United States Visa for India Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the United States as an Indian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, interview preparation, and strategies to improve your chances. With an 84% approval rate for Indian applicants, demonstrating strong ties to India is essential for success.

Visa Application process

The US B1/B2 visa requires an in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.1 The application process involves several steps that must be completed in order.

Complete DS-160 Online Application

Fill out the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov.6 This comprehensive form requires information about your travel plans, employment history, education, family, and previous travel. Upload a compliant digital photograph meeting US specifications.1

Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the $185 MRV fee online or at designated bank branches.2 Keep your payment receipt as you will need the receipt number to schedule your interview. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2

Schedule Interview Appointment

After paying the fee, schedule your interview through the US visa appointment website.3 Interviews are conducted at the US Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.3 Wait times vary by location and season.

Attend Visa Interview

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment letter, fee receipt, and supporting documents.1 The interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes. Your fingerprints will be collected electronically.3

Receive Decision

Most applicants receive a decision immediately after the interview.3 If approved, your passport with the visa will be available for pickup or courier delivery within 3-5 business days.

Visa Application Steps

1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
2. Pay the Visa Fee
3. Schedule Interview Appointment
4. Attend Visa Interview
5. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Cost	MRV Fee (B1/B2): $185	Visa Integrity Fee: $250	The MRV fee payment is valid for one year from the date of payment.2 If you do not schedule and attend your interview within this period, you will need to pay again.

What you need to prove

Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent.5 You must overcome this presumption by demonstrating:

Strong ties to India that would compel you to return after your visit 5
Sufficient financial resources to cover all expenses without working in the US 1
Clear purpose of travel with a realistic itinerary 1
Intent to depart at the end of your authorized stay 5

Required documents

Valid Passport
DS-160 Application Form
Digital Photograph
Visa Fee Payment
Interview Appointment
Financial Documents
Employment Evidence
Ties to India

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States • At least one blank page for the visa stamp; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous US, UK, or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: Previous visa stamps demonstrate positive travel historyIf passport expires within 6 months of planned return date, consider renewing first)

DS-160 Application Form

Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form • Must be completed in English; • Upload a compliant digital photograph; • Provide travel history for the past 5 years; • List social media accounts used in past 5 years; • Employment history for past 10 years; • Education history; • Family information] (Tip: Save your application ID to retrieve and continue laterPrint confirmation page with barcode for interviewDouble-check all information for accuracy before submitting)

Digital Photograph

Recent passport-style photograph meeting US visa requirements • 2 inches x 2 inches (51mm x 51mm); • Color photo with white background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Face must take up 50-70% of photo; • No glasses permitted] (Tip: Many applications are delayed due to non-compliant photosUse the State Department photo tool to verify compliance)

Visa Fee Payment

Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee • Payment can be made online or at designated bank branches; • Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome; • Fee receipt valid for one year] (Tip: Keep your payment receipt number for scheduling interviewPayment must be completed before scheduling interview appointment)

Interview Appointment

Schedule and attend visa interview at US Embassy or Consulate • Interviews conducted in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata; • Most applicants aged 14-79 must attend in person; • Interview typically lasts 3-5 minutes; • Fingerprints collected at appointment] (Tip: Book early as wait times can be several weeks to monthsArrive 15 minutes before scheduled timePrepare concise answers about trip purpose and ties to India)

Financial Documents

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Fixed deposit certificates; • Recent salary slips; • Income tax returns (ITR) for past 2-3 years] (Tip: Statements should show consistent income and stable balanceAvoid large unexplained deposits before applicationBalance should comfortably exceed total trip costs)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status and income • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include designation, salary, and tenure; • Confirm approved leave for travel dates; • Provide company contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide business registration and financial statementsStudents should submit enrollment letter and student IDStable employment of 2+ years strengthens application)

Ties to India

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to India • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing spouse, children, or dependents; • Business ownership documents; • Investment portfolios] (Tip: This is the most critical factor in visa decisionsYoung, single applicants face higher scrutinyShow responsibilities that require your return)

