Data verified
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
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
Requirements
Passport & photo
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)
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.
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