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Work Visa (H1B Visa)

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H1B Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

The H1B visa is commonly known as work visa to USA. H1 visa is an employment based visa that can be granted for an eligible and qualified temporary worker. For such a visa, an employer must offer a job and apply for your H1B visa petition with the US Immigration Department. This approved petition( approved form I797) is a work permit which allows you to obtain a visa stamp and work in the U.S. for that employer.

H1B Eligibility : H1B visa is issued for a specialty occupation, requires theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge and requires the visa holder to have at least a Bachelors degree or its equivalent. Check : H1B eligibility and H1 petition process for more information.

H1B visa stamping: Once you have an approved H1B petition , you can setup a H1 visa interview with nearest applicable US consulate or embassy.
Upon successful visa interview, you get the h1 visa stamp on your passport.

Following is the H1B visa stamping process for applying for H1B visa from India. This stamping process assumes that you already have H1B petition approved and ready for Visa interview and visa stamping. If you are looking for general information about H1B visa or h1 visa petition you should look the H1B visa section.

Step 1.
Photograph		 Step 2.
Application		 Step 3.
Visa Fee		 Step 4.
Appointment		 Step 5.
Interview


Step 1. Get a digital photograph of each applicant

A digital photograph is required for while applying for a H1B visa. The photograph must meet certain criteria. A good photographer or studio can get this picture if you mention photograph needed for H1B visa purpose.

The digital photograph must meet the following requirements:

  • The digital photograph must be a square.
  • Minimum dimensions must be 600 pixels by 600 pixels.
  • Maximum dimensions must be 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels.
  • Image must be in color (24 bits per pixel).
  • Image must be in the JPEG format (.jpg or .jpeg file extension).
  • File size of the image must be less than or equal to 240 kilobytes.

See the complete photograph requirements for H1B visa.


Step 2. Complete H1B Visa application form DS160

H1B visa application (form DS160) must be completed online, over the internet. You can complete the application at Dept of State website. Read US Visa Application Form DS-160.

After successfully completing the application, you will receive a confirmation with a 10-digit barcode. Take a printout of this page. This will be needed for setting up your visa interview appointment.

See details on how to fill H1B visa application form DS160.

Step 3. Pay the H1B visa application fee

In India, the fee can be paid only at an authorized HDFC bank branch. Pay the H1 visa fee. and VFS service charges at any of the designated HDFC bank branches in India. You will need to submit a clear photocopy of the first page (bio-page) of your current passport to the bank when making your payment. The bank will issue you multiple copies of a visa fee receipt with a 10-digit barcode number. You will need the HDFC fee receipt barcode number to schedule your interview appointment. Please note, you are required to wait 24 hours from the date of purchase of your visa fee receipt before you can use it to schedule your interview appointment.

Read the complete H1 visa fee details.

Step 4. Take appointment for visa interview

Use VFS website to set up an appointment with the US embassy or consulate where you will be applying for your H1B visa. You can also walk in to a VFS service center to set up your appointment.

See complete details of taking an appointment for H1B visa interview.

Step 5. Go for visa interview at designated US consulate

On the day and time of your appointment for interview, go to the consulate where your interview is scheduled. Carry all mandatory and supporting documents and originals.

Carry the following to your interview:

  • Your passport (and your old passports if any)
  • Your photograph
  • The DS-160 barcode page (you will not need the full application)
  • The HDFC visa application fee receipts (applicable for application in US consulate in India)
  • VFS appointment letter.
  • Petition-based visa applicants (H, L, F, J, M, R visas) should also bring petition-related documents.
  • Supporting documents, based on what kind of visa you are applying for.

See complete details of the H1B visa interview process.

Note: Following information is for Mumbai consulate applicants only

Only applicants who are scheduled for an interview appointment at the US Consulate in Mumbai are required to submit their application packet to VFS US Visa Application Centre in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or Pune at least 3 working days in advance of their interview date. You can view the documents required for submission under 'Non-immigrant Visas' for your specific purpose of travel. Submit your application packet well in advance of your scheduled interview appointment date. If you scheduled an interview appointment at a consular post other than Mumbai, you do not need to send any documents.

Application packet to be submitted to VFS (for Mumbai consulate applicants only):

  • Copy of the first and last page of your current valid passport. If you have any observations on your passport, please submit a copy of the observation page also. You are recommended to have passport valid for travel for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the US.
  • One photograph as per specification
  • Printout of DS160 confirmation barcode
  • Original, valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt. (Embassy copy)
  • Original interview appointment letter.

           Next page: 1. Get a Digital Photograph
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