This article explains the documents and the step-by-step process for an Indian passport holder applying for a US visitor visa (B-1/B-2) — for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, or short business trips.
Important: A US visitor visa is interview-based. Approval depends mainly on your interview, financial stability, travel history, and ties to India — submitting documents does not by itself guarantee a visa. A visa also only lets you travel to a US port of entry; the final decision to admit you, and for how long, is made by the CBP officer at the border (recorded on your I-94).
Visa types
- B-1 — business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations).
- B-2 — tourism, visiting family/friends, medical treatment.
- Most applicants are issued a combined B-1/B-2 visa, commonly valid up to 10 years, multiple entry, with the stay per visit (typically up to ~6 months) decided by CBP at entry.
The process (in order)
- Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at the official Consular Electronic Application Center (
ceac.state.gov). Print and keep the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode — you need it for the appointment.
- Pay the visa fee through the official payment portal and keep the receipt. (See "Fees" below — confirm the current amount on the official site before paying.)
- Create a profile and schedule your appointment(s) on the official US Visa Information and Appointment Services system for India.
- Attend the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo (biometrics).
- Attend the visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate with all original documents. An in-person interview is required for most applicants aged 14–79.
- Collect your passport after processing (or track the status online); on approval, stamping usually takes a few working days.
Fees
- MRV (visa application) fee:USD 185 for B-1/B-2, non-refundable, paid before scheduling.
- Visa Integrity Fee (USD 250): created under 2025 US legislation. Its collection at Indian consulates has been changing — check the current, total fee on the official US Embassy India / appointment site before you pay, as the amount you owe may differ from the MRV fee alone.
- Fees are paid in INR at the consular exchange rate, which the embassy updates periodically.
Mandatory documents to carry to the interview
- Passport — valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with blank pages. Bring old/previous passports too (travel history).
- DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode).
- Appointment confirmation (VAC and interview).
- Visa fee receipt.
- Photograph — a recent (within 6 months) US-spec photo: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), plain white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses. It is normally uploaded with the DS-160; carry a printed copy in case the upload is rejected.
Supporting documents (to demonstrate funds, purpose, and ties)
- Financial proof: bank statements (last 3–6 months), Income Tax Returns (last 2–3 years), salary slips, fixed-deposit certificates, or proof of business income.
- Employment / business proof: employer letter confirming employment + leave approval; for self-employed, business registration and GST returns.
- Proof of ties to India: property documents, family ties (marriage certificate, children's birth certificates), or other commitments showing you will return.
- Purpose of visit: for B-1, an invitation letter or conference details; for B-2, a travel itinerary or an invitation from US-based relatives.
All supporting documents must match the information in your DS-160 exactly. Inconsistent or missing documents are a common cause of refusal.
Interview waiver ("Dropbox")
If you previously held a US B-1/B-2 visa issued in India and are applying for the same visa class, you may qualify to waive the in-person interview. Eligibility rules changed in 2025 and are applied strictly — confirm your eligibility on the official US visa appointment site before assuming you qualify.
Common reason for refusal — Section 214(b)
The most common refusal is under Section 214(b) — the officer was not satisfied that you will return to India. Strong, clearly evidenced ties (job, family, property) and a consistent, honest application reduce this risk.
Before you travel
- Start early — interview appointment wait times can be long; begin 2–3 months ahead of planned travel.
- Be honest — misrepresentation or false documents can lead to refusal and future bans.
- Check the latest US advisories immediately before departure, as entry conditions and procedures can change with limited notice.
Note: US visa rules, fees, and procedures are set by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India and can change at any time. This article is for guidance; we help you prepare and book, but we cannot influence the consular decision. Always confirm current requirements on the official US Embassy India website.