Nonimmigrant H-1B — Speciality OccupationVerified 2026-04-19USA H-1B Work Visa (Speciality Occupation) — Informational
The H-1B is the most common US work visa for Indian tech/engineering/finance professionals. Employer-sponsored (I-129 petition), annual lottery in March (65,000 regular + 20,000 US master's cap), valid 3 years extendable to 6, dual intent (can apply for Green Card). Indians receive ~70% of annual H-1B visas. Employer-driven, complex, and outside SureshotVisa's direct scope.
H-1B requires your US employer's legal team to file the I-129 petition with USCIS, handle the annual lottery, Labor Condition Application (LCA), and manage compliance. SureshotVisa does not process H-1B petitions — consult your US employer's immigration attorney or a specialist US immigration law firm.
Processing
Petition filed with USCIS March-April
Stay Duration
Initial 3 years, extendable to 6 (more if Green Card is pending)
Starting Fee
$185
Apply At
6 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Indian professionals with US job offer in specialty occupation
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent (3-year degree + 3 years work experience also qualifies)
- Job requires at least bachelor's in specific field
- Employer willing to file LCA + I-129 + pay required wage
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist visa | $185 |
| F-1 / M-1 Student visa | $185 |
| J-1 Exchange Visitor | $185 |
| H/L/O/P/Q Work visas | $205 |
| R-1 Religious Worker visa | $205 |
| C/D Transit/Crewmember visa | $185 |
| I Journalist/Media | $185 |
| K-1 Fiancé(e) | $265 |
| E Treaty Trader/Investor | $315 |
All US nonimmigrant visa (MRV) fees are set in USD by the Department of State and paid online in India via usvisascheduling.com. The INR amount depends on exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: SEVIS fee for F/M/J visas (paid to ICE separately), VFS document delivery charges, photograph, and any USCIS petition fees (for work visas — usually paid by employer). MRV fees are non-refundable regardless of interview outcome. USCIS petition fees (I-129): base $460 + ACWIA $750-1,500 + Fraud Prevention $500 + Asylum Program $600 + (optional) Premium Processing $2,805 — typically ALL paid by US employer.
Documents Required
Overview — for informational reference only
- !I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS (after employer's I-129 approval)
- !DS-160 + $205 MRV fee receipt
- !Original I-129 petition + supporting documents
- !Education credentials + equivalence evaluation
- !Experience letters / work history
- !US employer's LCA (Labor Condition Application)
- !Wage determination evidence
- !Passport valid 6 months beyond stay
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
US employer files I-129 with USCIS + LCA with DOL
Annual cap subject applicants enter lottery in March. Cap-exempt (universities, research orgs) can file year-round.
Receive I-797 Approval Notice
If lottery-selected + petition approved by USCIS. This is your key document.
Complete DS-160 + pay $205
Standard consular flow.
Schedule VAC + Consulate interview
Dedicated 'dropbox' option for renewals without interview (meeting criteria).
Interview at Consulate
Focus on your role, employer, qualifications, and non-immigrant intent (though dual intent allowed for H-1B).
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Mandatory online form for ALL US nonimmigrant visa applicants. Complete, submit, and print the confirmation page (with barcode) BEFORE booking your appointment.
US Embassy India — Official Visa Information
Official information on US visa services in India — covers all categories, updates, and notices.
USTravelDocs India — Appointment Scheduling & Fees
Where Indian applicants pay MRV fee, schedule VAC (biometrics) + Consulate (interview) appointments, and track passport return.
SEVIS Fee Payment (I-901) — for F/M/J visas
Required for student and exchange visa applicants BEFORE the visa interview. Keep the receipt.
USCIS — Petition-based Work Visa Information
For H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc — the employer files I-129 petition with USCIS first; approval notice (I-797) is required at visa interview.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the H-1B lottery work?+
Can I bring family?+
H-1B to Green Card?+
Why informational?+
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process US work visas?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other United States visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other United States Visa Types
USA Tourist Visa (B-2 — Tourism / Visit Family)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian citizens visiting the US for tourism, leisure, medical, or to see family/friends. Typically 10-year multiple-entry. $185.
USA Business Visa (B-1 — Business Visitor)
Non-immigrant visa for Indian professionals doing business activities in the US — meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting. $185. Usually combined B-1/B-2.
USA Student Visa (F-1 — Academic Student)
Full-time study visa for Indian students at US universities/colleges. Requires I-20 from SEVP-certified school + SEVIS fee + funds evidence. $185 visa fee.
USA Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) — Informational
For participants in State-Department-approved exchange programs — research scholars, interns, trainees, au pairs, summer work travel, physicians. Sponsor-driven.
USA L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa — Informational
For Indian managers/executives (L-1A) or specialised-knowledge employees (L-1B) transferring to a US branch/subsidiary of their employer. No annual cap. $205.
USA O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa — Informational
For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or film. Petition-based, no cap. Stringent standards.
USA P Visa (Athletes, Entertainers, Artists) — Informational
For internationally recognised athletes, entertainers, artists, or performers entering the US for specific events/competitions. P-1, P-2, P-3 sub-categories.
USA Q Cultural Exchange Visa — Informational
For participants in international cultural exchange programs providing practical training + cultural sharing with the American public.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United States website and Embassy of United States. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.