Optional documents

Travel Plans | Sponsor Documents

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities in the United States • Cities you plan to visit; • Approximate dates of travel; • Purpose of each stop] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations are helpful but not mandatoryHave a reasonable and realistic itinerary)

Sponsor Documents

Documents from your US-based sponsor if applicable • Invitation letter from sponsor; • Sponsor's proof of legal status in US; • Sponsor's financial documents if funding the trip; • Evidence of relationship to sponsor] (Tip: Sponsor letters should include their contact informationInclude sponsor's US passport or Green Card copy)

Comparison

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
MRV Fee (B1/B2)	$185	Non-refundable application fee
Visa Integrity Fee	$250	Effective October 1, 2025

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Insufficient Ties to Home Country
20%	Inadequate Financial Documentation
20%	Poor Interview Performance
15%	Lack of Travel History
5%	Previous Visa Violations

40% - Insufficient Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Provide employment letter showing 2+ years tenure, property documents, evidence of dependent family members, business ownership proof, or investment portfolios. Young and single applicants should emphasize career trajectory and financial commitments.

20% - Inadequate Financial Documentation

How to avoid: Show 6 months of bank statements with regular salary credits. Include fixed deposits, ITR for past 2-3 years, and ensure total funds significantly exceed estimated trip costs. Avoid sudden large deposits.

20% - Poor Interview Performance

How to avoid: Practice common interview questions. Keep answers brief and confident. Know your travel dates, itinerary, and who is funding the trip. Never lie or provide false information.

15% - Lack of Travel History

How to avoid: If possible, travel to other countries first to build travel history. Include evidence of any previous international travel. First-time applicants should especially strengthen other aspects of their application.

5% - Previous Visa Violations

How to avoid: Be honest about past issues. Provide explanation letters describing changed circumstances. Include evidence of stable life situation since the violation. Consult an immigration attorney for complex cases.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

The maximum stay is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry, typically up to 6 months. Your visa validity and permitted stay are different. A 10-year visa does not mean you can stay 10 years.

Can I work on a US tourist visa?

No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa ineligibility.

How long does the US visa process take from India?

Interview wait times vary by location and season, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Once you attend your interview, decisions are typically issued the same day. Passport return takes 3-5 business days.

What is the US tourist visa fee for Indians in 2026?

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for B1/B2 visas is $185 USD. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. A new Visa Integrity Fee of $250 will apply from October 2026.

Do I need to book flights before the visa interview?

No, do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. Having tentative travel plans is helpful for the interview, but confirmed bookings are not required.

What happens if my visa is refused under Section 214(b)?

Section 214(b) means you did not demonstrate sufficient ties to India or the consular officer was not convinced you would return. You can reapply with stronger evidence, but must pay the fee again and schedule a new interview.

What is the approval rate for US visas from India?

The approval rate for B1/B2 visas from India is approximately 84% based on FY2024 data. The 16% refusal rate is primarily due to applicants failing to demonstrate strong ties to India.

Can I extend my US tourist visa while in the US?

You can apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorized stay expires, but extensions are granted only in exceptional circumstances. Overstaying your visa has serious consequences for future applications.

How long is the US B1/B2 visa valid?

Indian citizens are typically issued B1/B2 visas valid for 10 years with multiple entries. However, visa validity and permitted stay duration are different. Each visit is limited to the stay period granted at entry.

What questions are asked in the US visa interview?

Common questions include: purpose of trip, travel dates, who is funding the trip, employment details, previous travel history, family ties in India, and connections to the US. Keep answers brief and honest.

Apply for United States tourist visa online

Sources

US Department of State - Visitor Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html

US Department of State - Visa Fees

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html

US Embassy India - Visas

https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/

US Department of State - FY2024 B-Visa Refusal Rates

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY24.pdf

US Department of State - Visa Denials

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html

CEAC - DS-160 Application

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

At a glance