For many people in India, moving to the US has always been a source of inspiration. The U.S. is seen as a place where hard work can open doors to incredible opportunities. It comes with the means of studying at top universities, landing a job with a leading company, starting your own business, or simply enjoying a better quality of life.
While the idea of moving to the U.S. is exciting, the process can feel confusing and overwhelming. There are so many visa types, rules, and steps to follow, and immigration policies can change from year to year.
We have created this guide. At Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services, we will guide you through the process of moving to the USA from India in 2025, step by step. You will learn about various visa options, the necessary documents, and how to prepare for life in the U.S., enabling you to make this significant move with confidence.
Understanding the U.S. Immigration System
Before you start planning your big move, it is important to understand how the U.S. immigration system works. The United States has one of the most structured yet complex immigration systems in the world, designed to manage who can enter the country, for what purpose, and for how long.
For anyone wondering how to go to the USA from India, knowing these basics will help you choose the right visa pathway, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of success. Think of this as the foundation of your U.S. journey.
The U.S. visa policy is built around the idea of purpose-based entry. This means you must have a clear reason for travelling to the U.S., and your visa type will depend on that reason, whether it is for studying, working, investing, visiting family, or simply travelling for tourism.
The visa you apply for will also determine:
- How long can you stay in the U.S?
- What activities are you legally allowed to do there (such as work or study)
- Whether or not you can transition to permanent residency (a green card) later
It is important to be very clear about your long-term goals. If you only want to visit, you will apply for a temporary (non-immigrant) visa. If your goal is to migrate to the USA from India permanently, you will need to apply for an immigrant visa.
Different Types of U.S. Visas
U.S. visas are broadly divided into two categories: non-immigrant visas and immigrant visas.
1. Non-immigrant Visas (for temporary stays)
These visas are ideal for people who want to go to the U.S. for a limited period of time. Common reasons include studying, working on a contract, attending business meetings, or traveling as a tourist.
Some popular non-immigrant visa categories are:
- F-1 Student Visa – For students enrolled in U.S. universities or colleges.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa – For scholars, researchers, and cultural exchange programs.
- H-1B Work Visa – For highly skilled workers, especially in tech and engineering fields.
- L-1 Intra-company Transfer Visa – For employees transferring from an Indian office to a U.S. office of the same company.
- B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa – For business visits or tourism.
2. Immigrant Visas (for permanent residency)
Immigrant visas are for people who want to settle in the U.S. permanently and eventually apply for citizenship. If your goal is to build a long-term future in America, this is the path to consider.
Some common immigrant visa types are:
- Family-Sponsored Green Cards – If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Green Cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) – For people with extraordinary skills, advanced degrees, or job offers from U.S. employers.
- EB-5 Investor Visa – For those who invest a certain amount of capital in a U.S. business that creates jobs.
- Diversity Visa Lottery – A limited program for individuals from countries with historically low immigration to the U.S. (India is usually not eligible, but it’s worth checking each year).
U.S. Immigration Agencies You Should Know
The U.S. system means dealing with several government agencies, each responsible for different parts of the process:
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) – Handles visa petitions, green card applications, and naturalisation processes inside the U.S.
- Department of State (DOS) – Operates U.S. embassies and consulates abroad and handles visa interviews and approvals.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – Conducts immigration checks at U.S. airports and border entry points.
- Department of Labour (DOL) – Involved in employment-based visa certifications, ensuring foreign workers don’t displace U.S. workers.
2025 Policy Trends Indians Should Know
Immigration policies can change from year to year, and staying updated is essential if you want to go to America from India without delays or setbacks. Some key trends in 2025 include:
- Stricter documentation and background checks – More focus on verifying educational and financial records.
- Changes to H-1B rules – The lottery process is becoming more merit-based, favouring advanced degree holders and highly skilled professionals.
- Faster green card processing – Especially for certain employment-based categories, which may reduce waiting times for Indian applicants.
- More scrutiny on intent – Applicants must clearly prove they plan to follow the terms of their visa (for example, showing strong ties to India when applying for a student or tourist visa).
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to the USA from India
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Pathway
If you have ever wondered “how can I go to America?” or “how can I move to USA from India?”, the first and most important step is choosing the right visa pathway. The U.S. offers several options depending on your purpose, background, and long-term goals. Picking the right one early will save you time, effort, and money and help you build a clear plan for your move.
Here are the most common visa routes for Indian citizens:
A. Work Visas
If your dream is to build a career in the U.S., work visas are a great way to enter. They allow you to live and work in the U.S. for a set period of time and can sometimes lead to permanent residency.
