Why apply for a US Work Visa?

• Issues over 1 million work visas annually (H-1B, L-1, O-1 visas)
• High demand for H-1B visas, with nearly 700,000 registrations every year
• Earn $70,000 to $100,000+ per annum (varies with the job role, location, industry, and experience)
• More than 10 million job vacancies are expected in the coming decade
• Work for 40 hours per week, with job flexibility

 

 

U.S. Work Visa for Indians

The United States has a strong attraction for job seekers from India, the leading global economy. However, obtaining a US work visa from India can be difficult and time-consuming. It is important to clearly understand the job application process, visa requirements, and necessary documents. First, understand the available visa types, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and important considerations for Indian applicants. By providing the right knowledge, you can increase your chances of obtaining a work visa and pursuing your professional desire in the United States.

*Looking to work in the USA? Get expert assistance with H-1B Visa Flipbook.

USA Work Visa

A USA work visa allows foreign nationals to enter and legally work in the country, often requiring a valid job offer from an employer in the US, who will also file a petition with the USCIS on your behalf. Some of the most common work visas in the US include the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, the L-1 visa for intracompany transferees, and the O-1 visa for extraordinary abilities.

*Want to apply for a US work visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process. 

United States Work Visa Types

The US offers different work visa options for foreign nationals interested in moving to the country for work. Given below are the most common US work visa types, which are basically divided into Temporary Non-Immigrant visas and Permanent (Immigrant) visas.

Temporary non-immigrant work visas

• H Visas: You can apply for H-1B visas for highly qualified and specialized professionals, while H-2A and H-2B visas are for temporary agricultural and non-agricultural workers, respectively.
• I Visas: I visas for individuals from the press, including editors, crews, and reporters, allowing them to work long-term in media-related job roles or professions.
• L Visas: L-1 visas are for intra-company transfers; the L-1A visa is for managers and executives (3-year validity), and the L-1B visa is for individuals with highly specialized knowledge.
• O Visas: O visas are for individuals with extraordinary abilities and skills across top sectors and industries.
• P Visas: The P visas are exclusively for artists and athletes and are generally for event-based durations.
• R Visas: R visas are for religious workers who are members of religious organizations affiliated with the US.

Permanent (Immigrant) work visas

• First Preference EB-1: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in research, arts, athletics, academia, and who do not require a labour market certificate.
• Second Preference EB-2: Individuals with an advanced degree or a foreign equivalent, or those with a minimum of 10 years of prior work experience in a relevant field or occupation, or those whose employment is in the national interest of the US.
• Third Preference EB-3: Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree, skilled and unskilled labourers with a non-temporary job offer from an employer in the US.  
• Fourth Preference EB-4: It is a highly specialized visa category that includes religious workers, employees of foreign service posts in the US, non-citizen minors, and retired employees of international organizations.
• Fifth Preference EB-5: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program applies to individuals who invest at least 1.8 million USD in a new enterprise that has employed at least 10 full-time US workers, or invest at least 900,000 USD in a new commercial venture that employs at least 10 full-time US workers.

Types of US Work Visas

Here are the types of US Temporary Work Visas:

H-1B work visa

The H1B work visa is introduced by an employer in the United States. The employer must have an open job position, and if they cannot find an American employee suitable for that position, they can hire employees from other countries. This position might require higher education degrees or specialized skills. Thousands of people move to the USA every year to work on H1B visas.

Also, read...

How to apply for the US H-1B Visa?

H-2B work visa

Foreign workers can apply for work visas after being sponsored by a US employer and have the chance to work in the US for a specified period of time. The H-2B visa jobs are designed for certain industries that experience demand surges and illustrate a need for additional temporary workers. Industries that qualify to hire H-2B workers include:

• Hospitality
• Cruise Ships
• Resorts and Theme Parks
• Construction
• Ski resorts
• Golf courses
• Maintenance and Janitorial
• Landscaping
• Water Parks
• Warehouses
• Restaurants and bars
• Retail stores
• Sports and athletics, etc.

TN work visa

The non-immigrant TN work visa allows citizens of Mexico and Canada, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in pre-planned business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Mexico and Canada cannot apply for TN visas to work as NAFTA professionals.

O1 Work Visa

The O1 visa for the US is a non-immigrant type of visa. It is issued to foreign nationals with extraordinary abilities or achievements in their field. The O1 visa aims at individuals in education, science, or the arts; it is also referred to as an artist’s visa or an extraordinary ability visa.

 

 

Also, read...

USA Job Market: Trends & Job Opportunities

 

US Work Visa Requirements

The USA work visa requirements are given below –

• The applicant must have a sponsor.
• Proof of educational qualifications
• Proof of English language proficiency
• An employment offer from a US-based company
• Work experience certificate (If applicable)
• Approval from the USCIS
• DS-160 form
• Copies of I-129 & I-797 forms

Also, read...

Highest paying Jobs Opportunities in USA for Indians

 

How to apply for a US Work Visa?

You can follow the basic steps given below to apply for a USA work visa:

Step 1: Choose the right US work visa that best suits your job category

Step 2: Check your eligibility for the USA work visa

Step 3: Gather all the requirements for the USA work visa

Step 4: Apply for the work visa by filling out an online application

Step 5: Schedule an appointment at the nearest local embassy

Step 6: Attend the visa interview and get the visa to the USA

 

 

 

 

*Want to apply for a US visa? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to help you with the process.

US Work Visa Cost

The USA work visa fee costs around $160 to $190 and differs from the work visa type. The table given below has complete information on the kind of USA work visas and their processing fee:

Also, read...

What are the most in-demand jobs in the USA for the next 10 years?

 

USA Work Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the USA work visa generally takes around three weeks to 8 months from the date of application. The processing time differs with the work visa type applied for and the submission date. The table below has a complete list of U.S. work visas and their processing times.

US Work Visa Apply Online

To apply for a US work visa, first complete the online non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160. This form takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, and you must also upload a photo of yourself to submit with your application.

After completing your application, take a print of the DS-160 barcode page and keep it with you. Also, print the application form confirmation page; you must carry both copies to your visa interview. You must also pay a non-refundable visa processing fee of $190 (USD).

Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you must schedule a visa interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis, the world's top overseas immigration consultancy, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. Our impeccable services at Y-Axis include the following:

• Expert guidance/counseling for working in the United States
• Assistance in applying visa
• Coaching Services: IELTS/TOEFL Proficiency Coaching
• Free career counseling; book your slot today!
• Resume Marketing services to find related Jobs in the United States
   

Other Work Visas