--- title: United States visa for citizens of India description: "Citizens of India need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Fee: $185. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/united-states/india lastModified: 2026-09-04 --- # United States visa for citizens of India 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.* Official application site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html ## 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 - **Passport valid for travel to the United States** (Identity): Must generally be valid at least six months beyond the U.S. stay. - **Form DS-160 confirmation page** (Identity): Print and bring the confirmation page to the interview. - **Visa application fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Required before interview when the post requires prepayment. - **Printed visa photograph** (Identity, optional): Required only if the DS-160 photo upload fails. - **Evidence of trip purpose** (Travel, optional): May be requested. - **Evidence of intent to depart the United States** (Travel, optional): May be requested; employment or family ties may help establish this. - **Evidence of ability to pay trip costs** (Financial, optional): May be requested; another person may document covering some or all costs. - **Evidence of employment and/or family ties** (Employment, optional): May be sufficient to show trip purpose and intent to return. ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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 - [Visitor Visa](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html) - [U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country — India](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/India.html) - [Fees for Visa Services](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html) - [DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html) - [Visa Denials](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html) - [Interview Waiver Update](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-feb-18-2025.html) - [Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-niv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html) ## More - [United States visa for every passport](/visa/united-states) - [Every destination for India passport holders](/visa/passport/india)