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U.S. Tourist Visa

1. Visa Type: U S Tourist Visa (B-2)

The U.S. Tourist Visa (B-2) is a nonimmigrant visa for Indian citizens visiting the United States temporarily for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or medical treatment.

Validity: Usually up to 10 years (multiple entry), but length of stay is determined by CBP at the port of entry (max 6 months per visit)
Eligible purposes: Tourism, visiting relatives, attending events, medical treatment
Not valid for: Study, employment, journalism, or permanent residency
Often issued as a B-1/B-2 combined visa if short business activities are also intended

2. Step-by-Step U.S. Tourist Visa Application Process

1. Determine Visa Type: Confirm you need a B-2 or B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa for your travel purpose

2. Fill DS-160 Form: Go to https://ceac.state.gov/ceac, select β€œNonimmigrant Visa – DS-160,” fill the form online, and print the confirmation page with barcode

3. Create Profile & Pay MRV Fee: Visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in, create an account, pay the non-refundable visa fee (US $185), and choose passport delivery options

4. Schedule Appointments: Book two appointments β€” VAC (biometrics) and Consular Interview via your USTravelDocs profile

5. Attend VAC Appointment: Give fingerprints and photo at Visa Application Center

6. Attend Consular Interview: Present your documents, answer questions about travel purpose, finances, and ties to India

7. Wait for Decision: If approved, your passport is kept for visa stamping and returned via courier

8. Travel to the U.S : Present your visa at the U.S. port of entry; CBP decides your permitted stay (shown on I-94)

3. U.S. Tourist Visa Requirements

βœ… Passport: Valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay; minimum 1 blank page

βœ…DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed with barcode

βœ…MRV Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for visa fee

βœ…Photo: U.S. visa specification β€” 2x2 inch, white background, taken within last 6 months

βœ…Appointment Confirmation: For both VAC and consular interview

βœ…Supporting Financial Proof: Recent bank statements, income tax returns, salary slips to prove trip affordability

βœ…Travel Itinerary: Tentative flight bookings, planned sightseeing list, hotel reservations or U.S. host’s address

βœ…Invitation Letter: From friends/family in the U.S. if applicable

βœ…Employment Proof: No-objection letter from employer or leave approval

βœ…Property/Asset Proof: To establish strong ties to India

βœ…Medical Reports: If traveling for treatment

βœ…Past Travel History: Old passports with visas (Schengen, UK, etc.) showing travel compliance

4. U.S. Tourist Visa Fees (2025)

Visa Application (MRV) Fee : US $185 (~β‚Ή15,400)

Optional Services: Courier return, premium delivery, SMS alerts

5. U.S. Tourist Visa Processing Time

Appointment Wait Time: Varies by city; can be 2–8 months in India (check regularly)

Processing After Interview: Usually 3–7 working days if approved

Earliest Application: Up to 365 days before intended travel

6. Application Forms & Official Links

🌐 DS-160 Form

πŸ“ Schedule Appointments

πŸ“‹ Visa Information

🧾 Check Visa Status

7. U.S. Embassy & Consulate Contacts in India

New Delhi (Embassy): Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021+91-11-2419-8000

Mumbai (Consulate): C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400051+91-22-2672-4000

Chennai (Consulate): 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai – 600006+91-44-2857-4000

Hyderabad (Consulate): Survey No. 115/1, Nanakramguda, Financial District, Hyderabad – 500032+91-40-6932-8000

Kolkata (Consulate): 38A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata – 700071+91-33-6827-6300

8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances

  • Apply early β€” wait times are long; book your slot months ahead

  • Be truthful and consistent in DS-160 and interview answers

  • Show strong ties to India (job, family, property, business)

  • Have clear proof of funds to cover all expenses without working in the U.S.

  • Avoid buying non-refundable tickets before visa approval

  • If invited by someone in the U.S., include their invitation letter and proof of legal status

  • Keep answers concise during the interview β€” no unnecessary details

U.S. Business Visa (B-1)

1. U.S. Business Visa (B-1)

The U.S. Business Visa (B-1) is a nonimmigrant visa that allows Indian citizens to enter the U.S. temporarily for business-related activities.

Valid for up to 10 years (multiple entry) depending on approval
Permitted stay: up to 6 months per visit (decided at U.S. port of entry)
Allowed activities: Attending meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, training, professional

❌ Not allowed: Employment, study, or long-term paid assignments in the U.S.

2. Step-by-Step U.S. Business Visa Application Process

1. Determine Visa Type: Confirm you need a B-1 nonimmigrant visa for business travel

2. Fill DS-160 Form: Complete the DS-160 at https://ceac.state.gov/ceac and print the confirmation page with barcode

3. Pay MRV Fee: Create an account on https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in, pay the US $185 visa fee, and select delivery options

4. Schedule Appointments: Book VAC (biometrics) and Consular Interview appointments

5. Attend VAC Appointment: Give fingerprints and photo at Visa Application Center

6. Attend Interview: Answer questions about your business purpose, employer, and financial stability

7. Wait for Decision: If approved, passport is kept for stamping and returned within days

8. Travel to the U.S : Present your visa at entry; CBP decides your length of stay (I-94 issued)

3. U.S. Business Visa Requirements for Indians

βœ… Passport: Valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay, with 1+ blank page

βœ… DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed with barcode

βœ… MRV Fee Receipt: Proof of payment (US $185)

βœ… Photo: U.S. visa-spec (2x2 inch, white background)

βœ… Appointment Confirmation: VAC + interview letters

βœ… Invitation Letter: From U.S. company/organization hosting your visit

βœ… Employment Letter: No-objection certificate from your employer confirming travel purpose

