Overview
Why United States?
The USA is home to the world's most prestigious universities — MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Caltech — and the highest-paying tech and finance careers. Silicon Valley, Wall Street, and NASA all recruit Indians heavily. With over 4.4 million Indians living in the USA, a strong community support system and clear pathways through F-1, OPT, CPT, and H-1B make USA a top destination.
Aagman Overseas has successfully guided 3,200+ clients to United States and other top destinations. Our experts know every visa category, documentation requirement, and timeline. Call us for a free profile assessment today.
4.4M
Indians in USA
60K
H1B Visas Yearly Lottery
$85K+
Average IT Salary USD
#1–5
MIT/Harvard/Stanford Rank
All Visa Options
United States Visa Categories
Click on any visa type below to see full details — fees, documents, step-by-step process, and expert tips from our immigration advisors.
F-1 Student Visa
Duration
Duration of Status (D/S)
English Requirement
No IELTS needed — TOEFL 80–100 iBT (varies by university)
Funds Required
Full tuition fees + USD 15,000–25,000/yr living costs
Govt Visa Fee
USD 185 SEVIS + USD 160 Visa (~₹28,000 total)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Get I-20 form from SEVP-approved US university
- 2Pay SEVIS fee (I-901) online
- 3Fill DS-160 visa application form
- 4Attend interview at US Embassy/Consulate India
💡 Expert Tip: US Visa interview preparation is critical. Show strong ties to India, clear academic purpose, and financial proof. First-time rejection is common — strong documents + coaching gives edge.
✅ After This Visa: OPT: 12 months work. STEM OPT: 36 months work. Then H-1B lottery.
H-1B Work Visa
Duration
3 years (extendable to 6+)
English Requirement
Not required — degree in relevant field needed
Funds Required
Employer must pay prevailing wage
Govt Visa Fee
USD 10,000+ (employer-paid)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Employer files H-1B petition (April lottery registration)
- 2Win lottery + file full petition
- 3H-1B approved — enter USA October 1
- 4Begin employment
💡 Expert Tip: Only 65,000 H-1B visas + 20,000 for US Master's degree holders. Lottery odds ~25–30%. Many Indians with OPT extension use 3 years to maximize lottery chances. Cap-exempt employers (universities, nonprofits) don't need lottery.
✅ After This Visa: H-1B can be extended indefinitely while Green Card is pending. EB-2/EB-3 Green Card pathway.
Green Card (EB-1/EB-2/EB-3)
Duration
Permanent Residency
English Requirement
Not required
Funds Required
Employer sponsorship (EB-2/EB-3) or self-petition (EB-1A extraordinary ability)
Govt Visa Fee
USD 700–5,000 (employer/self petition)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Employer files PERM Labor Certification (EB-2/EB-3)
- 2File I-140 Immigrant Petition
- 3Wait for Priority Date to become current (India queue is long)
- 4File I-485 Adjustment of Status in USA
💡 Expert Tip: India-born applicants face decades-long Green Card wait due to per-country limits. EB-1A (extraordinary ability) has NO employer sponsor requirement and shortest wait. Plan early!
✅ After This Visa: US Citizenship after 5 years of Green Card + 30 months physical presence
OPT / STEM OPT Extension
Duration
12 months + 24 months STEM extension
English Requirement
Already proven via F-1
Funds Required
Valid F-1 status + US degree completed
Govt Visa Fee
USD 410 (~₹34,000)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Apply for OPT through university DSO 90 days before graduation
- 2Receive EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
- 3Start any job in your field of study
- 4Apply for STEM OPT 90 days before OPT expiry
💡 Expert Tip: STEM OPT = 36 months total work authorization. Perfect window to file H-1B petitions (3 chances). Work at any employer, full-time, in field related to your degree.
✅ After This Visa: File H-1B petition during each OPT April lottery
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa
Duration
Up to 6 months
English Requirement
Not required
Funds Required
Bank statements + return ticket + US travel itinerary
Govt Visa Fee
USD 185 (~₹15,400)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Fill DS-160 form online
- 2Pay visa fee and book USCIS appointment
- 3Attend interview at US Embassy Mumbai/Delhi/Chennai/Hyderabad/Kolkata
- 4Receive visa in passport
💡 Expert Tip: US B-2 visa can be valid for 10 years (multiple entry). Interview is mandatory. Be clear about purpose, show strong India ties (job, property, family). Avoid mentioning immigration intent.
✅ After This Visa: Valid for 10 years multiple entry once approved
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS required for US Student Visa?
No — US universities accept TOEFL iBT (80–100 typically). Some accept Duolingo English Test or IELTS too. Check individual university requirements. No IELTS is one reason many Indians prefer USA.
How hard is it to get H-1B visa?
Very competitive — only 65,000 + 20,000 (US Masters) slots per year for millions of applicants. Lottery odds are roughly 25–30%. Many companies sponsor multiple petitions. Aagman advises on best ways to maximize chances.
Can my family join me on F-1 Visa?
Spouse and children get F-2 visa but spouse CANNOT work on F-2. This is a major limitation vs Australia/UK. Many Indian families opt for J-1 visa which allows spousal work authorization (J-2).
What is the USA Green Card wait time for Indians?
Tragically long — EB-2 India is backlogged 50–70+ years. EB-1A (extraordinary ability) has shorter wait. Many Indians go to Canada/Australia for faster PR and use it as a bridge to eventually move to USA.
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