US Visitor Visa from India
Travelling to the United States is a dream for many Indians, whether it’s to explore New York’s skyline, visit family, attend business meetings, or experience the country’s iconic attractions. To make this possible, Indian citizens need to apply for a US Visitor Visa (B1/B2 Visa). This visa allows short stays for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. With expert guidance from Aussizz Group and Travelfika, applying for your US Visitor Visa becomes a hassle-free experience.
Benefits of a US Visitor Visa for Indians
The US Visitor Visa for Indians offers multiple benefits, allowing travellers to visit the United States for diverse purposes:
Tourism and Travel: Explore world-famous attractions such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Canyon. The visa allows stays of up to six months per visit, making it ideal for sightseeing, holidays, and cultural exploration.
Business Purposes: Attend short-term business meetings, conferences, trade shows, training sessions, or negotiate contracts in the US with the B1 Visa, without requiring a separate work permit.
Education (Short Courses): Enrol in short-term courses or training programs lasting up to six months, including language, professional, or skill development courses.
Medical Treatments: Receive advanced medical care at US hospitals under the B2 Visa category, provided you submit a medical diagnosis and treatment plan approved by US healthcare providers.
Visiting Friends and Family: Indians with relatives or friends in the US can apply to visit them under this visa, valid for up to six months per entry. Multiple-entry options are also available for frequent travellers.
Cultural and Academic Exchange: Attend conferences, academic workshops, or cultural programmes under the B1/B2 Visa framework, enhancing personal and professional growth.
Multiple Entry Options: Depending on the visa validity, travellers may obtain multiple-entry visas, allowing frequent visits with a maximum stay of six months per entry.
Travel Advantage: Holding a US visa can strengthen your profile when applying for other visas, such as Canada or Schengen countries, making future international travel easier.
Overall, the US Visitor Visa provides flexibility and global exposure, making it one of the most valuable short-term visas for Indian nationals.
US Visitor Visa Types
The US offers the B1/B2 Visa, which covers multiple purposes. Depending on your travel reason, it can be used for:
Visa Type | Visa For | Purpose |
B1 Visa | Business Professionals | Attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, training sessions, and contract negotiations. |
B2 Visa | Tourists, Travellers | Tourism, leisure trips, sightseeing, family visits, or short-term medical treatment. |
B1/B2 Combo | Business & Tourism | Combined purposes, allowing business meetings and tourism in a single visit. |
US Visitor Visa Cost for Indian Citizens
The cost of a US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) from India is generally:
Standard US B1/B2 Visa – USD 160 (approx. ₹13,000–14,000)
Visa Issuance Reciprocity Fees (if applicable, depending on nationality)
Note: Fees are subject to exchange rate fluctuations. Always check the official US Embassy or Consulate website before paying.
Validity of the US Visitor Visa
Single-Entry Visa: Allows one-time entry into the US for a maximum of six months.
Multiple-Entry Visa: Can be valid for 1, 5, or 10 years, allowing multiple entries. Each visit cannot exceed six months.
Even with a multiple-entry visa, you must leave the US after your permitted stay.
How to Apply for a US Visitor Visa from India
Follow these steps to apply for a US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) from India:
Determine Visa Type: Choose the purpose of your travel, tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or medical treatment.
Complete Online Application (DS-160): Fill out the DS-160 form on the official US Department of State website.
Pay Visa Fee: Pay the application fee online (USD 160 for standard B1/B2 Visa).
Schedule a Visa Interview: Book an appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in India.
Submit Supporting Documents: Upload or carry required documents such as a passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, invitation letters, and accommodation details.
Attend Visa Interview: Appear in person at the US Embassy or Consulate. Provide biometrics (fingerprints) and answer questions about your travel purpose.
Wait for Processing: Visa processing may take 3–6 weeks, depending on the Embassy or Consulate.
Collect Passport: If approved, the US Visitor Visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing travel to the US.
US Visitor Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens
Indian applicants must meet the following requirements:
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
Completed DS-160 Form: Fill out the online visa application form accurately.
Visa Fee: Paid online before scheduling the interview.
Photograph & Biometrics: Recent passport-sized photograph and fingerprints taken during the interview.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements, salary slips, and other financial documents showing you can fund your trip.
Travel & Accommodation Details: Hotel bookings, travel itinerary, or invitation letters from family/friends.
Employment/Study Documents: Employer or educational institution letters confirming status and leave approval.
