How can Indians get a Job in the USA

The USA is one of the most popular destinations for Indians who want to work abroad. The country offers a diverse and dynamic economy, a high standard of living, and a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, getting a job in the USA is difficult, especially for foreigners. You need to have the right qualifications, skills, experience, and visa to be eligible to work in the USA.

In this blog, we will share some tips and steps on how to get a job in the USA from India.

We will cover topics such as:

• What are the highest-paying jobs in the USA?
• How can you get a job in the USA as an Indian citizen?
• How can you apply for a work visa in the USA?
• What are the eligibility criteria and application process for a Green Card?

Let's get started!

What are the highest-paying jobs in the USA?

There are many industries and roles in the USA that offer high salaries. The most lucrative sectors are finance, tech, consulting, and healthcare. Here are some examples of the highest-paying jobs in the USA, according to Glassdoor data:

• Associate Consultant: If you work for one of the Big Three consulting firms, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), or Bain, you can earn a base salary of around $165,000, plus signing and performance bonuses. As an associate consultant, you will conduct research, analysis, and recommendations for clients across various industries and functions.
• Investment Banking Associate: If you work for a leading investment bank, such as JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs, you can earn around $150,000 as an investment banking associate. You will advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, debt restructuring, and other financial transactions.
• Blockchain Developer: If you have the skills and knowledge to create and maintain blockchain applications, you can earn around $110,000 as a blockchain developer. You will work with cutting-edge technologies such as Ethereum, Hyperledger, Solidity, and smart contracts.
• Cloud Architect: If you have the expertise to design and implement cloud computing solutions for organizations, you can earn around $137,000 as a cloud architect. You will work with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or IBM Cloud.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): If you have the strategic and technical leadership to manage the research and development of an organization's IT systems, you can earn around $170,000 as a CTO. You will oversee IT infrastructure innovation and optimization, software development, data security, and digital transformation.

How can you get a job in the USA as an Indian citizen?

To land any high-paying jobs in the USA, as an Indian citizen, it is better to study there. MBA and business master's graduates are always in high demand among US employers. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), 91 percent of employers planned to recruit MBAs in 2021.

International MBA or master's students in the US on an F-1 student visa are automatically eligible for optional practical training (OPT) after graduation—a one-year period during which you can work in the US in a field related to your studies.

If you have a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), you can extend your OPT for another 24 months under the STEM OPT extension program. This gives you more time and opportunities to find a suitable employer who can sponsor your work visa.

If you have not studied in the US but have a bachelor's degree from a reputed university in India and several years of work experience in your field, you can still try to find a job in the US by following these steps:

• Post your resume on job portal websites such as Indeed, Monster, CareerBoard, or USA Jobs. You can also use websites that specialize in jobs for Indians in the US, such as Naukri, Dice, or H1B Jobs.
• Research intensively about the companies that interest you and understand their vision, mission, values, products, services, and culture
• Create a cover letter that states your purpose behind applying for the job. This should convey your passion and interest in the job
• Customize your resume according to each job description. Highlight your relevant skills and talents.
• Apply for jobs that match your profile and qualifications. Be prepared to face multiple rounds of screening.
• Find an employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa. This is crucial because, without a valid work visa, you cannot work in the USA.
• Have an excellent command of the English language.

How can you apply for a work visa in the USA?

The most common type of work visa for Indians who want to work in the USA is the H-1B visa. This non-immigrant visa allows you to work in the USA for up to six years, with the possibility of an extension or adjustment of status to a permanent resident (Green Card) holder.

The H-1B visa is issued for a specific employer, job, and location. You must apply for a new H-1B visa to change your employer or job. The H-1B visa is also subject to an annual cap of 65,000 visas, plus an additional 20,000 visas for those with a master's degree or higher from a US institution.

The H-1B visa application process involves the following steps:

• Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor (DOL). This document certifies that your employer will pay you the prevailing wage for your occupation and location and that your employment will not adversely affect the working conditions of US workers.
• Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is a form that requests the approval of your H-1B visa. Your employer must submit evidence of your qualifications, such as your degree certificates, transcripts, work experience letters, and job offer letter.
• If your employer's petition is selected in the lottery and approved by the USCIS, you will receive a Form I-797, Notice of Action. This is a document that confirms your eligibility for the H-1B visa.
• You must apply for the H-1B visa at the US embassy or consulate in India. You must complete the online DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, schedule an interview appointment, and submit your passport, photos, and other supporting documents.
• You must attend the visa interview at the US embassy or consulate. You must answer questions about your background, education, work experience, and purpose of travel. You must also demonstrate your ties to India and your intention to return after your visa expires.
• If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the H-1B visa stamp. You can then travel to the USA and start working for your employer.

What are the eligibility criteria and application process for a Green Card?

A Green Card is a permanent resident card that allows you to live and work in the USA indefinitely. It also gives you the right to apply for US citizenship after five years of continuous residence.

There are several ways to obtain a Green Card, such as family sponsorship, marriage, diversity lottery, asylum or refugee status, or investment. However, the most common way for Indians who want to work in the USA is through employment-based sponsorship.

There are five categories of employment-based Green Cards:

• EB-1: For people with extraordinary ability in arts,
• EB-2: For people with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in sciences,
• EB-3: For skilled workers,
• EB-4: For special immigrants such as religious workers,
• EB-5: For investors who create jobs in the USA.

Each category has its own eligibility criteria and application process. However, the general steps are as follows:

• Your employer must file a Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with the USCIS. This form requests the approval of your Green Card based on your employment category. Your employer must submit evidence of your qualifications,
• You must wait for your priority date to become current. This is the date when your employer filed your Form I-140. The priority date determines when you can apply for your Green Card based on the availability of visas in your category and country of origin. You can check the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the Department of State to see if your priority date is current.
• You must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the USCIS. This form requests the approval of your Green Card based on your eligibility and admissibility. You must submit your passport,
• You must attend a biometrics appointment and an interview at a local USCIS office. You must provide your fingerprints,

Tips to find work in the USA.

Here are some tips to help you find work in the USA as an Indian citizen:

• Network with people who work or have worked in the USA. They can give you valuable insights,
• Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with recruiters and employers in the USA. They can help you find suitable opportunities.
• Research about the culture and etiquette of working in the USA. They can differ from India.
• Prepare well for interviews and tests. They can be challenging and competitive.
• Be flexible and adaptable. You may have to adjust to different working styles.
• Post your profile on the Sulekha Jobs portal and get contacted by recruiters.