H-1B Visa Application From India: Requirements, Process & Work Opportunities in USA

USA 2,057 Views Updated On Oct 9, 2025 7:01 PM IST
H-1B Visa USA

Learn how to apply for H1B Visa from India. Know eligibility, costs, and interview prep tips from The Student Helpline experts.

Around late June 1952, the Immigration and Nationality Act became a permanent enactment under US immigration laws. Post this enactment, numerous types of visas were introduced like H1 Visa, which implies a selective immigration system that offers privileges to individuals from foreign countries who possess skillsets that were required by the USA. Post The Immigration Act 1990, the H1 visa USA was bifurcated into two visa types, namely: H1 A visa and H1 B Visa. Keep on reading to know more about H1 B Visa with The Student Helpline consultancy services to elevate your chances of getting a work visa for USA.

What Is H1 B Visa? Know the Fundamentals

It is the most preferred work visa out of the other H1 Visa Types for all those looking for employment opportunities in the US. It is specifically famous among the Indians because there exist multiple job openings in the USA. Moreover, the job prospects in USA are quite promising when it comes to advancement in career and providing excellent exposure.

Moreover, the H1 B Visa means it is a non-immigrant visa which makes the US enterprises capable of hiring professionals from a different country for specific job roles. These primarily constitute professional areas such as Engineering, Information Technology, and others. Talking about this type of H1 visa validity period, stays applicable for up to 3 years with a maximum extension of 6 years.

What Are the H1 B Visa Application Requirements?

There are certain set of norms and formalities that need to be fulfilled prior to applying for this H1 Visa Type:-

  • Must attain a work experience of around 12 years.
  • In order to get US H1 visa, make sure you attain a genuine offer letter from a recognized firm or any other US-based employer.
  • The job profile should imply a specialized job role with regard to the specific merit and qualification in the same regard.
  • To obtain a H1 B visa for a specified job role, make sure that you have a relevant undergraduate degree or some higher degree in the respective filed.
  • The MD of the company should file a petition demonstrating that they were unable to employ any US employee for this specific designation.

For further information into this Visa type such as the H1 B visa USA requirements, contact The Student Helpline as they would make sure that you meet all these requirements and others before filing an application regarding the same.

List of H1 B Visa Documentation

Following is a well-curated list of all the documents you need to collect before heading for the H1 B Visa Type:-

  • Authentic Passport
  • Relevant Bachelor's or any higher study degree
  • Elaborate Resume with all essential qualification and experiences
  • Experience letter from past companies for your H1 B visa.
  • Latest Passport-sized photographs
  • Non-immigrant Online US H1 B visa application form duly completed
  • Receipt of fee payment for H1 B Visa Application

What Is the H1 B Visa Application Process?

The application process for H1 B Visa comprises of different steps that specifically needs to be followed by the Company's employer. However, if you are the applicant, you are required to first find a sponsor or an employer to initiate the process:-

  • H1 B Visa Petition from the Employer: involves filing of Form I -29 with the US Services for Immigration and Citizenship Services.
  • H1 B Visa Lottery results: A lottery is conducted for the selection of candidates who shall qualify for the next round. This is because of the hike of the number of US H1 B visa applications. At present the cap on this is around 86,000 visas each year.
  • Getting the Visa Approval and Stamping done: Upon selection, the applicant would go through certain procedures to attain approval followed by US H1 B visa stamping, post an interview with US embassy here.

On obtaining the stamp on the Visa, the applicant can fly to US and begin with their job role. Further, for any Visa related assistance, avail the services of The Student Helpline.

H1 B Visa Processing Time and Its Related Attributes

The H1 B Visa Processing Time is difficult to foresee for it is dependent on certain attributes such as the yearly cap, if premium type of processing is opted for, and others. Additionally, the chronology behind capping is:-

  • First comes the registration time period
  • The second step involves conducting a lottery and selecting the applicants
  • The chosen ones have to file the H1 B Visa completed petition form within 90 days.

Annual Cap on H1 B Visa for 2019-2025

Figure 1: Annual Cap on H1 B Visa(Regular Cap + Additional Visa Cap) for 2019-2025

H1 B Visa Fee Structure for Indian Nationals

H1 B work visa, the most prominent of all the H1 Visa types, process of application involves varied kinds of fees that is mostly taken care of by the recruiting employer. But also, if the applicant is using a premium processing type, the application for H1 B Visa USA cost may differ from time to time. Now, let's have a glimpse into the H1 B US Visa fee structure –

S.No. Types of H1 B Visa Fees H1 B Visa Fees Approximate Amount
1. Form I-129 Around 465.00 $
2. American Competitiveness & Workforce Improvement Act 1998
  • Around 800.00 $ for at least 25 employees in full time
  • Around 1500.00 $ in case the no. of employees increase
3. Fraud Prevention Around 501.00 $
4. Visa Application Around 200.00 $
5. For Premium Applications Around 2550.00 $

To have a purview of the types of fees levied in detail, reach out The Student Helpline consultants for their assistance.

Types of Questions Asked During H1 B Visa Interviews

The H1 B Visa Interview Questions may differ as per the following different sections. Take a look at some of the basic visa questions:-

H1 B Visa Interview Questions Regarding the Purpose of Coming to USA

  • What's your reason behind coming to work in US?
  • You got any plans to return back to your home country after working at US firms?
  • Any member of the family residing in US already?
  • Is this your first visit to US?
  • Any dependents you have who in future might visit US along with with you in case your visa stands approved?

