Moving to the United States from India

Visa Pathways for Indian Nationals

India is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, so Indian nationals need a visa for any travel to the United States ^[1]. The US immigration system offers temporary and permanent pathways, but Indian nationals face severe backlogs in the employment-based green card categories ^[2].

H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa.

The most common initial visa for Indian professionals ^[3]. Requires employer sponsorship for a role that needs at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. The employer files a Labor Condition Application with the Department of Labor attesting to prevailing wage compliance ^[3]. The annual cap triggers a lottery when registrations exceed available slots. The H-1B is granted for an initial period and can be extended, with further extensions possible while a green card application is pending ^[3].

L-1 Intracompany Transferee.

For employees of multinational companies transferring to a US office ^[3]. L-1A (managers/executives) allows up to seven years; L-1B (specialized knowledge) allows up to five years. No cap or lottery. Common among Indian IT services companies transferring employees to US client sites.

EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card Backlogs.

The per-country limit on employment-based green cards creates extreme backlogs for Indian nationals. According to the April 2026 Visa Bulletin, the EB-2 (advanced degree) priority date for India-born applicants is July 2014, and the EB-3 (skilled worker) priority date is November 2013 ^[2]. This means applicants filed over a decade ago are only now becoming eligible. During this wait, applicants must maintain valid nonimmigrant status, which ties them to their sponsoring employer unless they restart the process with a new employer.

EB-1 Categories.

The EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-1C (multinational managers) categories generally have shorter waits for Indian nationals than EB-2 or EB-3 ^[2].

Student pathway.

Completing a US degree can open work-based visa options after graduation, and this is a common route for Indian nationals entering the US workforce.

Diversity Visa Lottery.

Indian nationals are not eligible for the Diversity Visa program because India has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the preceding five years ^[4].

Tax Obligations in the United States

Once you become a US tax resident through a green card or the substantial presence test, you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts days of physical presence using a weighted formula across three years, with a threshold of 183 days ^[1].

The US-India Income Tax Treaty.

The treaty, originally signed in 1989, prevents double taxation through foreign tax credits ^[2]. Various articles allocate taxing rights for different income types including employment, dividends, interest, capital gains, and pensions. During any transitional period, you claim foreign tax credits on Form 1116 for Indian taxes paid on income also taxable in the US ^[3].

India does not tax non-residents on foreign income.

Once you cease to be an Indian tax resident, India only taxes Indian-source income ^[2]. This simplifies the transition compared to US citizens abroad, who face worldwide taxation regardless of residency.

NRI status and Indian investments.

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), your Indian bank accounts convert from resident to NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) or NRE (Non-Resident External) status. Interest on NRO accounts is taxable in India and must also be reported on your US return with foreign tax credits to prevent double taxation ^[3]. NRE account interest is tax-exempt in India.

FBAR and FATCA.

US tax residents with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate at any point during the year must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[4]. FATCA Form 8938 applies at higher thresholds ^[5]. Indian bank accounts, NRO/NRE accounts, PPF accounts, mutual fund holdings, and life insurance policies with cash value all count toward these thresholds.

State income taxes.

US states set their own rates independently. California and New Jersey (common destinations for Indian immigrants in the tech and pharma sectors) have high state income taxes. Texas, Washington, and Florida have no state income tax.

Healthcare Transition

India's public healthcare system does not extend coverage abroad. Private health insurance purchased in India typically does not cover medical expenses in the US. You need US-based coverage from your first day.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most full-time professional employment in the US includes health insurance. H-1B workers are typically covered from their start date or after a brief waiting period. Plans vary in coverage, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Employer plans cover the employee and can extend to spouse and dependents for an additional premium.

Marketplace plans (ACA).

If you are lawfully present and lack employer coverage, you can purchase insurance through healthcare.gov or state exchanges. Premium subsidies based on income are available to eligible individuals. Open enrollment runs November through mid-January, with Special Enrollment Periods after qualifying life events.

The cost shock.

US healthcare is dramatically more expensive than Indian healthcare. A routine doctor visit costs $100 to $300 without insurance. Hospitalization runs into the tens of thousands. This is the single biggest financial adjustment for most Indian immigrants.

Prescription drugs.

Many medications available cheaply in India are expensive in the US. Bring documentation from your Indian doctor listing generic names (International Nonproprietary Names) and dosages. Ask your US doctor about generic alternatives. Generic drug prices in the US are still typically higher than Indian prices but far more affordable than brand-name equivalents.

Dental and vision.

US employer health plans often require separate enrollment for dental and vision coverage. Budget for these separately or enroll through your employer's optional benefit plans.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

You can open an account with your Indian passport, US visa, I-94 record, and proof of US address. Major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) accept H-1B holders and other visa holders. Some require an SSN; others allow account opening while your SSN application is processing.

