The Basic Route: B-1/B-2 Visa

A US visitor visa from India is called a B-1/B-2 visa. B-1 covers business travel (meetings, conferences, short-term work); B-2 covers tourism, family visits, and medical treatment. Most people get both together on a single visa. You explore through the US Embassy in New Delhi or one of four US consulates in India (Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Hyderabad), depending on where you live.

The process has three main steps: fill out form DS-160 online, pay the visa fee, and attend an in-person interview at the embassy or consulate. The entire timeline from form submission to interview decision usually takes four to eight weeks, though wait times vary by location and season.

You cannot complete this process by mail or through a representative. You must appear in person for the interview, and a consular officer will make the decision on the spot or within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • You fill out form DS-160 on the State Department website, pay a $160 non-refundable fee, and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi or a consulate in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or Hyderabad.
  • At your interview, bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, and documents proving the purpose of your trip and your ties to India (employment letter, property deed, family documents, bank statements).
  • The consular officer decides whether to issue, deny, or place your case under administrative review during the interview; most decisions are made on the spot.
  • A B-1/B-2 visa is typically valid for ten years and allows multiple entries to the US, but each visit is limited to six months unless the officer grants a shorter period.
  • If your case goes to administrative review, you will be notified by email within two weeks; you do not attend a second interview.

Filling Out Form DS-160 Online

Go to ceac.state.gov/genniv and select India and your nearest consulate. You will create a profile with your email address and password. The form asks for biographical information, passport details, travel history, employment, family members, and the purpose of your trip.

Answer every question honestly. If a question does not explore to you, select "No" or leave it blank as instructed. The form takes 20 to 40 minutes. When you finish, the system generates a barcode confirmation page. Print this page or save the PDF — you need it for your interview.

Do not submit the form until you have reviewed every answer. Once submitted, you cannot edit it; if you find an error, you must start a new form and generate a new confirmation code.

Paying the Visa Fee and Scheduling Your Interview

The non-refundable visa fee is $160 USD. You pay this through an authorized bank in India before you schedule your interview. The State Department website lists which banks accept visa fee payments in each city. You will receive a receipt with a reference number; keep this receipt for your interview.

After you pay, log into the consulate's appointment system (the link is on the embassy or consulate website for your location) and schedule your interview. You will need your DS-160 confirmation code and visa fee receipt reference number. Choose a date and time that works for you. Interview slots fill up quickly during peak seasons (March through September), so schedule as soon as your fee is paid.

You will receive a confirmation email with your interview date, time, and location. Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring the confirmation email printed or on your phone.

Documents to Bring to Your Interview

Bring your original passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay), your DS-160 confirmation page, your visa fee receipt, and your interview confirmation email. These are non-negotiable.

You also need documents that show the purpose of your trip and your ties to India. If you are visiting family, bring family relationship documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a letter from a family member stating the relationship). If you are traveling for business, bring a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your job title, salary, and the purpose and duration of your US trip. If you are a student, bring your admission letter or enrollment certificate.

Bring financial documents: bank statements for the past three months, proof of income (salary slips or tax returns), and proof of funds to cover your trip (savings account balance, sponsorship letter if someone else is paying). Bring property documents if you own land or a house in India. Bring your employment letter or business registration if you are self-employed.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot afford to lose. The consulate will not return them. Bring photocopies of everything except your passport.

What Happens During the Interview

The consular officer will ask you questions about your trip, your job, your family, and your ties to India. Common questions are: Why are you going to the US? How long will you stay? Who will you visit or meet? How will you pay for the trip? Do you own property in India? When do you plan to return?

Answer briefly and honestly. Do not volunteer information beyond what is asked. If you do not understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it. Speak clearly and maintain eye contact.

The officer will examine your documents and may ask follow-up questions based on what they see. They may ask to see your return ticket, hotel booking, or invitation letter. If you do not have these yet, explain that you are still planning the details.

At the end of the interview, the officer will tell you the decision: approved, denied, or administrative review. If approved, your passport goes to the consulate's processing section and is returned to you within five to seven business days with the visa stamped inside. If denied, the officer will explain the reason. If placed under administrative review, you will receive an email within two weeks with the outcome.

After Your Visa Is Approved

Once your visa is stamped in your passport, you can travel to the US. The visa is valid for ten years (or the life of your passport, whichever is shorter). You can enter the US multiple times during this period.

Each time you arrive, the US Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport or border will ask how long you plan to stay. They will stamp your entry document (I-94) with an authorized stay period, usually six months for a tourist or business visitor. This is not the same as your visa validity. Your visa lets you enter; the I-94 stamp tells you when you must leave.

If you want to stay longer than six months, you must request an extension before your I-94 expires. You do this by filing form I-539 with US Citizenship and Immigration Services while you are in the US. Extensions are not may provide.

If Your Visa Is Denied or Goes to Administrative Review

If the officer denies your visa, they will give you a written reason. Common reasons are insufficient proof of ties to India, inconsistent answers during the interview, or concerns about your stated purpose. You can reapply, but you should address the reason for denial first. Gather stronger documents or clarify the issue that caused the denial.

If your case goes to administrative review, it means the consulate needs more time to verify information or conduct a background check. You do not attend a second interview. The consulate will email you the decision within two weeks. If approved, your passport is processed and returned as described above. If denied after review, you receive a written explanation and can reapply later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a US visitor visa from India?

From the time you submit form DS-160 to the time you receive your passport with the visa stamped, the process usually takes four to eight weeks. This includes time to pay the fee, schedule an interview, attend the interview, and process your passport after approval. Wait times are longer during peak travel seasons (March to September).

Can I travel to the US while my visa is being processed?

No. You cannot enter the US without a valid visa in your passport. If your case is under administrative review, you must wait for the decision before you travel. Do not book flights or hotels until your visa is approved and stamped.

What if I have already been denied a US visa before?

You can reapply, but you should understand why you were denied and address that issue. Bring stronger documents or clarify the concern that led to the denial. If you were denied because of a criminal record or immigration violation, consult an immigration lawyer before reapplying, as some grounds for denial are permanent.

Do I need travel insurance or a return ticket to get a visitor visa?

No. The consulate does not require you to show a return ticket or travel insurance at your interview. However, having a return ticket or hotel booking can strengthen your case by showing you have a concrete plan and ties to India. If you do not have these yet, you can explain that you are still planning the details.

Can someone else attend the interview for me?

No. You must attend the interview in person. The consular officer needs to assess you directly. There is no exception for this requirement.