India passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of India

Embassy / VFSB-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa

Citizens of India need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-04. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Proof of funds	Evidence of ability to pay all trip costs may be requested; no minimum balance is stated.

How to apply

1
Complete Form DS-160 online
Submit the online nonimmigrant visa application and print the confirmation/barcode page.
2
Pay the application fee
Pay the non-refundable B visitor-visa processing fee of USD 185.
3
Schedule the interview appointment
Schedule at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence.
4
Attend biometrics collection
Provide ink-free digital fingerprints as part of the application process.
5
Attend the consular interview
A consular officer determines eligibility for the visitor visa.
6
Complete any administrative processing
Additional processing may be required after the interview.
7
Receive the passport and visa if approved
Arrange passport return; no visa issuance reciprocity fee is listed for Indian B visas.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport valid for travel to the United States
Must generally be valid at least six months beyond the U.S. stay.
Form DS-160 confirmation page
Print and bring the confirmation page to the interview.
Printed visa photograph
Optional
Required only if the DS-160 photo upload fails.

Travel

Evidence of trip purpose
Optional
May be requested.
Evidence of intent to depart the United States
Optional
May be requested; employment or family ties may help establish this.

Financial

Evidence of ability to pay trip costs
Optional
May be requested; another person may document covering some or all costs.

Employment

Evidence of employment and/or family ties
Optional
May be sufficient to show trip purpose and intent to return.

Supporting

Visa application fee payment receipt
Required before interview when the post requires prepayment.

Proof of funds

The authority requires no fixed balance in the cited sources; ability to pay may be evaluated.

Good to know

A visa does not guarantee admission; CBP decides admission at the port of entry.
Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until the visa is issued.
Invitation letters and Affidavits of Support are not needed for a visitor-visa application.
False or misleading statements can cause permanent visa refusal or denial of entry.
Interview-waiver eligibility is limited and discretionary; consular officers may still require an in-person interview.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete application or missing supporting documentation under INA 221(g).

Submit the DS-160 accurately and provide documents requested by the consular section.

Failure to qualify for the visitor category or overcome presumed immigrant intent under INA 214(b).

Demonstrate the temporary tourism purpose, strong home-country ties, and intent to depart.

Criminal conviction involving moral turpitude.

Disclose relevant history accurately and assess any applicable legal waiver.

Drug violation or qualifying multiple criminal convictions.

Disclose accurately and obtain case-specific legal guidance.

Likely public charge because sufficient financial support was not demonstrated.

Document adequate financial support for the temporary stay.

Material misrepresentation or fraud under INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i).

Give complete, truthful, and consistent information.

Unlawful presence in the United States under INA 212(a)(9)(B)(i).

Comply with authorized periods of stay and obtain required authorization before remaining longer.

FAQ

Do citizens of India need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of India need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B-2 or combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of India?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of India need for the United States?

Passport valid for travel to the United States; Form DS-160 confirmation page; Visa application fee payment receipt; Printed visa photograph; Evidence of trip purpose; Evidence of intent to depart the United States; and 2 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html

Sources

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