Skip H1B Visa: 2 Options That Don’t Require Offer Letter

While the H1-B is more popular and better known, there are other pathways for working in the United States.

The United States remains a top destination for work overseas, especially for Indian nationals with careers in -

• Engineering,
• Finance, and
• Healthcare

H1-B has remained a top US work visa route for many. However, there are other routes available as well.

What are the alternatives to H1-B?

In addition to an H-1B US visa, there are other options available for Indian nationals to work in the United States. These include -

• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa
• O-1 Visa

These alternate routes allow you to work in the United States without the requirement of securing a labour certification. Additionally, there is no requirement of getting a visa sponsorship.

What is a US NIW work visa?

The National Interest Waiver (NIW) visa program of the US is an employment-based option to secure a green card. It comes under the Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2.

The waiver is granted by the US Government when you can demonstrate that your work directly benefits the US and is in the national interest of the country. To qualify for a US NIW visa, you must be eligible for the EB-2 visa category that needs either -

• An advanced degree, or
• Exceptional ability in a specific field.

To fulfil the national interest criteria, your work must be of -

• Substantial merit and national importance,
• Well-positioned to succeed in your field, and
• Benefit the US without the need for labour certification.

What is an O-1 Visa for the US?

An O-1 visa is targeted at those who have extraordinary ability in -

• Business,
• Sciences,
• Arts,
• Education,
• Athletics, etc.

The O-1 is also for those with a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the television or motion picture industry.

What is an H-1B visa?

The H-1B visa is the most popular and highly sought-after visa, allowing skilled professionals to work in leading U.S. companies. It is particularly relevant in industries such as:

• Information technology
• Healthcare
• Finance

What is H1-B popular?

The H-1B visa is highly attractive as it allows professionals to work in prestigious organizations. Providing valuable experience and opportunities for long-term career growth, It is known for offering a pathway to permanent residency, making it even more appealing.

Key benefits include:

• Access to top companies
• Career growth
• Long-term stay in the U.S.

Want to work in the US? Plan better with the right guidance. For more details, contact Kansas Overseas.