H1 B Visa Interview Questions Regarding Academic Background

  • Highest academic qualification?
  • During which year you graduated from the university?
  • Have you undertaken any internships during the course of your study?
  • How do you justify your academic credentials being specific to the job you have been selected for?
  • Which course you studied during your graduation?

H1 B Visa Interview Questions Regarding Professional Experience

  • Tell your past job details?
  • Are you at present working with any firm?
  • What salary amount did you last draw?
  • Can you tell the time period for which you worked for in the last company?
  • What were the key roles you played in your past company?

H1 B Visa Interview Questions in regard to the employer

Figure 2: H1 B Visa Interview Questions in regard to the employer

Perks of the H1 B Visa for Visa Holders

H1 B Visa Benefits are provided to both the employers as well as the Visa Holders. Let's discuss a few of them with respect to the Visa Holders:-

  • Provides the opportunity to work in one of the leading and well recognized companies paying good salaries.
  • Such type of H1 Visa type holders get accessibility to permanent residence and can transform themselves as green card holders.
  • Also, they become eligible for accessing the education system of US.
  • H1 B dependent visa holder's better half under the age limit of 21 years can accompany with him\her.

If you want to learn about and compare the advantages provided to H1 B Visa Holders and the employers in detail, visit The Student Helpline portal.

With H1 B Visa in Hand, Explore the Work Opportunities in US

This type of H1 Visa is a golden chance for Indian citizens seeking job opportunities in USA. No matter how many number of challenges exists like capping on visa, it still is a sure short way for guaranteed advancement in career and also one can get immense exposure globally.

So, if you also want to say yes to a better future by applying for H1 B Visa, take a guided tour into its depths with The Student Helpline team of expert visa consultants like our H1 visa consultants in Hyderabad and other cities pan India.

FAQs Regarding H1 B Visa Application and Its Overall Procedure

How Many Years I Can Stay on H1 B Visa?

For up to 3 years, you can stay on H1 B Visa with the option to extend the H1 B Visa Validity for a maximum of approximately 6 years.

Furthermore, to gain more knowledge on the visa applications, avail The Student Helpline assistance as our team would help you provide with the respective data.

What Happens After 6 Years of H-1B Visa?

Usually, you are required to leave the country (USA) on completion of the H1 B Visa USA maximum limit of 6 years along with the inability to attain a permanent residence. Attain The Student Helpline quick assistance in case you are reaching the maximum stay limit and want to learn more on the available alternatives to avoid the respective consequence.

How Many Times Can I Renew My H-1B Visa?

There is no specific limit mentioned for the number of times one can renew or extend their H1 B Visa Validity. Also, your visa validity is subject to the maximum limit of 6 years. However, if your status on permanent residence stands pending for a duration of around 1 year then you can attain the privilege of getting extensions on your Visa.

Contact The Student Helpline team for further guidance regarding any of your queries related to Visa application and procedures.

What Is the Cost of an H-1B Visa?

4,500 USD under Public Law 113 & 114 and 500 USD approximately under fraud prevention and detection constitutes the H1 B Visa cost for application. Enroll now with The Student Helpline for their supremacy in addressing proactively the Visa related queries.

What Is H1 B Visa?

The H1 B Visa means that employers in USA are allowed to file a request to employ highly skilled foreign nationals into specific work areas based on a particular specialty. For further details on this Visa and its fee structure and application requirements, approach The Student Helpline.

Does H1 B Visa Lead to Green Card?

Yes, the H1 B Visa USA can lead to the eligibility for the application of the Green Card provided they are close to reaching the maximum limit of 6 years stay permit.

To find out more on the perks provided to H1 B Visa holders, use The Student Helpline best consultancy service for their ultimate guidance.

What Is the Age Limit for H1 B Visa Application?

As such there is no specified limit on the age for US H1 B Visa Application. But, just in case you get any family member of yours specifically your children then they should fall within the age limit of 21 years. Discover more on the H1 B Visa requirements with the help from some of the best consultants at The Student Helpline.

What Is the H1 B Dependent Visa?

The H1 B dependent Visa is for the H-1B Visa holder's children within 21 years of age and their spouse who need to apply for entry under the H-4 category for non-immigrants.To get an in depth outlook on the H1 B Visa for dependents, visit The Student Helpline website.

Which Professions Fall Under the Eligibility for H1 B Visa?

Healthcare, Information and Technology, Teaching, Computer Science, and some of the professional disciplines that fall under the eligibility criteria for H1 B Visa USA application. Explore more into the eligibility criteria for H1 B Visa Application with the help from our dedicated team at The Student Helpline.

What Is the Difference Between L1 Visa and H1 B Visa?

The major distinguishing point between the 2 Visas is that L1 visa is specifically for employee transfers within the company in US while the H1 B visa is purely devised for non-immigrants from foreign countries who have been hired by a US company for their specialized skill in a specific profession. To get an elaborate explanation on H1 b vs L1 visa, contact The Student Helpline for assistance.

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About the Author
Rahul Kumar
Written by Rahul Kumar Rahul Kumar Study Abroad Expert

Rahul Kumar is a dynamic and seasoned writer, currently serving as a Study Abroad Expert at The Student Helpline. Specializing in crafting comprehensive study materials for international standardized exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, PTE, and SAT, he brings over five years of experience to his role. Rahul’s passion lies in guiding students through the complexities of exam preparation and the study abroad journey. His insightful articles provide students with valuable information on exam processes, college admissions, top universities, course selection, and more—empowering them to succeed in their academic goals abroad.