- H-1B Visa – This is one of the most popular routes for skilled professionals, especially in IT, engineering, and finance. You need a U.S. employer to sponsor you, and there’s an annual lottery due to high demand.
- L-1 Visa – This is ideal if you already work for a multinational company in India that has offices in the U.S. It allows your employer to transfer you to their American branch.
- O-1 Visa – This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, business, arts, or athletics. It’s less common, but can be very powerful for highly accomplished professionals.
B. Student Visas
If your goal is to study in the U.S. and gain a world-class education, student visas are your gateway. They also allow you to gain work experience through internships or optional training programs.
- F-1 Visa – The most common student visa for full-time study at U.S. colleges or universities. It also allows for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
- J-1 Visa – For exchange visitors, scholars, or research programs.
- M-1 Visa – For vocational or technical training programs.
C. Family-Sponsored Green Cards
If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they can sponsor you for an immigrant visa (green card).
Eligible relationships include:
- Spouses, children, parents, or siblings of U.S. citizens
Spouses or unmarried children of U.S. green card holders
D. Employment-Based Green Cards
For professionals with strong qualifications or job offers from U.S. employers, employment-based green cards are a direct route to permanent residency.
The main categories include:
- EB-1 – For individuals with extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, or multinational executives
- EB-2 – For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability
- EB-3 – For skilled workers, professionals, and other worker
E. Investment-Based Visa (EB-5)
If you have significant capital to invest, the EB-5 visa allows you to obtain a green card by investing in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 jobs for American workers. This path is best for entrepreneurs or high-net-worth individuals who want to build a business in the U.S.
F. Diversity Visa Lottery
Each year, the U.S. runs a Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery to promote immigration from countries with historically low immigration rates to the U.S. While India has not been eligible in the most recent years, it is still worth checking annually if you want to go to America through this unique route.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria and Gather Documentation
Once you have chosen your visa pathway, the next step is making sure you meet the eligibility requirements and prepare all the required documents. This is often where applications get delayed or rejected, not because people are not qualified, but because they don’t provide complete or accurate paperwork.
If you are saying, “I want to go to the USA” and want the process to go smoothly, this step needs your full attention.
Each U.S. visa has its own specific criteria, but most of them generally look at a few key factors:
- Educational Qualifications
For student visas (like F-1) and work visas (like H-1B or EB-2), you must show you have the required degrees or academic background. For example, an H-1B visa usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
- Work Experience
For work-based visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB categories), you will need to prove your professional experience. This might include letters from previous employers, resumes, and detailed descriptions of your job duties.
- Language Proficiency
While not always mandatory, strong English skills are expected, especially for student and employment-based visas. Student visa applicants usually need to submit standardised test scores like TOEFL or IELTS to prove they can study in English.
The U.S. immigration process is document-heavy. Having all your paperwork ready and well-organised can save months of delay. Depending on your visa type, you may need to collect:
- Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates – From your high school, college, or university, with official seals or notarization.
- Work Experience Proof – Offer letters, reference letters, payslips, or employment contracts from your past and current employers.
- Financial Proofs – Bank statements, sponsorship letters, investment proof, or income tax returns showing you can support yourself (especially important for student visas and visitor visas).
- Identity Documents – Valid passport, birth certificate, and any national ID cards.
- Standardised Test Scores – GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, or other exams, depending on your visa category.
The U.S. immigration system can be overwhelming, with detailed deadlines that are strict, and even a small mistake can cause delays. This is where working with an experienced immigration attorney can make a big difference.
An attorney can:
- Review your documents to make sure they are accurate and complete
- Advise you on how to present your qualifications and finances strongly
- Help you respond quickly if the U.S. authorities ask for additional evidence (called an RFE)
- Keep track of changing rules and deadlines so you don’t miss anything
Step 3: Apply for a U.S. Visa
Once you have chosen your visa type and gathered all the required documents, it is time to officially apply for your U.S. visa. This is one of the most important stages in your journey, and doing it carefully can make the difference between approval and rejection.
If you have been wondering how to go to America from India or are planning on moving to the US from India, here’s exactly how this process works:
A. Complete the Visa Application Form (DS-160 or DS-260)
- DS-160 is the form for non-immigrant visas (like F-1, H-1B, B-2).
- DS-260 is for immigrant visas (like family-based or employment-based green cards).
B. Pay the Visa Fees
After submitting the form, you will need to pay the visa application fee, which varies based on your visa category. You can usually pay online or through designated bank branches.