βœ… Financial Proof: Bank statements, salary slips, ITRs

βœ… Conference Registration: Proof of event participation

βœ… Business Correspondence: Emails/letters showing U.S. business engagement

βœ… Company Incorporation Docs: If self-employed, proof of business ownership

βœ… Property/Asset Proof: Strengthens ties to India

4. U.S. Business Visa Fees

Visa Application Fee (MRV): US $185 (~β‚Ή15,400)

Optional Services: Courier return, SMS alerts, premium delivery

5. U.S. Business Visa Processing Time

Appointment Wait Time: Varies by consulate (Delhi ~4–5 months; Mumbai ~3 months; Chennai up to 8 months in 2025)

Processing After Interview: Usually 3–10 working days if approved

Earliest Application: Up to 365 days before intended travel

6. Application Forms & Official Links

🌐 DS-160 Form

πŸ“ Schedule Appointments

πŸ“‹ Visa Information

🧾 Check Visa Status

7. U.S. Embassy & Consulate Contacts in India

New Delhi (Embassy): Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021+91-11-2419-8000

Mumbai (Consulate): C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400051+91-22-2672-4000

Chennai (Consulate): 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai – 600006+91-44-2857-4000

Hyderabad (Consulate): Survey No. 115/1, Nanakramguda, Financial District, Hyderabad – 500032+91-40-6932-8000

Kolkata (Consulate): 38A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata – 700071+91-33-6827-6300

8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances

  • Apply 3–4 months in advance due to long wait times

  • Carry a clear business agenda (letters, invites, or event proof)

  • Show strong ties to India (employment, company, property, family)

  • Demonstrate financial capacity to cover expenses

  • Answer interview questions clearly and confidently, without extra details

  • Avoid booking non-refundable flights before visa approval

U.S. Student Visa (F-1)

1. U.S. Student Visa (F-1)

The U.S. F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa that allows Indian citizens to pursue full-time academic programs in SEVP-certified U.S. universities, colleges, schools, or language institutes.

Valid for entire duration of study (with status maintained via Form I-20)
Work rights: Up to 20 hrs/week on-campus during term, full-time during breaks; off-campus only with CPT/OPT authorization
Required for all Indian students accepted into a recognized SEVP-certified U.S. institution

2. Step-by-Step U.S. Student Visa Application Process

1. Get Admission & I-20: Receive Form I-20 from your U.S. school/university
2. Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee: Pay US $350 at FMJfee.com and print the receipt

3. Fill DS-160 Form: Complete the DS-160 online at CEAC portal, print the confirmation page with barcode

4. Create Profile & Pay MRV Fee: Register on U.S. Visa Portal India, pay US $185 MRV fee, select delivery method

5. Schedule Appointments: Book VAC (biometrics) and Consular Interview

6. Attend VAC Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photograph

7. Attend Visa Interview: Present required documents, answer questions on academics, finances, and future plans

8. Wait for Decision: If approved, passport is retained and returned with visa stamp

9. Travel to the U.S.: F-1 visas can be issued up to 365 days before start date, but entry is allowed only 30 days beforeprogram start; report to your DSO after arrival

3. U.S. Student Visa Requirements for Indians

βœ… Passport: Valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay

βœ… Form I-20: Issued by SEVP-certified U.S. institution, signed by you & DSO

βœ… DS-160 Confirmation: Barcode page printed after online submission

βœ… SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt: Proof of SEVIS payment

βœ… MRV Fee Receipt: Proof of MRV fee payment

βœ… Photo: U.S. visa-spec (2x2 inch, white background)

βœ… Appointment Letters: VAC and interview confirmations

βœ… Admission Letter: From U.S. university/school

βœ… Academic Records: Transcripts, degrees, standardized test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT if applicable)

βœ… Financial Evidence: Bank statements, fixed deposits, ITRs, scholarship/assistantship letters proving funds for tuition + living

βœ… Ties to India: Property, family, or employment documents to show intent to return

βœ… Study Plan / SOP: Explaining choice of course, university, and career goals

4. U.S. Student Visa Fees

Visa Fee : CHF 88 (~β‚Ή8,400)

VFS Service Charge: β‚Ή1,679 approx.

Optional Services: Courier return, SMS updates, premium lounge

5. U.S. Student Visa Processing Time

SEVIS I-901 Fee: US $350

MRV Visa Fee: US $185

Optional Services: Courier upgrades, SMS alerts, premium lounge via VFS

6. Application Forms & Official Links

🌐 Student Visa info

🧾 SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment

πŸ“ DS-160 Form

πŸ—“οΈ Appointment Scheduling

πŸ“‹ Visa Status Check

7. U.S. Embassy & Consulate Contacts in India

New Delhi (Embassy): Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi – 110021+91-11-2419-8000

Mumbai (Consulate): C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai – 400051+91-22-2672-4000

Chennai (Consulate): 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai – 600006+91-44-2857-4000

Hyderabad (Consulate): Survey No. 115/1, Nanakramguda, Financial District, Hyderabad – 500032+91-40-6932-8000

Kolkata (Consulate): 38A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata – 700071+91-33-6827-6300

8. Tips to Increase Approval Chances

  • Apply 3–4 months before course start (due to long appointment waits)

  • Show credible funding (avoid sudden large deposits; explain sources)

  • Keep SOP clear and career-focused β€” why this program & university, and how it fits your goals

  • Carry all original academic & financial documents

  • Be prepared for Section 214(b) questions β€” demonstrate strong ties to India (family, future career, property)

  • Stay confident and concise in your answers during the interview