USA Visa for Indians: Required
Complete visa requirements for Indian passport holders
Indian passport holders need a visa before travelling to USA. Check the current fee, documents, application route, and processing guidance below.
Guide updated: 27 September 2026
Key Information
Key Requirements
- A passport valid for US travel, DS-160 confirmation and the required photo
- A temporary business or visitor purpose appropriate to B1/B2
- Evidence of plans to leave after the visit and ability to cover its costs, if requested
- Follow the embassy appointment and document instructions for your application
Step-by-Step Application Process
- 1
Complete the DS-160 online, upload a compliant photo and save the confirmation page
- 2
Follow the embassy instructions to pay the application fee and schedule the required appointments
- 3
Normally apply in your country of nationality or residence; demonstrate residence if applying on that basis
- 4
Follow local instructions for biometrics and an interview, or an eligible renewal interview waiver
- 5
Provide any additional evidence requested; further administrative processing may be necessary
- 6
If issued, follow the post instructions to arrange passport return
Documents Required
- Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page
- Application-fee receipt if payment is required before interview
- A printed compliant photograph if the DS-160 photo upload fails
- Appointment documents and any additional documents requested by the post
- Evidence of purpose, ability to fund the visit and ties supporting departure, when requested; property ownership and a fixed 6–12 months of bank statements are not a universal checklist
Pro Tips
- Check the official wait-time table for your post and application category; estimates do not guarantee appointment availability
- Wait for your visa before buying tickets or making final travel plans
- Answer truthfully: material fraud or misrepresentation may cause permanent visa refusal or denial of entry
Important Notes
- • India's reciprocity schedule lists B1, B2 and B1/B2 visas with multiple entries, 120-month validity and no reciprocity issuance fee; check the visa actually issued
- • A visa permits you to seek entry. CBP decides admission and your I-94 records the authorized stay
- • Interviews are generally required, including for children and older applicants; limited exceptions apply
- • Under the policy effective 1 October 2025, a B visa renewal may qualify for interview waiver within 12 months of expiry if the previous visa was issued for full validity when the applicant was at least 18
- • That renewal waiver also requires applying in the country of nationality or usual residence, no visa refusal unless overcome or waived, and no apparent or potential ineligibility; an officer can still require an interview
- • A visitor visa does not authorize ordinary employment or degree study
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Official Sources
Best Time to Apply
Apply early after checking current interview availability; there is no guaranteed lead time
Where Else Can You Travel?
See exactly which new destinations your existing visas make accessible, without mixing in countries you could already visit.
See Where I Can TravelDisclaimer: Visa requirements can change. Always verify with official government sources before making travel plans. VisaHacks provides information for reference only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a US visitor visa application cost?
How long is the interview wait in India?
Does a ten-year US visa allow a ten-year stay?
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Where could your existing visas take you?
See every destination you can visit visa-free as an Indian — plus the extra countries a US, UK, or Schengen visa unlocks — on one interactive map.