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US Immigration Rules

Indian Passport Holders: U.S. Immigration Rules

Important: The U.S. does not offer visa-free entry to Indian citizens. Indians are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program/ESTA and must apply for the appropriate U.S. visa. 

What “U.S. immigration rules” cover

U.S. immigration is split between:

  • Nonimmigrant (temporary) visas for visit, study, training, or work (e.g., B-1/B-2, F-1, H-1B, L-1, O-1). 

  • Immigrant visas/green cards via family or employment (EB-1 to EB-5), followed by naturalization (citizenship) when eligible. 

U.S. rules change frequently—always confirm forms, fees, and timelines on official USCIS/State/CBP sites linked below

Common U.S. visa routes & official links

Fees shown are the machine-readable visa (MRV) application fees charged by the U.S. Department of State for nonimmigrant visas. Petition filing fees (USCIS) are separate and vary by form/employer size. 

Category

Typical Use

Apply / Learn

Key Government Fee Links

B-1/B-2 Visitor

Business meetings, tourism, medical visit (no work/study for credit)

About B visas (travel.state.gov)

MRV fee: $185 for non-petition visas. 

F-1 Student

Degree study; optional practical training (OPT)

F-1 overview (travel.state.gov)

SEVIS I-901 fee: $350; OPT-STEM extension is 24 months. MRV fee: $185. 

J-1 Exchange Visitor

Research, training, interns, scholars

J-1 overview (travel.state.gov)

SEVIS I-901 fee: $220; MRV fee: $185. 

H-1B Specialty Work

Specialty occupation with U.S. employer; dual intent

H-1B overview (USCIS)

USCIS fees apply for petitions; H/L/O/P/Q/R MRV fee: $205. H-1B cap registration fee: $215 (from FY2026). 

L-1 Intra-company Transfer

Managers/execs/specialized knowledge from India entity to U.S. affiliate

L-1 overview (USCIS)

MRV fee: $205 (petition-based). 

O-1 Extraordinary Ability

Individuals with sustained acclaim in sciences/arts/education/business/sports

O-1 overview (USCIS)

MRV fee: $205 (petition-based). 

E-1/E-2 Treaty

Traders/Investors from treaty countries only

E-1/E-2 overview (travel.state.gov)

India is not a treaty country for E-1/E-2. E-class MRV fee: $315. 

Visa Waiver/ESTA: Only citizens of specific countries (not India) may use ESTA for short visits (≤90 days). 

Family & employment green cards (immigrant visas)

  • Family-based: U.S. citizens/LPRs sponsor eligible relatives (file I-130 with USCIS; immigrant visa via a U.S. consulate or adjustment of status in the U.S. with I-485). Check current Visa Bulletin for priority dates. 

  • Employment-based (EB-1 to EB-5): Employer often files PERM with DOL (if required) then I-140 with USCIS; consular processing or I-485 if eligible. Monitor the Visa Bulletin monthly. 

Useful official pages:

  • Visa Bulletin (priority dates): travel.state.gov. 

  • Adjustment of Status (I-485): USCIS. 

Naturalization (citizenship) after permanent residence

Most green card holders can apply after 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and meeting conditions). File N-400 with USCIS. 

  • Start here: Apply for Naturalization (N-400). 

  • Civics/interview & test basics: USCIS. 

Must-know practicals for NRIs

  1. I-94 admission record controls your stay. Always download your I-94 after entry and confirm your “admit-until” date. 

  2. Grace periods: Certain work visas (e.g., H-1B) have up to 60 days or until I-94 expiry (whichever is shorter) after job loss to depart, transfer, or change status. 

  3. Student STEM-OPT is 24 months (total F-1 OPT up to 12 + 24); pay SEVIS I-901 before the visa interview. 

  4. Automatic Visa Revalidation (short trips): In limited cases, some nonimmigrants may re-enter from Canada/Mexico (and certain Caribbean islands for F/J) within ≤30 days with an expired visa if status/I-94 remain valid—check rules carefully. 

  5. Adjustment applicants & travel: If filing I-485, get Advance Parole (I-131) before leaving the U.S., unless an exception applies. 

How to apply (high level)

Nonimmigrant visas (temporary):

  1. Identify visa type on travel.state.gov and complete DS-160 online.

  2. Pay the MRV fee and schedule biometrics/interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.

  3. If petition-based (H/L/O etc.), ensure approved USCIS petition (e.g., I-129) is on file before your interview. 

Immigrant visas (green cards):

  1. Sponsor files I-130 (family) or I-140 (employment) with USCIS.

  2. After petition approval and priority date becomes current (Visa Bulletin), complete consular processing via NVC and interview, or file I-485 if eligible inside the U.S. 

Official fees & timelines (where to check)

  • Nonimmigrant MRV fees: $185 (most), $205 (H/L/O/P/Q/R), $315 (E). 

  • H-1B cap registration fee: $215 per registration (from FY2026). 

  • SEVIS I-901: $350 (F/M), $220 (J). 

  • USCIS filing fees: See the USCIS Fee Schedule (effective 1 Apr 2024; varies by form and employer size). 

  • USCIS case status/processing times: Check online tools. 

  • Visa appointment wait times: travel.state.gov tool. 

Helpful official links (bookmark these)

  • Find your visa type & apply (travel.state.gov). 

  • Visa Waiver Program/ESTA (who qualifies—India not listed). 

  • Retrieve your I-94 (CBP). 

  • USCIS H-1B (registration, cap season). 

  • STEM-OPT Hub (DHS) & I-901 SEVIS Fee. 

  • Visa Bulletin (priority dates). 

  • USCIS case status & processing times. 

Quick tips before you apply

  • Match purpose to visa (e.g., no study for credit on B-1/B-2). 

  • Carry supporting evidence (ties to home country, finances, itinerary, I-20/DS-2019, approved petition). 

  • Check reciprocity/issuance fees (some nationals pay issuance fees in addition to MRV). 

  • Track your case online and keep your USCIS online account updated.