US Visitor Visa from India

Benefits of US Visitor Visa for Indians

The US visitor visa for Indians offers several benefits, allowing for a wide range of activities and opportunities.

• Tourism and Travel: Explore the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions across the entire United States for up to six months per visit, with multiple entries over a decade.
• Business Purposes: Attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, or seminars in the US with a B-1 visa, specifically designed for temporary business activities.
• Education: Pursue studies in American universities with an F-1 student visa, while F-2 visas cater to dependent spouses or unmarried children under 21.
• Employment: Work in specialised fields in the US with the H-1B visa, which is highly sought after and subject to a random lottery system due to high demand.
• Medical Treatments: Obtain specialised medical treatments with a B-2 visa, which requires detailed medical diagnoses and endorsement from a US physician.
• Cultural Exchange: Participate in cultural exchange programmes with a Q-1 visa, valid for up to 15 months, with stipends for expenses from sponsors.
• Visiting Friends and Family: B-1/B-2 visas enable visits to friends and family in the US, valid for up to 10 years, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit.
• Visa-Free Travel: A US tourist visa can grant visa-free travel to various countries, including Mexico, Belize, Panama, the Caribbean Islands, South American nations, European countries, and select Asian destinations.

Overall, having a US visa provides access to a wide range of opportunities and experiences, making it an invaluable tool for Indian nationals who intend to visit the US.
 

US Visitor Visa Types

US Visa Types With Cost for Indian People

Here are the common types of US visas for Indian citizens and their associated costs:

• B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas: For tourism or business purposes.
  • Cost: $185 (approximately INR 15,163)
• C-1 Transit Visa: For transiting through the US.
  • Cost: $185 (approximately INR 15,163)
• D Crewmember Visa: For crew members serving onboard a sea vessel or aircraft.
  • Cost: $185 (approximately INR 15,163)
• H-1B Work Visa: For specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
  • Cost: $205 (approximately INR 16,803)
• L1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: For intracompany transferees working in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles.
  • Cost: $205 (approximately INR 16,803)
• J1 Exchange Visitor Visa: For participants in exchange programs promoting cultural exchange.
  • Cost: $185 (approximately INR 15,163) for most applicants, excluding those sponsored by the US government

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and additional costs may apply depending on the specific circumstances of your visa application. Always check the official US Visa website, consult with the US Embassy or get in touch with us for the most up-to-date information.
 

Validity of Various US Visa Types for Indian People

 
B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas

• B-1 Visa: For business-related travel.
• B-2 Visa: For tourism or visiting family and friends.
• Validity: Typically issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries. Each entry usually allows a stay of up to 6 months.

 
Transit Visas

• C Visa: For travelers passing through the United States en route to another country.
• C-1 Visa: A specific type of transit visa for immediate and continuous transit.
• D Visa: For crewmembers serving on sea vessels or international airlines.
• C-1/D Visa: A combined transit and crewmember visa.
• Validity: C and C-1 visas are usually valid for a maximum of 29 days. D visas are usually valid for up to 5 years with multiple entries, with each stay limited to 29 days.

 
H-1B Work Visa and Dependents

• H-1B Visa: For specialty occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise.
• Dependents (H-4 Visa): For spouses and children of H-1B visa holders.
• Validity: H-1B visas are initially valid for up to 3 years and can be extended for a total of 6 years. H-4 visas are valid for the same duration as the principal H-1B visa holder.

 
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa and Dependents

• L-1 Visa: For intracompany transferees in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles.
• Dependents (L-2 Visa): For spouses and children of L-1 visa holders.
• Validity: L-1 visas have a maximum initial validity of 3 years (7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B). L-2 visas are valid for the same duration as the principal L-1 visa holder.

 
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa and Dependents

• J-1 Visa: For participants in exchange visitor programs promoting cultural exchange.
• Dependents (J-2 Visa): For spouses and children of J-1 visa holders.
• Validity: J-1 visas are generally issued for the duration of the exchange program. J-2 visas are valid for the same duration as the principal J-1 visa holder.

Apply for US Visitor Visa from India

To apply for a US visitor visa (B1/B2) from India, follow these steps:

1. Determine Visa Type: Decide if you need a B1 (business) or B2 (tourism or visiting) visa.
2. Complete DS-160 Form: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
3. Pay Visa Fee: The fee is typically $185 (approx. INR 15,163). Keep the receipt.
4. Schedule Appointments: Book two appointments: one for biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and another for the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
5. Attend Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and a photo at the VAC.
6. Attend Visa Interview: Go to the US Embassy or Consulate with all required documents for your interview.
7. Wait for Processing: Your visa application will be processed after the interview.
8. Collect Your Passport: If approved, you’ll be notified to collect your passport with the visa.

US Visitor Visa Requirements

For Indian citizens applying for a US visitor visa (B1/B2), the following general requirements apply:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
• Form DS-160: Complete the non-immigrant visa application form online and submit the confirmation page.
• Visa Fee: Pay the visa application fee in US dollars before the visa interview.
• Photographs: Upload a photograph meeting specific requirements with the online Form DS-160.
• Proof of Funds: Show financial independence for the duration of your visit to the US.
• Employment Letter: If applicable, provide a letter from your employer.
• Court Records: If applicable, provide any relevant court records.

Additional documents may be required depending on your specific visa category and individual circumstances.
 

About DS 160 Form

The DS-160 form, also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is a crucial document for individuals applying for a nonimmigrant visa to enter the United States. It collects detailed personal information, travel plans, and background details of the applicant. The form is required to be completed online and submitted electronically before scheduling a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consular officers evaluate the applicant’s eligibility for a visa using the information on the DS-160 form. Read more
 

About DS 160 Application

The DS-160 application process involves filling out the form with accurate and up-to-date information, as it plays a significant role in the visa decision-making process. After submitting the form, applicants receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be presented during the visa interview. It’s essential to ensure that all information in the DS-160 form is correct and matches the documents that will be submitted during the visa interview. Read more