US Visa for Indians: How to apply, fee and requirements

You’ve got plans – whether it’s a family visit, work opportunity, or an adventure waiting in the US. But first, there’s one concern — getting that US visa. The process can feel like a maze of paperwork and interviews, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So, here is our guide that will walk you through everything you need to know, offering clear and practical tips to make the process smoother.

Types of US visas for Indians

Here are the types of US visas for Indians:

Non-immigrant visas

Non-immigrant visas are issued to individuals seeking temporary entry into the United States. These visas are typically for purposes such as tourism, education, business, or short-term work. The most common types of non-immigrant visas for Indians include:

B-1/B-2 visa

This is a combined visa used for tourism (B-2) or business (B-1). It allows short-term visits for purposes such as attending conferences, vacationing, or visiting family and friends.

F-1 visa

Issued to students enrolled in academic programs or English language training courses in the US. It allows the student to stay for the duration of the course and gives the option for some work while studying.

H-1B visa

A work visa for skilled professionals in specialised fields such as IT, engineering, medicine, or research. The H-1B visa is employer-sponsored, meaning applicants must have a job offer from a US employer.

J-1 visa

This visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, including students, scholars, and professionals visiting the US for cultural or work exchanges.

L-1 visa

Designed for employees of international companies who are being transferred to the US branch of their company. It’s commonly used by multinational corporations.

M-1 visa

Issued to students attending vocational or non-academic programs, such as technical courses or certifications.

Immigrant visas

Immigrant visas are for individuals who intend to live permanently in the United States. The main categories are:

Family-sponsored immigrant visas

These are for individuals who have close family members who are US citizens or permanent residents. Examples include the immediate relative visa (IR) and the family preference visa (F).

Employment-based immigrant visas

These visas are granted to those with a permanent job offer in the US, or those with extraordinary abilities, such as in the arts, sciences, education, or business.

Diversity visa (DV)

Also known as the Green Card Lottery, this program randomly selects individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the US. India is not currently eligible for this visa program.

Steps to apply for a US visa from India

The application process for a US visa involves several steps, and it’s important to follow them carefully to avoid delays or denials. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide:

Determine your visa type

Before starting the application process, identify the appropriate visa category for your travel. For example, if you are planning a holiday, you will need a B-2 visa, whereas if you have been accepted into a US university, the F-1 visa is required.

Once you have identified the visa category, you can begin gathering the relevant documents and filling out the appropriate forms.

Complete the DS-160 form

The DS-160 form is the online application form for all non-immigrant visas. It is an essential part of the process and must be filled out with utmost care, as inaccuracies can lead to delays or rejection. Here are key points to keep in mind:

• Visit the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC) on the US Department of State website to begin the application.

• The DS-160 form asks for your personal information, travel plans, employment details, and security background.

• Ensure that all information entered is correct and consistent with your supporting documents.

• Upon completing the form, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode. Print and keep this page, as you will need it for your interview and biometric appointment.

Pay the visa application fee

The visa application fee, also known as the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, must be paid before scheduling your appointments. The fee varies depending on the visa type:

• Most non-immigrant visas, including tourist and business visas, have a fee of USD 160 (approximately INR 13,200).

• Work-related visas like the H-1B and L-1 visa carry a fee of USD 190 (approximately INR 15,600).

Payment methods include NEFT, mobile wallets, or payment at approved bank.  Keep the payment receipt for future reference, as you will need it to schedule your visa appointments.

Schedule your appointments

Once the fee is paid, you need to schedule two appointments:

1. Biometric appointment at the visa application centre (VAC): This is the first step, where your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. You must bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment confirmation page to the VAC.

2. Visa interview appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate: This is the final step where a consular officer will assess your eligibility for the visa. The interview will take place at the US Embassy or Consulate General located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, or Hyderabad.

Both appointments can be scheduled via the CGI Federal website.

Attend the biometric appointment

Your biometric appointment will take place at the visa application centre (VAC). This appointment typically takes around 15-20 minutes, and you will need to bring the following documents:

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay in the US.

• The DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode.

• Your biometric appointment confirmation page.

• The visa application fee payment receipt.

At the VAC, they will capture your fingerprints and photograph, which will be used for your visa documentation.

Prepare for the visa interview

The visa interview is perhaps the most critical part of the application process. Preparation is key, as the consular officer will ask questions to assess your eligibility and intent to visit the US. Make sure to prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is in good condition and has at least six months of validity.

• DS-160 confirmation page: This is mandatory for all non-immigrant visa applicants.

• Visa appointment confirmation page: This confirms your interview slot at the US Embassy or Consulate.

• Visa fee receipt: Proof that you have paid the application fee.

• Photograph: Though a photo is typically taken during the biometric appointment, it’s advisable to carry a passport-sized photo that meets US visa requirements.

• Supporting documents: Depending on your visa category, this may include bank statements, invitation letters, academic transcripts, proof of employment, property ownership, and travel itinerary.

The consular officer may ask you about your ties to India, travel plans, financial stability, and your reason for visiting the US. Be honest and concise in your responses. For non-immigrant visas, proving your intention to return to India after your visit is crucial.

Attend the visa interview

The visa interview will typically last between 3-10 minutes. The consular officer will ask questions based on your visa type and application. Some common questions include:

• Why are you travelling to the United States?

• How long do you plan to stay in the US?

• Do you have relatives in the US?

• Can you explain your current job or academic situation in India?

Answer all questions truthfully and provide any additional documents they request during the interview.

After the interview: Visa approval, denial, and administrative processing

At the end of your interview, the consular officer will inform you of the outcome. There are typically three possible results:

• Visa approved: Your passport will be retained for visa stamping, and you will be notified when it is ready for collection.

• Visa denied: If denied, the officer will explain the reason for denial. Common reasons include insufficient documentation or inability to prove ties to India. You can reapply if you correct the issues.

• Administrative processing: In some cases, your application may require additional processing, especially if the consular officer needs more information. Administrative processing can take several weeks or even months.

Tips for a successful US visa application

• Double-check your documents: Ensure all forms are filled out accurately, and carry all required documents, including financial records, academic transcripts, and property papers.

• Be on time: Arriving early for both the biometric and visa interview appointments is crucial to avoid unnecessary stress.

• Be honest: Any discrepancies or false information can result in visa denial. Be truthful about your intentions and your ties to India.

• Demonstrate strong ties to India: The consular officer wants to see that you have compelling reasons to return to India after your visit, such as family, employment, or property ownership.

US visa fees and processing time for Indians

Conclusion

Getting a US visa isn’t just about paperwork or ticking off boxes—it’s about opening doors to new experiences, opportunities, and memories waiting to be made. Every step you take brings you closer to that moment when you step off the plane and into the life you’ve envisioned. The process may seem detailed but think of it as the first chapter of your adventure. Now, with the knowledge you have, the path ahead is clear.