US Work Visa Types for Indians: Which One Fits You

The right category depends on three things: whether a US employer is hiring you, whether you already work for a multinational, and what kind of work you do. Fees are paid in rupees at the consular exchange rate, which the U.S. Embassy set at INR 98 per USD from 25 May 2026. All details are as published on the official sources, checked on 15 October 2026.

Which US work visas can Indians apply for?

The H group also covers temporary and seasonal workers and trainees. Some of its seasonal categories are closed to Indians, as explained below.

Is the H-1B still realistic after the $100,000 payment rule?

It is still open, but the cost has shifted to employers. Under Presidential Proclamation 10973, from 21 September 2025, H-1B petitions for workers outside the US must be accompanied by a $100,000 payment by the employer, unless DHS grants a national-interest exception. Proclamation 11069 renewed this for another 12 months from 21 September 2026.

This payment is not a visa application fee. You still pay the $205 fee for your visa. The $100,000 sits with the employer's petition.

Two more H-1B rules matter for applicants in India:

• Weighted selection. A DHS rule effective 27 February 2026 introduced weighted selection for cap-subject H-1B registrations, which generally favours higher-skilled, higher-paid workers, from the FY 2027 registration season.
• Timing. The Embassy or Consulate may process your visa up to 90 days before the start date on your I-797, and you can use it to enter from 10 days before that date.

H-1B and H-4 applicants must also set their social media accounts to "public".

When does an L-1 fit better than an H-1B?

If you already work for an international company in India, the L-1 can move you to its US office. The conditions are:

• a managerial or executive role, or specialised knowledge, going to a position at either level in the US company
• continuous employment with the company outside the US for one year within the three years before you apply for admission
• a USCIS-approved petition, individual or blanket

Blanket L-1 interviews in India are held only at the U.S. Consulate General Chennai. First-time principal applicants under a blanket petition pay a $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection fee at the consular cashier on interview day. A further $4,500 fee applies only where the petitioner has more than 50 US employees and more than 50% of them are in H-1B or L status. The $100,000 payment described above is tied to H-1B petitions.

Family rules differ too. An L-2 spouse may seek US work authorisation after entry by filing Form I-765. L-2 children may not work.

What do the O, P, Q and R visas cover?

• O visa: persons with extraordinary ability.
• P visa: athletes, artists and entertainers.
• Q visa: international cultural exchange programmes.
• R visa: religious workers.

All four sit in the $205 fee group. For O, P and Q, the Embassy's checklist asks for the receipt number of an approved I-129 petition. Q and R applicants are on the list of categories that must set social media accounts to "public". For detailed eligibility, read the U.S. Embassy's Types of Visas page.

Which US work routes are closed to Indian passport holders?

• H-2A seasonal agricultural workers: Indian and Bhutanese passport holders are not eligible.
• H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers: Indian and Bhutanese passport holders are not eligible.
• Diversity Visa lottery (green card): Indian citizens are not included.
• TN/TD: these are NAFTA professional categories, not a route for Indian citizens.

E visas ($315 fee group) are for treaty traders and investors. Check the Embassy's visa pages to confirm whether your nationality qualifies before you plan around one.

What happens at the consulate once your petition is approved?

You complete the DS-160, pay the $205 fee and book two appointments: biometrics at a Visa Application Center at least 2 business days before the interview, and the interview at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate General in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. Bring:

• the receipt number of your approved I-129 petition (I-797 approval notice)
• the DS-160 confirmation page and a passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay
• one 2 x 2-inch (51 x 51 mm) photo taken within the last six months
• your interview appointment letter

H-4 dependants of an H-1B holder already working in the US also need the H-1B holder's pay slips for the current year and US federal tax returns (Form 1040 and W-2s) for each year on H-1B. After the interview, visas typically take 7-10 working days. Some cases go to administrative processing, which cannot be predicted; most is resolved within 180 days of the interview.

Which visa fits your situation?

• US employer offering you a professional job and you hold a relevant degree: H-1B, if the employer will file the petition and handle the $100,000 payment.
• At least one year with a multinational in India: L-1.
• Top-level achievements in your field: O.
• Sportsperson, artist or entertainer with US engagements: P.
• Planning to study first: an F-1 student may be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training after completing course requirements.

For tourist, student and other US visa details, read our US visa guide for Indian applicants.

Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, with packages from INR 1,000 (flight reservation) to INR 3,000 (reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter). Reach us on WhatsApp at +91 95230 91018 or via our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays the $100,000 H-1B payment?

The employer. Proclamation 10973 requires the payment to accompany H-1B petitions for workers outside the US, unless DHS grants a national-interest exception. It is not a visa application fee.

How much is the US work visa fee in rupees?

The fee for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas is $205, paid in Indian rupees at the consular exchange rate. The U.S. Embassy set that rate at INR 98 per USD from 25 May 2026; it changes with the market.

Can an L-2 spouse work in the US?

Yes, after entry. The official US visa service for India says an L-2 spouse may seek work authorisation by filing Form I-765. L-2 children may not work.

Where are blanket L-1 visa interviews held in India?

Only at the U.S. Consulate General Chennai. First-time principal applicants pay a $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection fee there on interview day.