The US has been the top draw for immigrants since 1970, and India was the top country of origin in 2022, surpassing China and Mexico. Although the H-1B temporary visa is still the most commonly used visa among Indians, it’s also problematic, according to Shilpa Menon of LCR Capital Partners. There’s a limited number of H-1B visas, and they are allotted by lottery, such that even the most highly qualified workers have only a 30% chance of getting one. Even with an H-1B visa, workers are dependent on their employers, and they can’t change jobs easily. And wait times for conversion to a green card are very long. Other US visas, such as the EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, and EB-5, have differing requirements and often shorter wait times, and may be more useful for certain immigrants. For example, the EB-1 is for individuals of extraordinary ability, professors, researchers, and certain multinational executives. The EB-2 is for immigrants with advanced degrees and extraordinary abilities—though it has a long wait time for a green card. The EB-5 investor visa, which requires applicants to invest either $800,000 or $1,050,000 in a new US business that creates at least 10 jobs, has the shortest wait time, at about 24-36 months as of 2022. What’s more, holders of H-1B visas can simultaneously apply for an EB-5 visa. As of 2022, India was the top country of origin for EB-5 visa applicants.
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