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Why apply for a US Work Visa?
- 10 Lakh work visas were issued in 2023
- US Tech Giants increased H-1B Visas by 478%
- Earn in dollars with average salaries ranging from $65,000 to $70,000
- It has over 13 million job openings
- Work for 36.5 hours a week
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.
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Types of US work visas
Here are the types of US Temporary Work Visas:
|
Visa Type |
Occupation |
Work Type |
|
H1B visa |
Person in Specialty Occupation |
To work in a specialty occupation |
|
H-1B1 visa |
Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Professional |
To work in a specialty occupation |
|
H-2A visa |
Temporary Agricultural Worker |
For temporary or seasonal agricultural work |
|
H-2B visa |
Temporary Non-agricultural Worker |
For temporary or seasonal non-agricultural work |
|
H-3 visa |
Trainee or Special Education visitor |
To receive training |
|
I visa |
Representatives of Foreign Media |
The visa allows journalists and those who work in the information or media sector. |
|
L1 visa |
Intracompany Transferee |
To work in a position requiring specialized knowledge |
|
P-1 visa |
Individual or Team Athlete, or Member of an Entertainment Group |
To perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete or as a member of an entertainment group. |
|
P-2 visa |
Artist or Entertainer |
For performance under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and another country. |
|
P-3 visa |
Artist or Entertainer |
To perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique or a traditional ethnic |
|
R-1 visa |
Temporary Non-immigrant Religious Workers |
To help foreign nationals to come to the US and work in a religious organization |
|
TN visa |
NAFTA Workers |
This visa temporarily allows lawyers, scientists, engineers, and teachers from Canada to work in the US. |
|
O1 Visa |
Visa for persons with extraordinary abilities |
The O1 visa is for those with expert knowledge in science, business, education, athletics, or art, including international recognition for their work. |
H1B 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.
*Want to apply for H-1B visa? Get expert guidance from Y-Axis.
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.
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
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
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:
|
USA work visa |
Processing fees |
|
J visa |
$160 |
|
L-1 visa |
$190 |
|
H-1B visa |
$190 |
|
H-2B visa |
$190 |
|
O1 visa |
$190 |
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.
|
USA work visa |
Processing time |
|
J visa |
1 to 4 months |
|
L-1 visa |
2 to 4 months |
|
H-1B visa |
3 to 8 months |
|
H-2B visa |
2 to 4 months |
|
O visa |
2 to 3 months |
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!
- Job search services to find related Jobs in the United States
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