USA Visitor Visa from India: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Complete Guide for Indians to Apply for a U.S. B1/B2 Visitor Visa

Planning a trip to the United States for tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, or business? The USA Visitor Visa (B1/B2) is the non-immigrant visa that allows Indian passport holders to travel to the U.S. for short-term visits. This guide explains the latest 2026 requirements, costs, process, documents, timelines, and practical tips you need to know before applying.

What is a U.S. Visitor Visa (B1/B2)?

• The B1 visa is for business visits.
• The B2 visa is for tourism, family visits, or medical reasons.
• In practice, most visitors apply for a B1/B2 combined visa.
• It usually allows stays of up to 6 months per visit and can be valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries for Indian travelers.

Updated Visa Fees (2026)

As of 2026, the USA Visitor Visa fee structure for Indian applicants includes the newly introduced Visa Integrity Fee, making the total cost higher than in previous years:

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The Visa Integrity Fee is now compulsory for most non-immigrant visas and usually non-refundable.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

To apply for a B1/B2 visa you must:

• Hold a valid Indian passport
• Plan temporary travel for tourism, business, or medical purposes
• Show strong ties to India (job, family, property) —this helps prove intent to return after your visit.

Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Online Form

• Go to the official U.S. Department of State DS-160 website.
• Fill in your personal details, travel purpose, itinerary, and passport information.
• After submission, download and print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode as you’ll need this for appointments.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees

• Pay the combined visa fees ($435 approx.) through the official payment portals.
• Keep the fee receipt as you’ll need it to book your visa appointments.

Step 4: Schedule Appointments

You must schedule two appointments:

1. Biometrics Appointment (at a Visa Application Center [VAC])– Fingerprints + photo
2. Visa Interview (at U.S. Embassy/Consulate)– Mandatory for nearly all first-time B1/B2 applicants

Accepted consulates in India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Interview waiver may be possible for certain renewals, but most applicants will require an in-person interview.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics & Interview

• At the VAC, you will complete biometrics.
• At the Embassy/Consulate interview, a consular officer may ask about your trip purpose, finances, travel plans, and ties to India.
• Be truthful and concise — honesty and accurate documentation help increase approval chances.

Key Documents Checklist

You should prepare:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond travel dates)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa fee payment receipt
• Appointment confirmation letter
• Recent passport-style photographs
• Bank statements (last six months)
• Salary slips / employment letter / business proof
• Travel itinerary (flights, hotels, etc.)
• Proof of ties to India (property, family, employment)
• Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)

Optional but useful:

• Invitation letter (from U.S. host)
• Medical documents (if visiting for treatment)
• Sponsorship letter, if applicable.

Processing Time & Appointment Wait Times

Visa Processing

After your interview, typical processing takes 2–6 weeks, but this varies based on individual circumstances.

Appointment Wait Times

Interview wait times in India remain lengthy due to demand:

• Chennai: ~8–14 months
• Mumbai: ~8–10+ months
• New Delhi: ~4–6 months
• Hyderabad: ~3–7 months
• Kolkata: ~6–7 months

Times vary and change often, so apply early.

Visa Validity and Stay

• Most B1/B2 visas issued to Indians have multiple entries and up to 10 years validity.
• Upon entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials decide how long you stay (typically up to 6 months per visit).

Tips for Higher Approval Chances

Strong Documentation

Clear proof of finances and ties to India helps consular officers see strong reasons for your return.

Consistent Information

Ensure the details on your DS-160 form match your interview answers and documentation.

Early Planning

Given long waits for interviews, start your process 2–3 months before planned travel.

Be Truthful

Misrepresentation or fake documents can lead to denials or future bans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting until last minute to book appointments
• Incomplete DS-160 form
• Mismatched documents at interview
• Underestimating financial proof requirements

New & Important 2026 Updates

• Visa Integrity Fee ($250) significantly increases the total cost.
• Mandatory interviews for most first-time applicants.
• Appointment wait times remain long.
• Visa bonds have been discussed for some countries, but current Indian requirements do not include mandatory bonds at this time.
• U.S. Embassy warnings remind applicants that misuse of visas (e.g., overstays) could lead to cancellations of current or future visas.

Budgeting Your Visit (Approx.)

Conclusion

The USA Visitor Visa (B1/B2) process has become more structured and moderately more expensive in 2026 due to new fees and interview requirements. Planning early, preparing documents accurately, and understanding timelines can greatly improve your chances of success.

If you’re looking for trusted immigration in Ahmedabad or Gujarat, reputable immigration agencies (including top-ranked advisors like Winny Immigration & Education Services) can help with document review, profile assessment, application guidance, and interview preparation.