C. Schedule Your Visa Interview in India
Next, you must book an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. The main U.S. visa posts are in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
When you schedule the appointment, you’ll typically book:
- A biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Center (VAC)
- A visa interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate
D. Prepare for the Visa Interview
The interview is your chance to prove that you are a genuine applicant and meet all visa requirements. This can feel intimidating, but preparation makes all the difference.
Documents to carry:
- Valid passport
- DS-160/DS-260 confirmation page
- Visa appointment confirmation letter
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Academic, work, and financial documents (based on your visa type)
- Any supporting letters or forms from your sponsor or employer
Common questions you might be asked:
- Why do you want to go to the U.S.?
- What will you study/do for work there?
- How will you pay for your stay?
- Do you plan to return to India after your visa expires (for non-immigrant visas)?
Legal Considerations and Common Challenges
When planning your move to the U.S., it is not just about getting a visa; it is equally important to understand the legal responsibilities that come afterwards. Staying compliant with U.S. immigration laws is critical to building a stable future in America. Here are a few legal considerations and challenges to keep in mind:
1. Maintaining Visa Status
Once you enter the U.S. on a visa, you must follow the specific rules tied to your visa type.
- For example, if you’re on a student visa (F-1), you must stay enrolled full-time and avoid unauthorised employment.
- Work visa holders (like H-1B or L-1) must only work for the employer who sponsored their visa.
2. Changing or Extending Your Visa Status
Life plans can change, and you might want to extend your stay or switch to another visa category.
- Extensions require timely applications before your current visa expires.
- Changing status (for example, from an F-1 student visa to an H-1B work visa) involves meeting new eligibility criteria and submitting detailed paperwork.
3. Avoiding Immigration Fraud and Scams
Unfortunately, many fraudulent “agents” promise quick approvals or guaranteed green cards. These are major red flags.
- Always rely on official U.S. government websites (like USCIS.gov or travel.state.gov) for accurate information.
- Be wary of anyone asking for large sums of money or offering fake job offers.
4. The Role of Immigration Attorneys
Immigration laws are complex and constantly changing. Working with a qualified immigration attorney can help you:
- Understand your legal options
- Avoid errors in your application
- Respond to government requests for additional evidence
- Protect your status in the U.S.
Why Work with Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services
Making the move from India to the United States is exciting, but it is also complex, and the right legal guidance can make all the difference.
With decades of experience handling U.S. immigration cases, Gehis’ team has guided countless Indian nationals through every step of the journey from securing the right visa to settling down in America.
- Deep Expertise in U.S. Immigration Law: With decades of hands-on experience, they know the system inside out.
- Tailored Guidance for Indian Nationals: They understand the unique challenges Indian applicants face — and how to overcome them.
- Full-Service Legal Support: From visa applications and green cards to settlement and citizenship, they offer end-to-end assistance.
- Personalised Strategies: Every client receives a custom plan to make their move as smooth, fast, and legally sound as possible.
Final Word
Moving to the United States from India may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right roadmap and trusted guidance, it is completely achievable. From choosing the right visa to legal requirements and settling down, every step becomes easier when you have experienced professionals by your side.
If you are serious about starting your U.S. journey in 2025, don’t leave it to chance. Contact Gehis Immigration and International Legal Services today and take the first confident step toward making your American Dream a reality.
1. Can I move to America without a job?
Yes. While having a job offer can make the process faster, it’s not the only route. You can move on a student visa (F-1, J-1) to pursue higher education, apply through family sponsorship if you have qualifying relatives in the U.S., or even invest in the U.S. economy through the EB-5 investor visa.
2. Can I get a U.S. visa without a job offer?
Absolutely. You can apply for a student visa to study, a visitor/tourist visa (B-2) for short visits, or a trainee/exchange visa (J-1). However, keep in mind that entering on a tourist visa with the intent to work or settle can cause serious immigration issues, so it’s crucial to be honest about your purpose and choose the right visa category from the start.
3. How much money do you need to move to America from India?
- Visa fees: ₹15,000–₹40,000 (varies by visa type)
- Airfare: ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 (one-way)
- Initial living costs: ₹2–4 lakhs for the first few months (rent, food, transportation, setup costs)
4. How can I permanently move to the USA?
To move permanently, you need a green card (lawful permanent residency). The most common routes include:
- Family-based green cards (if you have close relatives who are U.S. citizens or green card holders)
- Employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) for skilled professionals
- Investment-based green cards (EB-5) for those investing in U.S. businesses
