🇮🇳India

🇺🇸United StatesIN-US

India to United States visa requirements

Q: Does a 10-year visa mean I can stay 10 years?

No. Visa validity controls when you may request entry. CBP sets each stay period when you arrive, and it is usually recorded in the I-94.

Q: Should I buy flights before the interview?

No. The State Department warns applicants not to make final travel plans until a visa is issued.

Q: Can a U.S. relative sponsor me?

They can provide support documents, but visitor visa eligibility still depends mainly on your own purpose, funds, and ties outside the United States.

Q: Can I work remotely from the U.S. on B-1/B-2?

Do not treat a visitor visa as work permission. Paid employment in the United States is not allowed on B-1/B-2.

Yes, Indian ordinary passport holders need a U.S. visitor visa. Indian ordinary passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visitor visa before travelling to the United States for tourism, visits, medical treatment, or short business meetings. India is not listed as a Visa Waiver Program country for ESTA travel. The visa may be issued for multiple entries, but CBP decides each actual admission period at the port of entry.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

B-1/B-2 visitor visa

Maximum stay

CBP decides at entry, often up to 6 months

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

US$185

consular fee only

Processing time

Appointment-dependent

standard track

Validity

Up to 10 years

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Complete DS-160

Submit the online nonimmigrant visa form and save the confirmation page for your appointment.

· online· required

/02

Pay and schedule

Create an official U.S. visa scheduling profile, pay the MRV fee, and book VAC biometrics plus the consular interview unless a limited interview-waiver route applies.

· US$185· usually two visits

/03

Attend biometrics

Visit the Visa Application Center with passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, and photo if needed.

· fingerprints· photo

/04

Attend interview

Answer the purpose-of-travel, funding, employment, family, and return-intent questions clearly and consistently.

· consular officer· 214(b) standard

/05

Track passport return

If approved, wait for passport delivery or pickup and verify visa class, entries, and expiration date.

· post-interview· track online

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items

Personalized checklist

India -> United States · B-1/B-2 visitor visa

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

ConditionalPassport valid for U.S. travel

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Include old passports with prior visas if available

RequiredDS-160 confirmation page

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Barcode must match the appointment profile

RequiredAppointment confirmation

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

VAC and consular appointment details

RequiredMRV fee receipt

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Non-refundable application fee

ConditionalRecent visa photo

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

Bring one printed photo if upload fails

RequiredEmployment or study proof

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Leave letter, salary slips, business registration, or enrollment proof

ConditionalFunds and tax evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Bank statements, ITRs, sponsor proof if applicable

RequiredTravel plan

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Itinerary, accommodation, event, or family visit details

RequiredHome ties evidence

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Family, property, employment, or business obligations in India

RequiredPrior visa/refusal history

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Be ready to explain previous refusals, overstays, or long stays

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesU.S. State Department — Visitor Visa U.S. State Department — Fees for Visa Services U.S. State Department — India Reciprocity

Application link included: U.S. State Department — Visitor Visa

Open link

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

MRV application feeUS$185State Department

Visa issuance feeUS$0India reciprocity

Courier or pickupVariesScheduling profile

Photo / document prepVariesOptional

Total estimateUS$185 — US$185+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Appointment wait

Varies by post

Interview wait estimates change frequently. Check the State Department Global Visa Wait Times table and the scheduling portal before fixing travel dates.

Passport return

3-10 business days

Typical after approval, but not guaranteed.

Administrative processing

Weeks or longer

Some cases need extra checks after the interview.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Insufficient ties outside the U.S.

The officer is not satisfied you will leave after a temporary visit.

High

/02

Unclear purpose of travel

Vague itinerary, weak event details, or inconsistent answers can trigger refusal.

High

/03

Funding mismatch

Trip cost does not fit income, savings, or sponsor evidence.

Medium

/04

DS-160 inconsistencies

Employment, travel history, family, or refusal answers conflict with supporting documents.

Medium

/05

Prior immigration problems

Previous overstays, unauthorized work, or misrepresentation are serious red flags.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

CBP inspection

A visa lets you request admission. CBP decides the actual period of stay and records it in your I-94.

/02

Customs

Declare food, agricultural items, and cash over USD 10,000. Missing declarations can cause fines or seizure.

/03

Connectivity

Airport SIMs are expensive; eSIMs or prepaid plans bought online often work better for short trips.

/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19

B-1/B-2 facts rechecked

Verified visitor visa requirement, US$185 MRV fee, India reciprocity validity, ESTA/VWP ineligibility, and appointment-wait guidance against official sources.

2026-05-26

Visitor visa route verified

Checked U.S. State Department visitor visa guidance, India reciprocity, and India appointment flow for the current route.

/09 — The questions