If you’re an Indian citizen looking to work in the United States, the H2B visa program may be right for you. The H2B visa allows foreign workers to come to the US temporarily for non-agricultural work when there is a shortage of available American workers to fill the positions. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of the H2B visa program, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and more.

Key Takeaways:

• The H2B visa program allows foreign workers to come to the US temporarily for non-agricultural work when there is a shortage of available American workers to fill the positions.
• To be eligible for the program, you must have a job offer from a US employer, be coming to the US for a temporary or seasonal job, and be a citizen of a designated country, including India.
• The H2B visa application process involves the US employer submitting a labor certification application to the US Department of Labor, followed by the foreign worker submitting a visa application to the US embassy or consulate in their home country.
• H2B visas are issued for up to one year, with the possibility of an extension for up to a total of three years.

Eligibility Requirements for the H2B Visa Program for India

To be eligible for the H2B visa program as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a job offer from a US employer.
• You must be coming to the US for a temporary or seasonal job.
• You must be a citizen of a designated country, including India.
• You must meet any additional requirements for the position, such as education or experience requirements.

Steps to Apply for the H2B Visa Program for India

The H2B visa application process involves two main steps:

1. The US employer submits a labor certification application to the US Department of Labor (DOL). This involves proving that there are no American workers available to fill the position and that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on wages and working conditions for American workers. This process can take several months to complete.

2. The foreign worker submits a visa application to the US embassy or consulate in their home country. This involves providing documentation to prove eligibility for the program, such as a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and evidence of ties to India to prove that the worker will return home after their visa expires. The visa application fee is $190.

How Long Can You Stay in the US on an H2B Visa?

H2B visas are issued for up to one year, with the possibility of an extension for up to a total of three years. However, extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the availability of work and the needs of the US employer. It’s important to note that H2B visa holders are not eligible to apply for permanent residency (green card) in the US.

Conclusion

If you’re an Indian citizen looking to work temporarily in the US, the H2B visa program may be right for you. Just remember that the program has specific eligibility requirements and a multi-step application process, so it’s important to do your research and work closely with your US employer and the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

FAQ

Q: Can I bring my dependents with me on an H2B visa?

A: Yes, H2B visa holders can bring their spouses and minor children with them to the US on H4 visas. However, H4 visa holders are not eligible to work in the US.

Q: What happens if I lose my job while on an H2B visa?

A: If you lose your job while on an H2B visa, you may be able to find another H2B-eligible job and apply for a change of employer. However, you must do so within a certain timeframe and meet all eligibility requirements. If you are unable to find another eligible job, you will have to leave the US.