United States visa for Indian passport holders
The DS-160 and the interview decide everything. Appointment wait times in India swing from weeks to many months, so the calendar matters as much as the case.
- Package from
- βΉ17,900
- Processing
- Depends on interview wait times
- Permitted stay
- Up to 6 months per entry
- Visa type
- B1/B2 visitor visa, interview usually required
How the United States visa works
A US B1/B2 visitor visa is typically issued for ten years with multiple entries, and each visit is granted up to six months by the officer at the port of entry. The process has three fixed parts: an accurate DS-160, a biometrics appointment at an Offsite Facilitation Centre, and a consular interview. Interview wait times for first-time applicants in India have historically ranged from weeks to well over a year depending on the post, which is why the practical advice is to file the DS-160 and take the earliest available slot even if travel is far off. Applicants renewing an earlier visa may qualify for the interview waiver route.
Issuing authority: US Embassy and Consulates in India
Where United States applications go wrong
DS-160 errors follow you permanently
The form is long and unforgiving. Employment dates, previous US travel and family details are cross-checked against records the consulate already holds. A correction after submission means a new form and, often, a new appointment.
The interview is short and about intent
Officers decide most cases in a couple of minutes. Under section 214(b) every applicant is presumed to intend immigration until they show otherwise, so the answers about your job, family and reason to return matter more than the folder of documents you carry.
Appointment scarcity is the real bottleneck
Slots are released in unpredictable batches across the five consular posts. Applicants who wait until they have booked a flight routinely find no appointment inside their travel window.
Visa types
Business visitor
For meetings, conferences, contract negotiation and consultations. Paid employment in the US is not permitted.
Tourism and medical treatment
For holidays, visiting relatives and medical treatment. The most common category for Indian applicants.
Combined visitor visa
Issued as a single visa covering both purposes, normally valid ten years with multiple entries.
Interview waiver renewal
Available to eligible applicants renewing a previous visa within the qualifying period, without attending an interview.
Documents required
Core documents
- βPassport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- βDS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
- βVisa fee payment receipt and appointment confirmations
- βPhotograph meeting US specification, 2 Γ 2 inches, white background
Supporting documents for the interview
- βEmployment letter, salary slips and Income Tax Returns
- βBank statements for the last 6 months
- βProperty and investment documents showing ties to India
- βInvitation letter and status documents of any US host
Purpose-specific
- βTravel itinerary and hotel plans for tourism
- βConference registration or company invitation for business travel
- βHospital appointment letter and treatment estimate for medical visits
The process, step by step
- 1
DS-160 preparation
We complete the DS-160 with you, reconciling employment history, previous travel and family details before submission.
- 2
Fee payment and slot booking
The MRV fee is paid and we monitor slot releases across eligible consular posts to secure the earliest workable interview date.
- 3
Interview preparation
A practice session covering the questions officers actually ask, the documents to carry and how to answer about your job, funding and return plans.
- 4
Biometrics and interview
You attend the OFC for fingerprints and photograph, then the consular interview. Approved passports are couriered back with the visa.
United States visa cost
| Package | Processing | Stay | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1/B2 visitor visaMRV fee payable to the US government | Depends on slot availability | Up to 6 months per entry | βΉ17,900 |
| Interview waiver renewal | 2β4 weeks typically | Up to 6 months per entry | βΉ12,900 |
| Family of 4Per applicant | Depends on slot availability | Up to 6 months per entry | βΉ14,900 |
Included: DS-160 preparation, fee payment assistance, appointment monitoring and booking, interview coaching and document review. The MRV consular fee is paid directly to the US government.
Prices are starting packages for a single standard applicant and change with visa type, stay length, express processing and group size. Government fees are set by the issuing authority and can change without notice. You receive a fixed written quote before any payment.
United States visa questions
How long is the US visa interview wait in India?οΌ
It varies widely by consulate and by category, from a few weeks to many months. Check the current estimate for your post on the official appointment system before planning travel.
Can I skip the interview?οΌ
Interview waiver, sometimes called dropbox, is available to eligible applicants renewing a previous visa within the qualifying window and meeting the current criteria. Eligibility rules change, so it must be confirmed at the time of applying.
What is section 214(b)?οΌ
The provision under which most visitor visas are refused. It means the officer was not satisfied that you overcame the presumption of intending to immigrate. It is not a permanent bar and you may reapply.
How long can I stay in the US on a B1/B2?οΌ
The visa may be valid for ten years, but the length of each stay is set by the officer at the port of entry, commonly up to six months.
Official source
Rules, fees and processing times change. Always confirm the current requirements with the issuing authority before you travel.
US Travel Docs β India βRelated guides
Other Americas destinations
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