Invitation Letter (if applicable): From family/friends residing in the US.
Medical Documents (if applicable): For medical treatment, a detailed treatment plan from a US hospital or doctor.
Additional documents may be required depending on travel purpose and personal circumstances.
About the US Visa Application Form
Applicants must complete the DS-160 Online Form via the US Department of State website. The form requires:
Personal details (name, address, passport details)
Travel history for the last 10 years
Financial and employment information
Purpose of visit and intended stay
Accommodation and travel arrangements
Accuracy is crucial, as incomplete or incorrect forms may result in visa refusal.
About US Visa Interview & Biometrics
All Indian applicants must appear in person for a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate:
Fingerprints and digital photo collection
Submission of original supporting documents
Interview questions regarding travel purpose and ties to India
Without the interview and biometrics, the visa application cannot be processed.
Tips to Increase Approval Chances
Maintain strong financial records (bank statements, ITRs, salary slips)
Show proof of strong ties to India (job, property, family)
Provide a detailed travel itinerary (hotels, sightseeing, flights)
Apply 2–3 months in advance of travel
Seek guidance from Aussizz Group and Travelfika for higher approval rates
Applying for a US Visitor Visa from India may seem complicated, but with proper guidance, it becomes simple. From document preparation to attending the interview, every step must be handled carefully. Aussizz Group and Travelfika ensure a smooth process, high success rate, and peace of mind.
FAQs – US Visitor Visa from India
1. What is the US Visitor Visa fee in India?
The standard US B1/B2 Visa fee for Indian citizens is USD 160 (approx. ₹13,000–14,000). Additional reciprocity fees may apply depending on nationality. The fee must be paid online during the application process. Always verify the latest fee on the official US Embassy or Consulate website before applying, as rates can change with exchange fluctuations.
2. How long does it take to process a US Visitor Visa?
Processing a US Visitor Visa typically takes 3–6 weeks from the date of your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. Priority appointments may shorten the process to a few days. Peak travel seasons may lead to longer waits. Early application is recommended to avoid delays and ensure timely visa approval.
3. Can I work in the US with a Visitor Visa?
No, the B1/B2 Visa does not allow employment or long-term work in the US. It is only valid for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending short-term business meetings, conferences, academic purposes, or medical treatment. For working or studying long-term, you must apply for a separate visa, such as a work or student visa.
4. Do I need travel insurance for a US Visitor Visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for a US Visitor Visa, but it is highly recommended. Insurance can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, or travel delays. It also demonstrates financial preparedness and responsibility to the US consular officers, strengthening your visa application and providing peace of mind during your stay in the United States.
5. Can I extend my US Visitor Visa?
Extensions for a US Visitor Visa are generally not guaranteed. Normally, B1/B2 Visas allow stays of up to six months per visit. If you need more time due to medical treatment, emergencies, or exceptional circumstances, you can apply for an extension with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your current visa expires.
6. What financial documents are required for a US Visitor Visa?
Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in the US. This includes bank statements for the last six months, salary slips, income tax returns (ITRs), and savings documents. If a US-based relative or friend is sponsoring your trip, their financial proof and an invitation letter must also be submitted to strengthen the application.
7. Do I need to book flights before applying for a U.S. visa?
You are not required to purchase flight tickets before applying for a US Visitor Visa. However, providing a tentative travel itinerary or flight booking confirmation can strengthen your application. It shows the consular officer that you have a clear travel plan. Refundable tickets are suggested to avoid financial loss if the visa is delayed or refused.
8. What happens if my US Visitor Visa is refused?
If your US Visitor Visa is refused, you will receive a detailed refusal letter explaining the reasons. Common issues include insufficient documentation or doubts about ties to India. You can reapply with stronger evidence or appeal in certain cases. Consulting immigration experts like Aussizz Group or Travelfika can significantly improve your chances in subsequent applications.
9. How long can I stay in the US on a Visitor Visa?
A US Visitor Visa allows stays of up to six months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the US Customs and Border Protection officer upon entry. Multiple-entry visas permit several visits during their validity, but each visit must not exceed six months. Planning your trip and returning on time avoids overstaying issues.
10. Can I apply for a US Visitor Visa while having a UK or Schengen Visa?
Yes, having a valid UK or Schengen visa does not affect your US Visitor Visa application. In fact, it may strengthen your travel history and demonstrate credibility. However, you must still meet all US visa requirements, attend an interview, and provide financial and personal documents proving your intent to return to India after the visit.
