USA Work Visa From India – Eligibility, Document Checklist, How to Apply & More

The United States of America –is a federal republic with 50 states and is one of the most famous countries in the world. Its ever-expanding career opportunities are the major reason for a large number of immigration applications from India. Indian immigrants, who wish to enter the USA for work purposes, need to apply for a USA work visa. Here is the complete guide on how to get a USA work visa from India?

US Work Visa Categories

Based on the type of work you'll be undertaking, work permits are divided into the following categories:

• Journalist & Media (I) - This category allows journalists and other members of the media to work in the United States. They must, however, work for an organization based outside of the United States.
• Exchange visitor (J1) - Those visiting the United States as part of an exchange program are granted this visa. In addition to work purposes, this can be applied to the study exchange programs.
• Professional Job Visa (H1-B) - This is the most applied and issued type of visa among Indians, and it is granted to people who work in the professional fields. The H1B visa in the United States requires a bachelor's degree.
• Intra-company transfer (L1) - The L1 visa is for those who are going to the United States to work for a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent company of a foreign corporation.
• Artists/Entertainers/Athletes (P) - This category is for artists, entertainers, or athletes visiting the United States for a job or project.

[Read More: Migrate to USA - Benefits, Application Process, Documents & More]

Eligibility to get USA Work Visa

In order to apply for a work visa in the United States, you must meet the following requirements.

• Indian citizens must apply for a work visa and must be offered a job in the USA.
• You must have a job and a letter from your employer confirming your employment to apply for the work category.
• An I-129 and I-797 forms must be provided by your employer.
• In the United States, your employer must obtain Labour certification approval from the Department of Labor.
• You must be in good health to travel to the United States.
• You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a work permit.
• You must have a good conduct certificate and genuine intentions on visiting the USA for work.

Documents Required for USA H1-B Visa and other work visas:

Here is the list of documents required for a USA work visa for Indians.

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure date.
• Completed DS-160 application form
• Photos that match the required criteria – [50mm X 50mm, Colored, White Background, Recently taken picture, Minimum 70% face coverage, Neutral Facial expression, Opened Eyes directed towards Camera, Medically required Glasses are allowed, No uniforms, Headgears only for religious reasons]
• Forms I-129 and I-797 were copied.
• Educational documents
• Original employment offer letter/ contract document.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Acceptance letter for employment in the USA
• Experience certificate

Additional documents may also be required based on the visa category and the job you secured.

How to Apply for a USA Work Visa?

Applying for a work visa in the United States from India is a long and tedious process. So it is suggested to take the help of our USA work visa counselors at Global Tree, who can check whether you are eligible to apply for the USA work visa before they begin your application, then proceed with the process and reduce your work to the maximum extent.

Here is the step by step guide to applying for a USA work Visa from India:

• Check the above list of documents and make sure everything is ready before you proceed with the application process.
• Complete the DS-160 form on the US Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center website (CEAC). Note the DS-160 form barcode number because you'll need it later.
• Proceed to the payment of the application fee for the USA Work visa. Make a note of the receipt number.
• Start booking appointments by logging into your account after fee payment. You'll have to make two appointments. The first is for biometric submission at one of five VACs (Visa Application Centers) in India, and the second is for your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India.
  Note: USA Visa Application Centers in India – Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
• On the day of your initial appointment, bring your passport, appointment confirmation sheet, documents mentioned, and a DS-160 confirmation page to your VAC.
• You will be subjected to submit a fingerprint scan as well as a digital photograph.
• For your visa interview, you must bring a valid passport, documents, the appointment confirmation page, and the VAC stamped DS-160 sheet to the embassy or consulate.

[Read More: New Jobs Data May Lead To Rise In Immigration To USA]

The application form must be filled out completely and accurately. The information submitted must be accurate and true. If you provide fraudulent or fake documents, your application may be rejected. A visa denial is a severe matter that could prevent you from obtaining future visas.

Visa type	Description	Fee amount (in USD)	Fee amount (in INR)
C-1 &D	Transit & Ship/ Airline Crew	$160	Rs. 10880.00
H/ H1-B	Temporary/ Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees	$190	Rs. 12920.00
I & J	Journalist and Media or Exchange Visitor	$160	Rs. 10880.00
L	Intra company Transferees	$190	Rs. 12920.00
P	Athletes, Artists & Entertainers	$190	Rs. 12920.00
Q	International Cultural Exchange	$190	Rs. 12920.00
R	Religious Worker	$190	Rs. 12920.00
TN/TD	NAFTA* Professionals	$160	Rs. 10880.00

How long will it take to process a USA work visa?

USA Work visas are typically processed in 7-10 business days. However, depending on the type of visa, any further procedures required, the validity of the permit, the volume of applications at the individual embassy or consulate, and so on, these are almost certain to differ. Aside from that, you'll have to factor in the long time it takes to schedule an interview. As a result, it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible.

What is EAD in USA?

EAD – Employment Authority Document is the approval document or permits for people who already have USA visas to work legally in the US. This is not a visa. EAD is different from an H1-B visa. Mostly spouses or dependents of the USA visa holders apply for EAD to work in the USA legally. EAD cannot be applied from outside of the country.

How to get a Green card in USA for Indians?

Indian citizens who lived in the USA with residence permits con tinuously for 5 years are eligible to apply for a Green Card or US Citizenship. Applicant must have 18 years or above age. Before the application, you must have spent at least three months in the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Along with these, certain other requirements need to be fulfilled to get a Green Card in the USA. For complete details, get in touch with our USA visa counselors at Global Tree.

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