Other Than H1-B, Can US Companies Hire From India?

Yes, besides the H-1B visa, there are several other ways a U.S. company can hire someone from India, depending on the job type, qualifications, and company structure. Here are the main options:

1. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfer)

• For employees who work for a multinational company with offices in both India and the U.S.

• You must have worked for the company for at least 1 year abroad in the past 3 years.

• Two types:

o L-1A: Managers and executives.

o L-1B: Employees with specialized knowledge.

2. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

• For people with extraordinary achievements in fields like tech, science, education, arts, or business.

• Requires strong evidence like awards, patents, publications, or high salaries.

• No annual cap like H-1B.

3. TN Visa (Only for Canadians and Mexicans)

• Mentioned here to clarify: This is not available to Indian nationals.

4. E-2 Visa (Investor Visa)

• Not for employees, but if you invest a substantial amount in a U.S. business, you may qualify.

• India is not currently eligible for E-2 unless you have citizenship in a treaty country.

5. Green Card via Employment (PERM Process)

• A U.S. employer can sponsor you for permanent residency (green card).

• This is a longer process but can lead to a long-term solution.

• Common categories include EB-2 and EB-3.

6. J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Program)

• For interns, trainees, researchers, and cultural exchange participants.

• Sometimes used by tech or research companies for short-term hiring.

Summary:

Yes, U.S. companies can hire Indians under other visa types like L-1 (intra-company), O-1 (extraordinary talent), or sponsor directly for a green card. The right path depends on your role, experience, and the employer's capacity to sponsor.