in the US
• Choosing the wrong visa type
• Failing to prove the return to the home country
• Incorrect or insufficient documents
• Overstaying on a previous US trip or violating Visa rules
• Having a criminal record
• Being unprepared in the interview

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.