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Check Visa Requirements by Passport

Pick your passport and destination for live requirements — fees, documents, processing times, stay rules and embassy details for your nationality.

Indiapassport United Statesdestination
Single entry ApprovalLow Transit visaYes

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At a glance

India passport holders: Single entry for United States. Fee: USD 185 (~USD 185). Processing: 2-4 weeks to 12+ months (current Delhi backlog 6-12 months). Indicative only — always verify with the official mission before applying.

Overview

Embassy visa required. Fee: USD 185 (~INR 17,575) for B1/B2 + MRV. Apply via US Embassy New Delhi or 4 Consulates (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad). ESTA Visa Waiver NOT for Indians. India is #1 source for H1B visas (~70% globally), F1 students, family-based immigration.

Visa types: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business, up to 10 years multi-entry); F1 Student Visa (Indians are top international student source globally); J1 Exchange; H1B Specialty Occupation (India is #1 source — 70%+); H4 Dependents; L1 Intracompany Transfer; O1 Extraordinary Ability; K1 Fiancé(e); IR/CR Immediate Relative; DV (Diversity Visa Lottery — India NOT eligible due to high migration); EB Employment-based green cards (long backlogs for Indians); Transit (C); Diplomatic.

Fees & funds

Visa fee (local)USD 185 (B1/B2 + MRV fee)
In USDUSD 185
In INRINR 17,575
Minimum bank balanceDocumented proof required (3-6 months statements)

Stay & validity

Validity: B1/B2 up to 10 years multi-entry. Max Stay: up to 6 months per entry (CBP discretion). F1: course duration. H1B: 3 years extendable to 6 (+).

Extension possibleYes

Overstay penalty: Overstay >180 days: 3-year re-entry ban; >1 year: 10-year ban (INA §212(a)(9)(B))

How to apply

MethodUS Embassy New Delhi / Consulates Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata/Hyderabad
Application centreEmbassy
Processing time2-4 weeks to 12+ months (current Delhi backlog 6-12 months)
AppointmentYes · Book
InterviewYes
Urgent processingNo

Requirements

Bank Statement Yes Yes (6 months)
Return Ticket Yes
Hotel Booking Yes
Sponsor Doc Conditional
Invitation Letter Conditional
Vaccination No None typically required
Travel Insurance Conditional Strongly Recommended
Biometrics Yes
Police Clearance Yes Yes (immigrant)
Employment Letter Yes

Passport & photo

Passport validity6+ months
Photo size51 × 51 mm · White bg

Required documents: Valid passport (6+ months); DS-160 online; 51x51mm photo (US-spec); Visa appointment at US Embassy/Consulates India (Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata/Hyderabad); Bank statement (6 months, USD 5,000+ recommended); Employment letter; ITR (3 years); Property documents; Aadhaar + PAN; Family details; Detailed travel itinerary; Hotel/sponsor proof; Strong cover letter (overcome 214(b) presumption); Biometrics at OFC India. For F1: I-20 form + SEVIS fee + university admission. For H1B: lottery selection + employer's petition.

Visa types (1)

Tourist ★
Single USD 185 (~USD 185) 2-4 weeks to 12+ months (current Delhi backlog 6-12 months)

Embassy visa required. Fee: USD 185 (~INR 17,575) for B1/B2 + MRV. Apply via US Embassy New Delhi or 4 Consulates (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad). ESTA Visa Waiver NOT for Indians. India is #1 source for H1B visas (~70% globally), F1 students, family-based immigration.

Common rejection reasons

Common IN rejections (US Indian B1/B2 refusal ~25-30%): (1) 214(b) refusal — failure to overcome immigrant intent presumption; (2) Weak ties to India (unmarried, low salary, no property); (3) Family ties in US raise red flags (India has 4M+ NRIs/Indian-Americans); (4) Past US/Western visa refusals; (5) Punjab/Gujarat applicants face additional scrutiny; (6) Long Indian wait times (Delhi/Mumbai 6-12 months for B1/B2 — global longest); (7) H1B lottery very competitive; (8) Document fraud history affects assessment; (9) EB-2/EB-3 green card backlogs for Indians 80+ years; (10) F1 financial documentation strict; (11) Drop-box renewal benefits travelers with prior visa.

Good to know

United States visa FAQ for India passport holders

Do I need a visa to visit United States with a India passport?
Yes — India passport holders need a visa for United States (Single entry). Apply via US Embassy New Delhi / Consulates Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata/Hyderabad.
How much does a United States visa cost for India passport holders?
The United States visa fee is USD 185 (about INR 17,575). Additional service, biometric or courier charges may apply on top.
How long does it take to get a United States visa?
Typical processing for a United States visa is 2-4 weeks to 12+ months (current Delhi backlog 6-12 months). Apply well ahead of your travel date and allow for appointment availability.
How long can I stay in United States on this visa?
A United States visa for India passport holders typically allows a stay of Validity: B1/B2 up to 10 years multi-entry. Max Stay: up to 6 months per entry (CBP discretion). F1: course duration. H1B: 3 years extendable to 6 (+).. Extensions may be possible (Yes).
How do I apply for a United States visa from India?
Apply for your United States visa via US Embassy New Delhi / Consulates Mumbai/Chennai/Kolkata/Hyderabad. An appointment is required. An interview is required. Your passport should be valid 6+ months.