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.

Visa Requirement
Visa Required

Guide updated: 27 September 2026

Key Information

Stay Duration
Follow the admit-until date on your I-94; visa validity is not permission to stay
Processing Time
Interview availability varies by post; further processing and passport return can add time
Visa Fee
USD 185 B1/B2 application fee; check current official instructions for other charges
Popular With
Tourists, business travelers, and visitors

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. 1

    Complete the DS-160 online, upload a compliant photo and save the confirmation page

  2. 2

    Follow the embassy instructions to pay the application fee and schedule the required appointments

  3. 3

    Normally apply in your country of nationality or residence; demonstrate residence if applying on that basis

  4. 4

    Follow local instructions for biometrics and an interview, or an eligible renewal interview waiver

  5. 5

    Provide any additional evidence requested; further administrative processing may be necessary

  6. 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

Share This Guide

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 Travel

Disclaimer: 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?
The published B1/B2 application fee is USD 185. India's reciprocity schedule lists no additional reciprocity issuance fee. This is not a quote for every possible charge: follow the current embassy payment instructions.
How long is the interview wait in India?
Check the State Department table for the relevant post and visa category. It is updated monthly; estimates are not appointment guarantees, and further processing or passport return may take additional time.
Does a ten-year US visa allow a ten-year stay?
No. The visa's validity determines when you can seek entry. CBP decides admission; use the admit-until date on your I-94 to determine when you must leave.

Useful next step

Related Visa Guides

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.

See where you can travel