The United States has a strong attraction towards job seekers from India. Getting a US work visa from India is difficult and can be time consuming. It is important to clearly understand the job application process, visa requirements, and required documentation. Know how Indians can apply for this visa by air.
H1B Work Visa
H1B work visas are offered by employers in the United States. Employers must have an open job position, and if they cannot find a suitable American worker for that position, they can hire employees from other countries. The position may require a higher education degree or special skills. Every year thousands of people travel to the US to work on H1B visas.
H-2B Work Visa
Foreign workers can apply for a work visa after being sponsored by a US employer and given the opportunity to work in the US for a specified period. H-2B visa jobs are designed for certain industries that are in growing demand and need additional temporary workers. Industries that are eligible to hire H-2B workers include:
TN Work Visa
The nonimmigrant TN work visa for citizens of Mexico and Canada as NAFTA professionals allows U.S. or foreign employers to work in pre-determined business activities in the United States. Permanent residents of Mexico and Canada cannot apply for a TN visa to work as NAFTA professionals.
O1 Work Visa
The O1 visa for the US is a non-immigrant type of visa. It is granted to foreign nationals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. O1 visas are reserved for individuals involved in education, science, or the arts. It is also called an artist visa or extraordinary ability visa.
US Work Visa Requirements
Applicant for USA work visa must have a sponsor. Proof of educational qualification. Proof of English language test. Must have an employment offer from a US-based company. Work experience certificate if applicable and required. USCIS approval required. A copy of Form DS-160, Form I-129 and Form I-797 is required.
How to Apply for a US Work Visa
- Choose the right US work visa that suits your job category.
- Check your eligibility for USA Work Visa
- Collect all the required documents for USA Work Visa
- Apply for a work visa by filling out the online application form
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest local embassy
- Attend visa interview and get visa for USA
Cost of a US Work Visa
The cost of USA work visa fee is around $160 to $190 and varies depending on the type of work visa.
USA Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a USA work visa usually takes from three weeks to 8 months from the date of application. Processing times vary depending on the type of work visa applied for and the date of submission.
How to apply for a US work visa online
To apply for a US work visa, first complete the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160. This form takes about 90 minutes to complete and you will also need to upload a photo of yourself to submit with your application.
After completing your application, print out the DS-160 barcode page and keep it with you. Also print out the application confirmation page. You will need to take both copies to your visa interview. You will also need to pay a non-refundable visa processing fee of US$190. Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will need to schedule a visa interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate.