US Tourist Visa For Indian Passport Holders

To enter the country for the purpose of tourism, you will need a permit for the same. The B2 Visa - USA allows you to visit the country for recreational purposes such as visiting family/friends, touring, and also for medical treatments. A common question people ask is “what is B2 Visa for USA?”; The tourist and the B2 Visa is one and the same. It is usually issued along with the B1 as a B1/B2 Visa. The permit is an NIV (Non-Immigrant) and is in the form of a stamp in your passport. Unlike other countries, the US Tourist Visa validity is totally dependant on the decision of the issuing authority. Depending on how your interview goes, and how strong your application is, they may issue it for multiple-entry for any duration between 6 months, and up to 10 years. However, you can only stay in the country for a maximum of 6 months during each entry. People from countries belonging to the US tourist Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not require a permit to enter the country.

• Mandatory Documents:
  
  

• Valid Indian Passport: With at least six months' validity beyond your intended stay in the US.
  
  
• Completed Form DS-160: With a printed or digital copy of the confirmation page.
  
  
• Application Fee Payment Receipt: Currently $160 (subject to change).
  
  
• One Recent Photograph: Meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.
  
  

• Supporting Documents (Recommended):
  
  

• Proof of Funds:
  
  
• Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay.
• Proof of income (salary slips, employment letter).
  
  
• Proof of Ties to India:
  
• Property deeds.
• Business licenses or company registration documents.
• School or university enrollment documents.
• Employment verification letter.
  
  
• Detailed Travel Itinerary:
  
  
• Flight tickets (if already booked).
• Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation.
  
  
• Medical Insurance:
  
  
• Covering the duration of your stay in the US.
  
  
• Invitation Letter (If Applicable):
  
  
• From your US host, detailing the purpose, duration of stay, and their contact information.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

• Ensure You Need a B2 Visa:

• Purpose of Visit: Confirm your trip is for tourism, visiting friends/family, medical treatment, or specified social events.

• Check if You’re Eligible for a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) or Another Type of Visa:

• VWP: Not applicable for Indian citizens as India is not a participating country.

• Other Visas: If your purpose doesn’t align with B2, explore other visa types (e.g., F1 for studies, H1B for work).

• Review B2 Visa Requirements and Restrictions:

• Stay Duration: Typically up to 6 months, determined by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry.

• Activities Allowed: Ensure your plans comply with B2 visa regulations.
  
  

Step 2: Gather All Documents

• Mandatory Documents:

1. Valid Indian Passport:

• Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.

• Ensure it has at least two blank pages for the visa.

2. Completed Form DS-160 (covered in Step 3)

3. Application Fee Payment Receipt (covered in Step 4)

4. One Recent Photograph:

• Meets US Visa Photo Requirements.

• Supporting Documents (Recommended):

1. Proof of Funds:

• Bank statements showing sufficient funds for your stay.

• Proof of income (salary slips, employment letter).

2. Proof of Ties to India:

• Property deeds.

• Business licenses or company registration documents.

• School or university enrollment documents.

• Employment verification letter.

3. Detailed Travel Itinerary:

• Flight tickets (if already booked).

• Hotel reservations or proof of accommodation.

4. Medical Insurance:

• Covering the duration of your stay in the US.

5. Invitation Letter (If Applicable):

• From your US host, detailing the purpose, duration of stay, and their contact information.
  
  

Step 3: Fill Out Form DS-160

• Access the Form:

• Visit the US Department of State's website.

• Click on "Apply Now" and select "Nonimmigrant Visa".

• Fill Out the Form:

• Personal Details:

• Name, date of birth, passport information, etc.

• Travel Plans:

• Purpose of visit, destination, duration, etc.

• Contact Information:

• Your contact details and those of your emergency contact.

• Previous US Travel:

• Details of previous visits to the US, if any.

• Family, Education, and Work Details:

• As requested in the form.

• Upload Your Photo:

• Ensure it meets the US Visa Photo Requirements.
  
  

• Submit the Form and Print/Save the Confirmation Page:

• Barcode: Note the barcode number for future reference.

• Print or Save: Keep a copy of the confirmation page for your records.
  
  

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• Current Fee: $160 (subject to change; check the official website).

