The US is a major destination for travel, visiting family, studying, and employment. Whether you're planning a business trip or a holiday, read on to learn more about US visa guidelines for Indians.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
|
Do Indians need a visa for the US?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. The US offers immigrant and non-immigrant visas. The non-immigrant visa process requires applicants to complete an application and attend an in-person interview at the US consulate and Visa Application Center (VAC).¹
Types of US visas
The US offers a range of non-immigrant visas for different categories. Here are details on common visa types to the US:²
US visitor visa for Indians
The US visitor visa, also known as a B-Visa, is necessary for tourism, holidays, visiting family and friends, medical treatment, and transiting the US en route to another destination. The B-visa comprises of a B-1 visa for business activities and a B-2 for tourism and other activities.3
US work visa for Indians
Indians who want to work in the US must be approved for a work visa to enter the US. The US work visa is available in multiple categories, like H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, L, O, P-1, p-2, P-3, and Q-1. The H-1B is the most common US work visa category. It allows for work in specialty occupations and requires a higher education degree.⁴
US student visa for Indians
Indian students pursuing higher education abroad must apply for a US student visa. This visa is available in different categories like F (academic study), M (vocational study), and J (exchange program).⁵
Although student visas can be issued up to a year before the course start date, you can only enter the US a maximum of 30 days before the start of the program.
How much is a visa from India to the US?
The US visa cost for Indians traveling to the US depends on the visa category you apply for.
| Type of visa | Cost in US Dollars | Cost in Indian Rupees |
|---|---|---|
| US Tourist Visa | USD 185 | INR 15,163. |
| US Work Visa | USD 205 | INR 16,803. |
| US Study Visa | USD 185 | INR 15,163. |
| US Transit Visa | USD 185 | INR 15,163. |
Costs and currency conversion verified on 23 June 2023. Please verify the latest fees from the official US Visa website.
US visa requirements for Indian citizens
Here are the general requirements for a non-immigrant US visa for Indian passport holders:⁶
- Valid passport: The applicant must have a passport with a validity period of at least six months beyond the stay in the US.
- Form DS-160: Applicants must complete the non-immigrant visa application and submit the confirmation page.
- Fees: The US visa fees are payable in US dollars before the visa interview.
- Photographs: Applicants must upload one photo (as per specific requirements) with their online Form DS-160.
Visa applications will also need supporting documents relative to the individual visa category.
How to apply for a US visa
Here are the steps to apply for a US non-immigrant visa:⁷
- Identify the type of visa you need to apply for. Use the US Visa Wizard for assistance, if required.
- Read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form and register on the visa application portal.
- Complete the DS-160 Form.
- Print the application form confirmation page.
- Applicants must upload their latest photograph according to the specific requirements for the US visa.
- Pay the visa application fee with the available payment options.
- Schedule two appointments: the biometric and photo registration at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
- Complete the biometric registration.
- Attend the visa interview with your application form and all required documents.
- Submit all your documents for processing.
To schedule the appointments, you will need the following information
- Your passport number.
- The visa application fee receipt number.
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.
When attending your appointments, ensure you carry the following:
- Your passport.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
- One photograph per US visa specifications.
You can await the visa decision once you have completed your appointments and submitted your entire application.
You will be notified by email and SMS when the decision has been made and the time and date you can pick up your passport and documents.
Documents required for a US visa application
Here are the documents that will be required to complete a DS-160 Application:⁸
- Valid passport.
- Your travel itinerary.
- Dates of your last five trips to the United States, if applicable. You might also be asked about your past five years of international travel history.
- A resume or CV, and you may be asked about your previous work and academic history.
- Students will be asked to submit the I-20 or DS-2019 for the US university, college, or school.
- Temporary workers will be asked for their I-129.
Applicants may be asked for additional documents, depending on their visa type.
How long does it take to get a US visa?
Here is the list of appointment waiting times for the four US consulates in the top Indian metros. You can use the US State Department Visa Wait Time tool to get an idea of how long it may take to get a decision.
| Visa category | New Delhi | Chennai | Mumbai | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa B1/B2 | 477 days | 350 days | 596 days | 469 days |
| Work visa H, L, O, P, and Q | 73 days | 141 days | 50 days | 94 days |
| Student Visa F, M, and J | 42 days | 42 days | 42 days | 42 days |
Applicants can request an expedited appointment through the online appointment system. However, they must have a confirmed interview appointment date.
US Visa Validity
The US visa validity depends on the type of US visa you apply for. Generally, the validity period is stamped on the Form I-94 of the visa holder by the Customs and Border Protection Officer. However, visa holders can apply to extend their stay with valid reasons and by following the procedure.
| Visa type | Validity from entry |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | The date indicated on the Form I-94. |
| Work Visa | The date indicated on the Form I-94. |
| Student Visa | Up to 60 days after the end of the program date listed on the I-20. |
Start your international journey with Wise.
Need to send money to the US? Wise makes it easy to send money abroad with a mid-market exchange rate and a low, transparent fee.
If you are already in the US, take a look at the Wise multi-currency account available for residents living in supported countries. Enjoy an account as worldly as you are and spend just like a local when you travel abroad with a linked debit card, while also paying less in fees.
Please see the Terms and Conditions for your region and visit our pricing page for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information on Wise products.
Sources used for this article:
- US Visa for Indians - An Intro
- US Visa for Indians - Different types of visas for Indians
- US Visa for Indians - US Tourist Visa
- US Visa for Indians - US Work Visa
- US Visa for Indians - US Student Visa
- US Visa for Indians - General requirements for a US Visa
- US Visa for Indians - How to apply for the US visa
- US Visa for Indians - Additional documents
Sources verified on 23 June 2023.
Photo by Evgeny Tchebotarev on Unsplash.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