Indian bank accounts as an NRI.

Once you become a Non-Resident Indian, your resident savings accounts must be converted to NRO or NRE status. NRO accounts hold rupee income earned in India (rent, dividends, interest). NRE accounts hold foreign earnings converted to rupees. NRE account interest is tax-exempt in India; NRO interest is taxable. Both account types must be reported on your US tax return, and balances count toward FBAR thresholds ^[1].

PPF and EPF.

Public Provident Fund accounts can be maintained after becoming an NRI, but new contributions are restricted after the account matures. Employee Provident Fund balances can be withdrawn when you leave India, or left until retirement age. The US does not recognize PPF or EPF as qualifying retirement plans, so interest and gains are taxable on your US return ^[1].

Building US credit.

India's CIBIL credit score does not transfer to the US. You start with no US credit history. A secured credit card is the fastest way to build credit. Pay in full each month and your score will build within 6 to 12 months.

Remittances.

India is the world's largest recipient of remittances. Wise, Remitly, and Western Union offer competitive USD-to-INR rates. Wire transfers through Indian banks (SBI, ICICI, HDFC) charge higher fees but may be convenient for large transfers.

Social Security.

The US and India do not have a Totalization Agreement. Indian EPFO contributions do not count toward US Social Security eligibility. You need 40 quarters (10 years) of covered US employment to qualify for US Social Security retirement benefits.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

India-to-US shipping is a long-haul route. A 20-foot container from Mumbai or Chennai to a US East Coast port takes 4 to 6 weeks by sea. West Coast ports are faster from Indian ports. Door-to-door costs vary based on volume and origin. Companies like Allied International, Crown Relocations, and India-based international movers handle this corridor regularly. Get at least three quotes.

Customs and duties.

Personal effects and household goods used for at least one year before your move enter the US duty-free under the personal effects exemption. File a detailed inventory with US Customs and Border Protection. New items, gifts, and commercial goods may be subject to duty. Large quantities of gold jewelry may trigger additional scrutiny.

What to leave behind.

Voltage differences between India (220V/50Hz) and the US (120V/60Hz) mean most Indian appliances will not work without heavy-duty transformers. Televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, and kitchen appliances are generally not worth shipping. Clothes, books, personal items, and electronics with universal power supplies (phones, laptops) are worth bringing.

Pet import requirements.

Dogs entering the US from India must meet CDC requirements. India is classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies, which means additional documentation is required. Dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and have valid rabies vaccination. A CDC Dog Import Form must be submitted, and dogs may need a rabies titer test. Start the process well in advance. Cats have fewer requirements.

Driver's license.

Indian driving licenses are not valid for long-term use in the US. Most states allow temporary driving on an international driving permit for a limited period. After establishing residency, you must obtain a state driver's license through written and road tests. Requirements vary by state.

Time zones.

India Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30) is 10.5 hours ahead of US Eastern Time and 13.5 hours ahead of Pacific Time. Real-time communication with family and colleagues in India requires scheduling around this gap.

Cultural Adjustment

The Indian diaspora.

The US has a large and established Indian-American community, concentrated in the Bay Area, New Jersey/New York metro, Seattle, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, and the Washington DC area. Indian grocery stores, temples, community organizations, and cultural events are readily available in these areas. Regional communities (Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi, Bengali, Marathi, Malayali) have their own associations.

Language.

English is widely spoken in Indian professional settings, and most Indian immigrants arrive with functional English. American English differs from Indian English in pronunciation, idioms, and workplace conventions. Adjusting to American accents and communication styles takes time but rarely blocks professional effectiveness.

Work culture.

US workplaces generally operate with flatter hierarchies than many Indian companies. Managers expect direct feedback and pushback from reports. Work-life boundaries are more formally defined. Annual leave is typically 15 to 20 days at tech companies, less at smaller firms.

Food.

Vegetarian options are more limited in the US than in India, though this is improving in major metro areas. Indian grocery stores (Patel Brothers, India Bazaar) stock most staples. Restaurant portions are larger. Tipping (15-20% at sit-down restaurants) is expected.

Housing.

US rental markets require credit checks, proof of income, and often a cosigner for new arrivals without credit history. Apartments are typically unfurnished. Central heating and air conditioning are standard. Some Indian immigrants initially share apartments to reduce costs in expensive markets.

Driving.

Driving is essential in most US cities. If you come from a city like Mumbai or Delhi, adjusting to highway driving is significant. Roads are wider, speeds are higher, and traffic norms are more structured. A car is typically your first major purchase after arrival.

Social integration.

The Indian community provides a strong initial network, but building relationships outside the community takes deliberate effort. Workplace social events, neighborhood activities, and volunteer organizations are common entry points.

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