• Payment in Indian Rupees:

• At the current exchange rate (check with the bank for the latest rate).

• Approved Banks:

• List available on the US Embassy/Consulate's website.

• Payment Methods:

• Typically cash, but some banks may offer online payment or card facilities.

• Keep the Receipt:

• Essential for scheduling your interview.
  
  

Step 5: Schedule Your Interview

• Official Website:

• US Embassy/Consulate's website for scheduling.

• Helpline:

• For assistance or to schedule over the phone.

• Required Information:

• DS-160 Confirmation Number:

• From Step 3.

• Application Fee Payment Receipt:

• From Step 4.

• Passport Details:

• Number, expiration date, etc.

• Choose Your Location and Date/Time:

• Select from available US Embassy or Consulate locations in India.

• Pick a date and time slot that suits you.
  
  

Step 6: Attend Your Visa Interview

• Location:

• The US Embassy or Consulate you selected during scheduling.

• Time:

• Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.

• Required Documents:

• Printed DS-160 Confirmation Page:

• From Step 3.

• Application Fee Payment Receipt:

• From Step 4.

• Valid Passport:

• Ensure it meets the requirements outlined in Step 2.

• Supporting Documents (Recommended):

• As outlined in Step 2.

• Biometric Data Collection:

• Fingerprint scans will be taken.

• Interview with a Consular Officer:

• Be prepared to discuss:

• Travel plans.

• Financial situation.

• Ties to India.
  
  

Step 7: Visa Processing

• Wait Time:

• Varies but typically a few days to a couple of weeks after the interview.

• Check your application status on the official website.

• Administrative Processing:

• Some applications may require additional processing time.

• You may be contacted for more information.
  
  

Step 8: Collect Your Passport

• Approval:

• If your visa is approved, your passport with the visa will be ready for pickup.

• Designated Pickup Location:

• As selected during the scheduling process.

• Rejection:

• If your visa is denied, you will receive information on the reason and whether you can reapply.

• Be Clear and Concise: About your travel plans and the purpose of your visit.
  
  
• Show Strong Ties to India: Emphasize your reasons for returning.
  
  
• Be Prepared to Discuss:
  
  
• Your financial situation.
• Detailed travel itinerary.
• Host’s information (if visiting friends/family).
  
  
• Dress Appropriately: Make a good impression.

• Dimensions:  50mm X 50mm
  
  
• Colour: Coloured
  
  
• Recently taken
  
  
• Background: plain white
  
  
• Must have 70% face coverage
  
  
• Facial expression: neutral
  
  
• Eyes directed towards the camera and wide open
   
• Glasses: allowed for medical reasons only
  
  
• Uniforms are not permitted
  
  
• Headgears: allowed only for religious reasons
  
  
• Facial hair is permitted.

• Administrative Processing: Some cases may require additional processing time.
  
  
• Approval and Visa Issuance:
  
  
• If approved, your passport with the visa will be made available for pickup.
  
  
• Rejection:
  
  
• If rejected, you'll receive information on the reason and whether you can reapply.

• Application Fee: $160 (approximately ₹12,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations)
  
  
• Reciprocity Fee for Indian Citizens: None for B2 visas
  
  
• Other Potential Costs:
  
  
• Medical insurance for your US stay.
• Travel and accommodation arrangements.
• Document preparation services (if used).

• Common Reasons for Rejection:
  

• Insufficient proof of ties to India.
• Inadequate financial resources.
• Unclear or suspicious travel plans.
  
  

• Tips for Approval:
  

• Ensure all documents are complete and genuine.
• Clearly articulate your travel plans and reasons for returning to India.
• Show a stable financial situation.

• Entry into the US:
  

  • Present your visa and passport to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
  • You may be asked about your trip.
    
    

• Stay Duration:
  

  • Typically up to 6 months, as determined by the CBP officer upon entry.
    
    

• Activities Allowed:
  

  • Tourism, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, and specified social events.
    
    

• Extension of Stay (if necessary):
  

  • File Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your stay expires.
    
    

Need more clarity on the US visa? Check out helpful resources below

US Visa Requirement

US Tourist Visa Requirement

US Business Visa Requirement

US Work Visa Requirement

US Study Visa Requirement

US Visit Visa Requirement

US Embassies and Consulates

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection