US Work Visa for Indians

The employment rate in the USA was 60% in the year 2024, out of which the international workforce is also a part. Indians account for a large number of these international workers. In fact, in 2023, around 3,86,000 H-1B visas were applied for to work in the USA, and nearly 72% got approved. An even more interesting fact about that year was that India became one of the leading countries to acquire a work visa that year.

These high approval rates for the USA work visa spark the question of what’s so special about working there. Moreover, despite the high approval rates, why do a lot of individuals require additional support to get their applications processed? So, for those of you who are driven to work there and still trying to get a visa, worry not.

Let us hit the road to find what the USA's job market has to offer, everything about US work visas, along with some essential updates.

What Motivates Indians to Work in the USA?

There are many reasons why Indians are drawn so much towards the United States for employment. Here we debrief some of them for you:

1. Employee Benefits

The United States has quite appealing benefits for you in-store when you decide to work there. Along with a strong sense of financial independence, you can actually experience that relaxed work-life balance that you just heard stories about.

For instance, under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as an employee, you can avail up to 12 weeks of leave annually for severe health conditions. Speaking of earnings, even the minimum federal wage is $7.25 per hour, with states like California offering even higher rates at $15.50 per hour.

2. Quality of Life

One of the ultimate reasons why every Indian dreams of working in the United States is how happily individuals live there. The high living standards are built on the foundation of a cleaner environment, infrastructure, and advanced healthcare facilities.

3. Career Opportunities

Why many Indians find work in the United States and apply for a USA work visa because of an abundant, dynamic, and ripe job market. As opportunities continue to flourish, Indians commonly pursue sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. The presence of numerous multinational companies and startups creates a fantastic and positively competitive working environment.

4. Cultural Diversity

The USA. is a melting pot of cultures. It offers a social fabric that is rich and diverse in nature. However, an important thing to note here is that any country with diverse cultures may also come across some social and political challenges. This is a fantastic opportunity to upskill yourself by experiencing different traditions, cuisines, and perspectives.

USA Work Visa Requirements for Indians and How to go About it?

The way USA work visa for Indians gets approved, it also gets rejected or delayed due to lack of knowledge about its requirements. In fact, did you know that across the world, 3.5% of USA visa applications get rejected? Well, this statistical report from 2023 clearly implies the need to understand how to go about your work visa application for the USA.

Know Your Visa Type

Check for Eligibility

You should secure employment from any USA employer who’s willing to sponsor your visa. In addition to that, your educational qualifications also determine your eligibility. Last but not least, labour certification is also required for certain work visas. It is to confirm that onboarding you won't have any adverse effect on the USA workers' wages and conditions.

Application Process

The USA work visa application follows a structured process to ensure seamless and swift approval. Here’s how it goes:

1. Your prospective employer files a petition (e.g., Form I-129) with USA Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf.
2. Fill out Form DS-160, widely known as your non-immigrant visa application and print the confirmation page.
3. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. This amount may vary based on the visa type you’ve applied for.
4. Schedule your appointments for photograph and fingerprint processing at the Visa Application Centre (VAC), and for the interview, schedule one at the US embassy/ consulate.
5. You must take along all the required documents, including a valid passport, Form DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, and supporting documents like the approved petition.
6. If approved, your passport and visa will be returned via courier.

Processing Time

First, you must secure a sponsored job in the USA, which requires a refined resume. Once you get the job, how quickly you apply for the relevant visa type determines the processing time. Since the processing time can extend for upto months, it's advisable to apply ahead of your intended travel date. Generally, the processing time for all USA visa applications ranges from 2 to 8 months.

Quick Updates on USA Work Visa

In response to the evolving global economic and political picture, the US work visa regulations have been updated. These updates shall be considered effective from January 17, 2025, and include:

1. The criteria for "speciality occupation" positions have been updated to reflect current industry standards better. This step ensures that these roles are appropriately classified.
2. The requirement that employers demonstrate the right to control the daily work of H-1B employees has been removed. This change offers greater flexibility, particularly for third-party placement arrangements.
3. The new regulations permit third-party placement arrangements without requiring employers to provide detailed day-to-day assignments for the entire employment period. 
4. Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, will be refreshed and will have a revised version. From 17th January 2025, only the updated form will be accepted for H-1B petitions, streamlining the application process.

Also Read : USA Visa for Indians

Have you Packed Your Bags for the USA?

USA work visa application, without any doubt, can feel like an extensive process. However, once you get the visa, there are many things you’d require before packing your bags, and insurance is a part of them. Yes, travelling all the way to the other side of the world without any coverage leaves you exposed to different types of expenses and unexpected situations that may require financial support.

At Niva Bupa, we offer travel insurance for USA plans with comprehensive coverage that provides peace of mind and helps you enjoy your stay. You can even go for the tailored plans to get health coverage as well.

FAQs

1. How much does a USA work visa for Indians cost?

   $160 to $190 (approximately ₹13,830-₹16,425) is the fee for getting your work visa for the USA. In Indian rupees as of the current conversion rate, this may total up to anywhere from ₹13,835.42 to ₹16,429.56.

2. What is the USCIS, and what is its role in the work visa process?

   USCIS is short for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Its role is to process and adjudicate your work visa applications. 

3. What is the H-1B visa lottery system?

   Given the high demand for work visa applicants, the USA has initiated a lottery system to pick whose petition will be picked first randomly.

4. Can I extend my USA work visa?

   Suppose you've applied to renew your expiring Employment Authorization Document by filling out Form I-765. In that case, you become eligible for an automatic extension of up to 540 days while your application is being processed.