L-1 and O-1 are the alternatives to Trump's H1-B visas. Read the fees and who can apply.

News Topical, Digital Desk : A major decision by US President Donald Trump has shocked professionals worldwide. Effective September 21, a hefty fee of $100,000 (approximately Rs 88 lakh) has been imposed on new H-1B visa applications.

This fee applies only to applicants from outside the US, while existing visa holders and those seeking renewal or extension are exempt. The H-1B visa is an employer-sponsored visa for specialty occupations. It is valid for 3 to 6 years.

Indian professionals account for over 70% of H-1B visa holders. Due to this increased cost, they are now seeking alternative ways to enter the US job market. These options include the L-1 visa (company internal transfer), O-1 visa (exceptional talent), EB-5 visa (investor), and OPT (optional practical training). Let's understand the cost and eligibility for these visas in detail.

L-1 visa: Internal transfer within the company

The L-1 visa is for employees transferring from a multinational corporation's overseas office to the U.S. office. There are two types: L-1A (manager/executive) and L-1B (employees with specialized knowledge).

The cost includes a USCIS filing fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs. 92,000), $2,805 (approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh) for optional premium processing, and legal fees ranging from Rs. 4.4 lakh to Rs. 2.2 lakh. To be eligible, applicants must have worked for the company abroad for at least one year in the last three years, and the company must have offices in the US and abroad.

O-1 Visa: A Visa for Exceptional Talent

The O-1 visa is for those who have achieved extraordinary achievements in science, the arts, education, business, or sports. This requires national or international recognition and meeting at least three of eight criteria, such as awards, publications, or significant contributions to the field.

Its cost includes a USCIS fee of $1,055 (approximately Rs 92,000), premium processing of $2,805 (approximately Rs 2.5 lakh), legal fees of Rs 4.8 lakh to Rs 7 lakh, and a visa integrity fee of $250 (approximately Rs 22,000) effective from 2025. It requires extensive documentation.

EB-5 Visa: Visa for Permanent Residence Through Investment

The EB-5 visa is for investors seeking permanent residence by making a significant investment in the United States. The minimum investment is $800,000 (approximately ₹7.04 million) in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1,050,000 (approximately ₹9.2 million) in a non-TEA project. At least 10 full-time jobs must be created or preserved.

Costs include administrative fees (10% of the investment, approximately ₹7 lakh), legal fees (₹2.2 million to ₹3.08 million), and USCIS fees ($12,160, or approximately ₹1.06 million, for the I-829 and $9,525, or approximately ₹8.3 million, for the I-829). Investments should be risky, with the potential for loss.

OPT: Students for Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is for F-1 student visa holders who wish to gain experience in a job related to their field of study after completing their studies. At least one academic year must be completed, and the employment must be related to the student's major field of study.

The cost of OPT includes an application fee of $520 (approximately ₹45,500) and optional legal aid fees. It is valid for 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension available for STEM graduates.

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