Visa Types
USA Work Visa Essentials
Find out what documents you need to work temporarily or permanently in the United States.
Key Points for USA Work Visa>>>
Do you need a visa to travel to the USA?
Yes, Indians need visas to travel to the USA.
USA visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain an the USA visa?
Yes, there is a visa interview required for Indian citizens who wish to travel to the United States. This interview is typically conducted at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India and is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from USA?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Work visa fee: click here
Apply for a work visa
The process for applying for a work visa depends on the type of visa you need.
There are several categories of temporary worker visas for the United States:
- H-1B visa for speciality occupations
- H-2A visa for temporary or seasonal agricultural work
- H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural work
- L visa for intracompany transferees
- O visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in science, arts, education, business, or athletics
- P visa for athletes, artists, and entertainers
- Q visa for international cultural exchange programs
- R visa for religious workers
Steps to Apply
Let us walk you through the process
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Step 1: Know Your Visa Type
- When applying for a visa to the United States, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or employment, to select the appropriate visa category.
- Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and financial obligations for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application for the United States.
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Step 2: Complete Your Application
As a Nonimmigrant Visa applicant, you must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form accurately. Please carefully read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form before starting your application. Please note that once you submit the form, you cannot make any changes, so make sure all information is correct.
Please note that the call centre cannot help you complete your application. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
If you have previously been denied a visa, you must complete a new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
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Step 3: Pay Your Visa Fees
You must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your visa type. Please refer to the visa fee page for the current fee in both US dollars and your local currency.
To pay your visa fee, please read the bank and payment options page. This page explains the available payment methods and how to complete your payment. Once you have paid the fee, you will create a profile and receive a receipt number, which you must keep to book your visa appointment.
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Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment
You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment. Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to Your Profile: Log in to your profile using the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
- Select the Schedule Appointment Button: Click the “Schedule Appointment” button to start the scheduling process.
- Schedule Two Appointments: You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your VAC Appointment: Schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Center. At the VAC, you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment: Schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. Same-day appointments are available for certain visa classes. The VAC appointment time must be before the consular appointment time.
- Gather Required Information: You will need three pieces of information to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The visa application fee receipt number
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
- Complete the Scheduling Process: As you go through the process, you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
- Log in to Your Profile: Log in to your profile using the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
- Select the Schedule Appointment Button: Click the “Schedule Appointment” button to start the scheduling process.
- Schedule Two Appointments: You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your VAC Appointment: Schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Center. At the VAC, you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment: Schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. Same-day appointments are available for certain visa classes. The VAC appointment time must be before the consular appointment time.
- Gather Required Information: You will need three pieces of information to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The visa application fee receipt number
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
- Complete the Scheduling Process: As you go through the process, you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
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Step 5: Attend Your Interview
Before your appointment at the Visa Application Center, make sure to gather the following documents and items:
- A Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States(unless country specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- Your DS-160 Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your Appointment Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation page.
- One Photograph (If Applicable): If the applicant is under 14 years of age, you must bring one photograph as per U.S. visa specifications. See the photos and fingerprints section of the website for more details.
Make sure to review the specific requirements for your visa type and location. In some cases, you may need to bring additional documents or items. It’s always a good idea to double-check the requirements before your appointment.
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Step 6: Track Your Passport
Here’s what you need to know about collecting your visa:
- You will be notified via email and SMS when your passport is ready for pickup at the location you selected during the appointment scheduling process.
- If you prefer, you can also opt for premium delivery services to have your passport and visa delivered directly to your address.
- Please bring the following items with you when you go to collect your passport:
- Your appointment confirmation page
- A government-issued photo ID
- Any other documents as requested during your interview
Double-check that all the information on your visa is correct before leaving the pickup location.
Important Notice: Please be advised that children under the age of 14 are not required to attend the visa appointment at the Visa Application Center or the interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives are permitted to present the necessary documents on their behalf.
Process your application:
The consular officer conducting your interview will assess your application, ask questions to verify your eligibility, and determine whether or not to approve your visa.
Receive your visa:
If your visa application is approved, the consular officer will take your passport to stamp the visa into it, and you will usually receive your passport within a few days. If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will return your passport to you and provide you with a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
You may need to bring with you the documents you submitted with your visa application or present additional documents to the border services officer on arrival in the United States.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
There are several work visa categories available for individuals from India who wish to work in the United States. Here are some of the common pathways and the documents typically required for each:
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1. H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations):
- Valid passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- H-1B petition approval notice (Form I-797).
- Labor Condition Application (LCA) approved by the Department of Labor.
- Educational credentials (transcripts, degrees, diplomas).
- Employment offer letter or contract.
- Evidence of specialized skills or qualifications.
- Documentation of relevant work experience.
- Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support yourself in the United States.
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2. L-1 Visa (Intra-Company Transfers):
- Valid passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- L-1 petition approval notice (Form I-797).
- Evidence of the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign company.
- Proof of employment with the foreign company for the required period.
- Proof of specialized knowledge or managerial/executive role.
- Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support yourself in the United States.
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3. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability):
- Valid passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- Evidence of extraordinary ability in your field (awards, recognition, publications, etc.).
- Employment offer letter or contract from a U.S. employer.
- Itinerary of events or projects to be undertaken in the United States.
- Recommendation letters from experts in the field.
- Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support yourself in the United States.
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4. E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor):
- Valid passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- E-2 treaty investor application and supporting documentation.
- Proof of investment in a U.S. enterprise or business plan.
- Evidence of ownership or controlling interest in the U.S. enterprise.
- Financial documents to demonstrate the substantial investment and ability to support yourself.
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5. TN Visa (Trade NAFTA):
- Valid passport.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- Employment offer letter or contract from a U.S. employer.
- Proof of professional qualifications and eligibility under the NAFTA agreement.
- Academic credentials (transcripts, degrees, diplomas).
- Professional licenses or certifications.
- Financial documents to demonstrate the ability to support yourself in the United States.
Please note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the visa category, individual circumstances, and the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. It’s important to consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy in India or contact the embassy directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the work visa application process.
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Here is a list of various pathways to obtain a work permit for the United States from India:
1. Employment-based visas:
- H-1B Visa: For individuals in specialty occupations.
- L-1 Visa: For intracompany transfers within multinational companies.
- E-1/E-2 Visa: For treaty traders/investors (requires citizenship of a qualifying treaty country).
- O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- TN Visa: For Canadian and Mexican professionals under the NAFTA agreement.
- P Visa: For athletes, artists, entertainers, and performers.
- Q Visa: For participants in international cultural exchange programs.
- R Visa: For religious workers.
- I Visa: For representatives of foreign media.
- H-2A Visa: For temporary agricultural workers.
- H-2B Visa: For temporary non-agricultural workers.
2. Family-based visas with work authorization:
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document) through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
3. Diversity Visa Program:
- DV Lottery Program: Provides an opportunity for individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to apply for a green card (permanent residency), which includes work authorization.
4. Asylum or Refugee status:
- Asylum or Refugee status: If you meet the eligibility criteria for asylum or refugee status due to persecution or fear of persecution in your home country, you may be able to obtain work authorization.
5. Temporary Protected Status (TPS):
- TPS is granted to individuals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. It provides temporary work authorization.
6. Optional Practical Training (OPT):
- F-1 students who have completed
- a degree program in the U.S. may be eligible for OPT, which allows them to work in a field related to their studies for a certain period.
7. Exchange Visitor Programs:
- J-1 Visa: For individuals participating in approved exchange visitor programs, including work and study opportunities.
It’s important to note that each work permit category has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. Consulting with an immigration attorney or visiting the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is recommended for detailed and up-to-date information on work permit pathways.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160):This is the standard online application form that must be completed for most nonimmigrant visa categories, including work visas.
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) Confirmation Page: This page confirms the submission of your DS-160 application form.
Nonimmigrant Treaty Trader / Investor Application (DS-156E): This form is required for E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor visa categories.
Application for Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129): This form is required for various work visa categories such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, P-1, and others. It is typically completed by the employer or sponsoring organization.
Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-157): This form is required for male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, primarily from designated countries, to provide additional personal information.
Labor Condition Application (LCA): This form is required for H-1B and E-3 visa categories. It is submitted by the employer to the U.S. Department of Labor to attest to the working conditions and wages offered to the employee.
Note: The above list is a general guide, and the actual forms and documents required may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific work visa category. It is important to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country or on the official U.S. Department of State website.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
- Determine the Work Visa Category: Determine the appropriate work visa category based on your employment situation and eligibility. Common work visa categories include H-1B, L-1, O-1, and TN, among others.
- Employer Sponsorship: Find a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa. The employer must file the necessary petition and obtain approval from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can proceed with the visa application.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online accurately and truthfully. Upload a suitable photograph as per the specifications.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which can be done online through the designated payment methods.
- Schedule an Interview: Create an account on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website, select the location, and schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- Employer’s petition approval notice (I-797)
- Offer of employment or employment contract
- Educational qualifications and degrees
- Relevant professional licenses or certifications
- Proof of specialized skills or expertise
- Financial documents to demonstrate your ability to support yourself in the United States
- Any additional documents specific to your work visa category
- Attend the visa interview: On the scheduled date, appear for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Answer the interviewer’s questions honestly and provide any requested documents.
- Visa processing and decision: After the interview, if visa approved, your passport will be kept by the embassy and returned to you with the visa affixed. If denied, your passport will be returned the same time.
Note: The above steps are a general guide, and the actual process may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific work visa category. It is essential to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India or on the official U.S. Department of State website
Employment-Based Immigrant Visas: If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, you may be eligible for employment-based immigrant visas such as the EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3 categories, which are based on your qualifications, skills, or work experience.
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: This visa category is for individuals with specialized knowledge or advanced degrees who have a job offer from a U.S. employer. The employer must sponsor the visa application.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: If you work for a multinational company with offices in both India and the United States, you may be eligible for the L-1 visa, which allows for intra-company transfers.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa: If you possess extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, or business, you may qualify for the O-1 visa, which requires evidence of sustained national or international acclaim.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: If you are an investor from India in a U.S. business or plan to establish a new business, you may be eligible for the E-2 visa if there is a treaty in place between India and the United States.
Diversity Visa Lottery Program: The U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, allows individuals from eligible countries, including India, to apply for a chance to receive a green card and permanently live and work in the United States.
Exchange Visitor Programs: Various exchange visitor programs, such as the J-1 visa, offer opportunities to work and gain experience in the United States for a limited period. These programs include categories like internships, research scholars, and cultural exchange programs.
Investment-Based Visas: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program provides a path to permanent residency in the United States for individuals who invest a certain amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs.
Family-Sponsored Visas: If you have a close family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for a family-sponsored visa, such as an immediate relative visa or a family preference visa.
Temporary Work Visas: There are various temporary work visas available for specific occupations and purposes, such as the H-2A visa for agricultural workers, H-2B visa for non-agricultural temporary workers, or TN visa for professionals from Canada or Mexico under the NAFTA agreement.
It is important to note that each visa category has specific eligibility requirements and application processes. It is recommended to consult the official website of the U.S. Department of State or seek assistance from an immigration attorney to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances