Key Highlights
- Interview is mandatory for all first-time applicants aged 14-79
- Most approved visas are valid for 10 years with multiple entries
- No minimum bank balance requirement, but strong financials help
- Visa fee is $185 (₹15,400) plus VFS service fee
- Interview waivers available for certain renewal cases
- Processing time: 3-6 weeks on average
- Maximum stay: 6 months per visit (determined by officer)
The US B1/B2 visa is one of the most sought-after travel documents for Indian citizens. It allows you to visit the United States for business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2) purposes. Most commonly, applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa valid for 10 years with multiple entries allowed. The application process involves completing an online form (DS-160), paying a visa fee, attending a biometric appointment, and appearing for a mandatory visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The interview is a crucial part of the process where a consular officer will assess your ties to India, purpose of visit, and ability to fund your trip. Indian applicants generally have a good approval rate (approximately 75-80%), especially if they demonstrate strong ties to India, stable employment, sufficient financial resources, and clear travel plans. The entire process from application to visa stamp typically takes 3-6 weeks.
Skip the Interview with Dropbox
Renewing your US visa? You may qualify for Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox). Check eligibility in 2 minutes.
Check EligibilityVisa Types Available
For business-related activities, consultations, conferences, and negotiations
- Business meetings and consultations
- Attending conferences or seminars
- Negotiating contracts
- Estate settlement
For tourism, vacation, visiting friends/family, or medical treatment
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting friends and relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participating in social events
Most commonly issued visa combining both B1 and B2 purposes
- Both business and tourism activities
- Flexibility to travel for any permitted purpose
Complete Fee Breakdown
Fees are non-refundable even if visa is denied. Exchange rates fluctuate daily - verify current rates.
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Financial Documents 5 items
Employment/Business Proof 3 items
Ties to India (Supporting) 4 items
Step-by-Step Application Process
Complete DS-160 Form Online
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) on the CEAC website. Print the confirmation page with barcode.
30-45 minutes- Have your passport, travel dates, and employment details ready
- Upload a recent photo meeting specifications
- Save your application frequently
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee of $185 (approximately ₹15,400) through approved payment methods.
10 minutes- Fee is non-refundable even if visa is denied
- Payment receipt is valid for 1 year
- Keep the payment receipt number for scheduling
Schedule Interview Appointment
Create a profile on the US Visa Service and schedule your visa interview at the nearest US Embassy/Consulate.
15 minutes- Interview wait times vary by location and season
- Book as early as possible during peak season (May-August)
- You can reschedule twice without losing your fee
Attend Biometric Appointment (OFC)
Visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) for biometric fingerprinting and photo capture.
30-60 minutes- Bring passport and DS-160 confirmation
- No electronic devices allowed inside
- Wear modest clothing for photo
Prepare Documents
Gather all required documents including passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter, photographs, financial documents, employment proof, and travel itinerary.
2-3 days- Original documents are preferred
- Carry documents in a clear folder
- Have extra copies of important documents
Attend Visa Interview
Appear for your visa interview at the scheduled date and time at the US Embassy/Consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your trip purpose, ties to India, and financial situation.
2-4 hours (including waiting)- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Dress formally
- Answer confidently and honestly
Passport Delivery
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa stamp within 3-5 working days via courier or you can collect it from the VAC.
3-5 working days- Track your passport on the VFS website
- Verify all visa details are correct when you receive it
Check Your Visa Readiness Score
Assess your United States application strength before you apply. Get personalized tips to improve your chances of approval.
Check Your ScoreWhere to Apply
Embassy & Consulate Locations New Delhi • Mumbai • Chennai • Kolkata • Hyderabad 5 locations
Visa Application Centers (VFS) New Delhi • Mumbai • Chennai • Kolkata • Hyderabad • Ahmedabad • Bangalore • Pune • Chandigarh • Cochin 10 centers
New Delhi
Building No. 98, 1st Floor, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019
Mumbai
Urmi Axis Building, 2nd Floor, Famous Studio Lane, Dr. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai - 400011
Chennai
No. 10, Haddows Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai - 600006
Kolkata
Infinity Benchmark, 10th Floor, Plot G1, Block EP & GP, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata - 700091
Hyderabad
Uma Chambers, 1st Floor, 3-6-369, Himayatnagar Main Road, Hyderabad - 500029
Ahmedabad
3rd Floor, Shapath Hexa, Opp. Gujarat High Court, SG Highway, Ahmedabad - 380060
Bangalore
2nd Floor, Prestige Obelisk, No. 3, Kasturba Road, Bangalore - 560001
Pune
4th Floor, Cerebrum IT Park, Building No. A3, Kumar City, Kalyani Nagar, Pune - 411006
Chandigarh
SCO 117-118, 2nd Floor, Sector 17-B, Chandigarh - 160017
Cochin
2nd Floor, Door No. 40/9833, Mather Towers, Pallimukku, Cochin - 682016
Common Interview Questions
Purpose of Visit 5 questions
Why do you want to visit the United States?
Tip: Be specific about your purpose - tourism, visiting family, business meeting. Avoid vague answers.
What will you do in the USA?
Tip: Mention specific places, activities, or people you plan to visit.
How long do you plan to stay?
Tip: Give a specific duration that matches your travel plan.
Where will you stay in the US?
Tip: Mention hotel names, relative's address, or cities you'll visit.
Who is sponsoring your trip?
Tip: If self-sponsored, say so confidently. If sponsored, explain the relationship clearly.
Ties to India 5 questions
What do you do for a living?
Tip: Explain your job role, company name, and how long you've been employed.
What is your monthly salary?
Tip: State your gross salary. Have salary slips ready if asked.
Do you own property in India?
Tip: If yes, mention it. Property shows strong ties.
Are you married? Do you have children?
Tip: Family in India shows strong ties and reason to return.
Why will you return to India?
Tip: Mention job, family, property, business, or other commitments.
Financial Questions 4 questions
How much money do you have in your bank account?
Tip: Know your approximate balance. Consistency matters more than amount.
Who will fund your trip?
Tip: If self-funded, explain your savings. If sponsored, explain relationship.
What is your annual income?
Tip: State your gross annual income confidently.
Do you have any loans?
Tip: Be honest. Having loans isn't negative if you're repaying on time.
Travel History 4 questions
Have you traveled abroad before?
Tip: Mention countries visited, especially if you returned on time.
Have you been to the US before?
Tip: If yes, mention when and that you returned on time.
Have you ever been refused a visa?
Tip: Be honest. Lying leads to permanent ban.
Do you have relatives in the US?
Tip: Be honest. Having relatives isn't negative if you have strong ties to India.
Tricky Questions 4 questions
What if you find a job in the US?
Tip: Say you'll return as B1/B2 doesn't permit work. You'd need proper work visa.
Why should I give you a visa?
Tip: Explain your genuine temporary purpose and strong reasons to return.
What if your company sponsors your green card?
Tip: Say that's a separate process; this visit is temporary for specific purpose.
How do I know you'll come back?
Tip: Mention your job, family, property, and future plans in India.
Common Rejection Reasons
Insufficient ties to home country (INA 214(b)) • Lack of financial resources • Suspected immigrant intent ... 5 reasons to avoid
Insufficient ties to home country (INA 214(b))
Most common rejection reason. Officer believes you may not return to India.
Lack of financial resources
Unable to show sufficient funds to cover US trip expenses.
Suspected immigrant intent
Officer believes you intend to stay permanently in the US.
Unclear purpose of visit
Unable to explain trip purpose clearly or itinerary seems suspicious.
Misrepresentation or fraud (INA 212(a)(6)(C)(i))
Providing false information or fraudulent documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the US visa fee for Indian citizens in 2026? • Is US visa fee refundable if rejected? 57+ questions answered
What is the US visa fee for Indian citizens in 2026?
The US B1/B2 visa fee is $185 USD (approximately ₹15,400 INR) as of January 2026. Additional VFS service fee of ₹2,400 applies. Total cost is approximately ₹17,850.
Is US visa fee refundable if rejected?
No, the US visa fee ($185) is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Even if your visa is denied, you cannot get a refund. The fee is for processing your application, not for the visa itself.
What are the additional charges for US visa apart from visa fee?
Besides the $185 visa fee, you may pay: VFS service fee (₹2,400), Premium Lounge (₹4,500), Courier return (₹650), SMS tracking (₹85), Photo service (₹350). Travel insurance and document preparation are additional optional costs.
How can I pay US visa fee from India?
US visa fee can be paid online via credit/debit card, net banking, or at AXIS Bank branches using cash or demand draft. Payment is made through the ustraveldocs.com portal after creating a profile.
How long is US visa fee valid after payment?
The US visa fee receipt is valid for 1 year from the date of payment. You must schedule and attend your interview within this period, or the fee will expire and you'll need to pay again.
Is SEVIS fee required for tourist visa?
No, SEVIS fee is NOT required for B1/B2 tourist/business visas. SEVIS fee ($350) is only required for F1 (student) and J1 (exchange visitor) visas. Tourist visa applicants only pay the $185 MRV fee.
Do children pay same US visa fee?
Yes, children of all ages pay the same $185 visa fee. There is no reduced fee for minors. However, children under 14 don't need to attend an interview if parents have valid US visas.
What is the US visa fee for 10 year multiple entry?
The fee is the same $185 regardless of visa validity. Whether you get a 1-year or 10-year visa, the application fee remains $185. Validity is determined by the consular officer, not by fee amount.
How long does US visa processing take from India?
US visa processing typically takes 3-6 weeks from application to passport delivery. Interview wait times vary: New Delhi (3-5 weeks), Mumbai (4-6 weeks), Chennai (3-5 weeks), Hyderabad (3-6 weeks), Kolkata (4-7 weeks).
Which US consulate in India has shortest wait time?
Wait times change frequently, but generally Chennai and Kolkata have shorter wait times compared to Delhi and Mumbai. Check ustraveldocs.com for real-time availability. Applying during off-peak months (September-February) helps.
Can I get US visa urgently or in emergency?
Emergency appointments are available for: medical emergencies, death of family member, urgent business. You need to request through ustraveldocs.com with proof. Expedite requests are reviewed case-by-case and not guaranteed.
How long does administrative processing take for US visa?
Administrative processing (221g) typically takes 2-8 weeks but can extend to several months. You'll receive a letter if additional processing is needed. You can check status at ceac.state.gov. No way to expedite this.
When is the best time to apply for US visa from India?
Best time is September to February (off-peak). Avoid May-July (summer rush for students and families). Also avoid November-December holiday season. Applying 3-4 months before travel gives flexibility.
How long after interview will I get my passport back?
If approved, passport is typically returned within 3-5 working days via courier or VAC pickup. If 221g (administrative processing) is issued, it may take 2-8 weeks or longer.
Is interview required for US visa from India?
Yes, interview is mandatory for first-time applicants aged 14-79. Interview waivers (dropbox) are available for visa renewals within 48 months of expiry with no refusals or overstays.
Can I get US visa without interview?
Interview waivers (dropbox) are available if: (1) Renewing visa within 48 months of expiry, (2) Same visa category, (3) No previous refusals, (4) Age under 14 or over 79. First-time applicants aged 14-79 must attend interview.
What questions are asked in US visa interview?
Common questions: Why are you visiting USA? How long will you stay? Who will fund your trip? What do you do for work? Do you have relatives in US? What ties do you have to India? What is your salary? Have you traveled abroad before? See our complete US visa interview questions guide with 100+ questions and answers.
How long is US visa interview?
The actual interview is typically 2-5 minutes. However, total time at the embassy including security, queue, and biometrics can be 2-4 hours. Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
What should I wear to US visa interview?
Dress formally or business casual. Men: collared shirt, trousers, formal shoes. Women: formal wear, salwar kameez, or business attire. Avoid jeans, t-shirts, and casual wear. First impressions matter.
Can I carry phone to US embassy?
No, electronic devices including phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, and earphones are NOT allowed inside US Embassy. Leave them in your car or use the locker facility outside (₹50-100).
Official Sources & Verification
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Last verified: 2026-01-02 by Times of Visa Editorial Team