A major decision by US President Donald Trump has shocked professionals around the world. A hefty fee of $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh) has been imposed on new H-1B visa applications from September 21. This fee applies only to applicants from outside the US, while existing visa holders and those seeking renewal or extension are exempted. The H-1B visa is an employer-sponsored visa for specific occupations. It is valid for 3 to 6 years.
Indian professionals account for over 70% of H-1B visa holders. Due to this increased cost, they are now seeking alternative ways to enter the US employment market. These options include the L-1 visa (company internal transfer), O-1 visa (exceptional talent), EB-5 visa (investor), and OPT (optional practical training).
L-1 visa: Internal transfer within the company
The L-1 visa is for employees who transfer from a multinational company's overseas office to its US office. There are two types: L-1A (manager/executive) and L-1B (specialty employees). The cost includes a USCIS filing fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs 92,000), $2,805 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh) for optional premium processing, and legal fees ranging from Rs 4.4 lakh to ₹2.2 million. To be eligible, applicants must have worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the last three years, and the company must have offices in the US and abroad.
O-1 Visa: A Visa for Exceptional Talent
The O-1 visa is for those who have achieved extraordinary achievements in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or sports. It requires national or international recognition and meeting at least three of eight criteria, such as awards, publications, or significant contributions to the field.
The cost includes a USCIS fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs 92,000), a premium processing fee of $2,805 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh), legal fees ranging from ₹4.8 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, and a visa integrity fee of $250 (approximately Rs 22,000), effective 2025. It requires extensive documentation.
EB-5 Visa: Visa for Permanent Residence Through Investment
The EB-5 visa is for investors seeking permanent residence by making a significant investment in the United States. A minimum investment of $800,000 (approximately ₹7.04 lakh) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) project or $1,050,000 (approximately ₹9.2 lakh) in a non-TEA project is required. At least 10 full-time jobs must be created or preserved. Costs include administrative fees (10% of the investment, approximately Rs 7 lakh), legal fees (Rs 2.2 lakh to Rs 3.08 lakh), and USCIS fees ($12,160 or approximately Rs 10.6 lakh for an I-829 and $9,525 or approximately Rs 8.3 lakh for an I-829). The investment must be risky and have the potential for loss.
OPT: Students for Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is for F-1 student visa holders who wish to gain experience in a job related to their field of study after completing their studies. Completion of at least one academic year is required, and the employment must be related to the student's major field of study. OPT costs include an application fee of $520 (approximately Rs 45,500) and an optional legal assistance fee. It is valid for 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension available for STEM graduates.
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