Indian citizens need an embassy visa before travelling to the United States.

• Government / consular fee Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality.
• Visa centre service fee Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee.
• Courier, SMS & biometrics Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately.

We deliberately do not publish fee amounts: they differ by visa type and nationality and change often, and a stale number is worse than none. Check the current amount on the official source.

• PassportMust be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
• DS-160 Confirmation PagePrinted confirmation page of the electronically submitted Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
• Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation PagePrinted confirmation of your scheduled interview.
• PhotographOne (1) 2x2 inch (5x5 cm) color photograph taken within the last six months, meeting U.S. visa photo requirements.
• Proof of FundsEvidence demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay (e.g., bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns).
• Evidence of Ties to IndiaDocuments proving strong ties to your home country, such as property deeds, family ties, employment letter, business ownership documents, or academic records, to demonstrate intent to return.
• Travel ItineraryProposed travel plans, including flight bookings (not necessarily confirmed), hotel reservations, and activities.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable)If visiting friends/relatives, a letter from the host. If for business, a letter from the inviting U.S. company.
• Previous PassportsAny previous passports containing prior U.S. visas, if applicable.

1. 1
   Complete the DS-160 online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form.

   DS-160 Online Application
2. 2
   Create a profile on the U.S. Visa Service website for India and pay the visa application fee.
3. 3
   Schedule two appointments: one for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
4. 4
   Attend your VAC appointment for biometric data collection. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment confirmation.
5. 5
   Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring all required documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, photograph, and supporting documents.
6. 6
   If your visa is approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be delivered to your chosen location.

• Lack of strong ties to India

  How to avoid: Provide comprehensive documentation demonstrating your strong connections to your home country, such as employment, family responsibilities, property ownership, or ongoing studies, to convince the consular officer of your intent to return.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation

  How to avoid: Ensure all required documents are accurately completed, consistent with each other, and presented clearly. Double-check all information on your DS-160 form for accuracy.

• Misrepresentation of facts

  How to avoid: Always be truthful and accurate in your application and during your interview. Providing false information can lead to permanent ineligibility for a U.S. visa.

• Previous immigration violations

  How to avoid: If you have any past overstays, visa violations, or previous visa denials, be prepared to explain them honestly and provide any relevant documentation. Avoid any further violations.

• Insufficient funds

  How to avoid: Provide clear and verifiable proof that you have adequate financial resources to cover all your expenses during your intended stay in the U.S. without resorting to unauthorized employment.

• Unclear purpose of travel

  How to avoid: Clearly articulate your specific purpose for visiting the U.S. during your interview and ensure it aligns with the B-1/B-2 visa category. Be ready to explain your itinerary and activities.

• Be prepared for questioning by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon arrival. Have your passport, visa, and supporting documents readily accessible.
• Familiarize yourself with U.S. customs regulations regarding prohibited items, food, and currency. Declare all items as required.
• Always carry a copy of your passport and visa, but keep the originals in a secure place. Be aware of local laws and customs, which can vary by state.
• Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, as healthcare costs in the U.S. can be very high.

• Can I extend my B1/B2 visa stay in the U.S.?

  It is possible to apply for an extension of stay with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires. However, extensions are not guaranteed and are granted only in specific circumstances.

• Can I work in the U.S. on a B1/B2 tourist visa?

  No, the B1/B2 visitor visa does not permit employment in the United States. Engaging in unauthorized work can lead to serious immigration consequences, including future visa denials.

• What happens if my U.S. visa application is denied?

  If your visa is denied, the consular officer will inform you of the reason. You may be able to reapply if the circumstances that led to the denial have changed or if you can provide additional information. There is no appeal process for visa denials.

• Do I need a transit visa if I have a connecting flight through the U.S.?

  Yes, generally, even if you are only transiting through the U.S. and do not intend to leave the airport, you will need a C-1 Transit Visa or a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa. There are very limited exceptions.

• How long does it take to get a U.S. tourist visa in India?

  Processing times vary significantly based on the U.S. Embassy/Consulate, the time of year, and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check the current wait times on the official U.S. Visa Service website for India and apply well in advance of your planned travel.

• My passport expires in 5 months - can I still apply for a US tourist visa?

  The United States generally requires your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay. If your passport has less than six months validity, you should renew it before applying for a visa. Applying with a passport that does not meet this requirement may lead to delays or refusal. Please check the latest validity requirements on the official U.S. Embassy website in India.

• How much bank balance do I need to show for a US tourist visa?

  There is no fixed minimum bank balance required for a US tourist visa. You need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your travel, accommodation, and other expenses during your stay in the United States. Provide bank statements, salary slips, or other financial documents that clearly show you can support yourself without working. The consular officer assesses your financial stability and ties to India.

• I want to travel to the US next month, is there enough time to get a visa?

  Applying for a US tourist visa at short notice, especially for travel next month, can be challenging due to appointment availability and processing times. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Check the current wait times for interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India as soon as possible. Expedited appointments are rarely granted and only for extreme emergencies.

• I am self-employed in India, what documents do I need to show for my US tourist visa?

  As a self-employed individual, you should provide documents that demonstrate the legitimacy and stability of your business, as well as your strong ties to India. This may include business registration documents, tax returns, bank statements for your business and personal accounts, and professional licenses. The goal is to prove you have compelling reasons to return to India after your trip.

• I am travelling to the US with my children, do they need their own visa?

  Yes, every individual, including children, requires their own valid visa to enter the United States. You must submit a separate visa application for each child, even infants. Specific documentation, such as birth certificates and consent letters from non-traveling parents, may be required for minors. Ensure all necessary forms are completed accurately for each family member.

• How much does a United States visa cost for Indian citizens?

  There are usually two or three separate charges, and people often confuse them. Government / consular fee: Set by the embassy or consulate. It varies by visa type, number of entries and your nationality. Visa centre service fee: Charged by the application centre (such as VFS Global) on top of the government fee. Courier, SMS & biometrics: Optional extras such as passport return by courier are billed separately. Fees change regularly, so confirm the current amount on the official source linked on this page before you apply.

• Do I need a separate visa for New York City, New York, or does this cover all of United States?

  You do not need a separate visa for any individual city. Entry rules are set nationally, not city by city, so a United States visa is valid for the whole country — including New York City, New York, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, Orlando, Florida and San Francisco, California. Apply once for United States and you can travel anywhere inside it, up to the permitted length of stay.