From H-1B to EB-5: Decoding the alphabet soup of US visas; eligibility, fee and how they work

With headlines dominated by Donald Trump’s sharp changes to America’s visa policies, terms like H-1B, L-1 or O visa can feel overwhelming. From stricter fees to wage-based selection processes, the United States is reshaping how foreign nationals enter and work in the country as part of its “Make America Great Again” drive. For many Indians hoping to study, work or settle there, knowing what each visa means has never been more important.

What a US visa actually is

A visa is essentially an official permission to travel to a US border or airport. Citizens of almost all foreign countries, including India, must obtain one before they arrive. The category depends on why you are travelling: to work, to study, for tourism or to live permanently.

Broadly, the United States divides its visas into two groups:

• Non-immigrant visas, which cover temporary visits such as tourism, short-term work or study.
• Immigrant visas, which allow a person to settle permanently, usually for work, family reunification or investment.

The main work visas

Because the US is a global economic hub, its work visa categories are the most sought after. Let’s take a look at the key options:

H-1B visa

Created in 1990 under President George HW Bush, this programme was designed to bring in highly educated professionals in fields with labour shortages. It covers “specialty occupations” requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

The visa is normally valid for three years and extendable to six. According to fwd.us, there are about 730,000 H-1B holders and another 550,000 dependents living in the US.

Fees historically ranged between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on employer size. But on 19 September, Donald Trump signed a decree imposing a $100,000 fee per application from 21 September, a move that shocked tech firms and visa holders.

L-1 visa

This category lets multinational companies transfer employees from overseas offices to US branches.

There are two subtypes:

• L-1A for managers and executives, valid for three years.
• L-1B for staff with specialised knowledge, valid for one year.

O visas

Reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in areas like science, business, education, arts, sports or entertainment. Applicants must show they are at the top of their field and recognised nationally or internationally.

Different subcategories exist. O-1A applies to extraordinary ability in science, education, business or athletics. O-1B covers extraordinary achievement in the arts or in the motion picture and television industries. Even personal assistants and managers of such talent may qualify.

P visas

Issued to athletes, entertainers, artists and essential support staff travelling to the US to perform.

Other specialist visas

The E-1 and E-2 visas allow individuals to conduct trade or investment activities. The Q visa supports international cultural exchange programmes offering training and employment. Religious workers can apply for an R visa to serve temporarily in the US.

Student visas

America’s universities are a global magnet for talent. For students, three main visa options exist:

F visa: The most common, covering full-time courses at accredited institutions such as universities, high schools or conservatories. It costs about $500 to apply, and applicants need an acceptance letter, a Form I-20 from the school and proof of funds.

M visa: For vocational or non-academic programmes, often offered by community or junior colleges. The SEVIS I-901 fee is $330 with an additional $185 application fee.

J visa: For exchange programmes designated by the Exchange Visitor Program, covering high school and college students. It includes Au Pair schemes, camp counsellor roles, physician programmes, professor and research scholar placements, and teacher programmes.

Permanent and family-related visas

Beyond temporary stays, the US offers permanent visas under its Employment-Based (EB) categories, which provide a path to a Green Card.

EB-1: For people with “extraordinary ability” in business, academia, science, the arts or athletics.

EB-2: For professionals holding an advanced degree or those whose employment is in the US national interest.

EB-3: For bachelor’s degree holders and skilled or unskilled workers with a permanent job offer.

EB-4: For special immigrants such as religious workers, broadcasters, certain physicians, employees of international organisations and armed forces members.

EB-5: For investors who meet set financial and job-creation criteria.

The K-1 visa is a non-immigrant option for the fiancee of a US citizen, allowing entry to marry within 90 days. It leads to a path for permanent residency.