United States visa for Indian passport holders

Indian tourists need a B1/B2 visitor visa, involving an online DS-160 form and an in-person interview at a US consulate.

Visa requiredVisa validity is often up to 10 years for multiple entries, but each stay is typically capped at 6 months per visit as decided by the immigration officer

Sources Documents How to apply Good to know FAQs Plan your trip

Authority first

Verify the rule with the destination government

Deal4Flight turns published requirements into a planning checklist. The official immigration or embassy source remains authoritative and should be checked again before booking and departure.

Open official portal

Passport validity

Valid for the intended period of stay

Stay duration

Visa validity is often up to 10 years for multiple entries, but each stay is typically capped at 6 months per visit as decided by the immigration officer

Government fee

MRV application fee set by the US Department of State (check current rate before applying)

Processing

Interview wait times vary widely by consulate location and season — can range from weeks to several months

Official information and traveller support

Official portal

US Department of State — Travel.State.Gov

Documents required

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa fee payment receipt
Recent US visa photograph meeting official specifications
Proof of ties to India (employment, property, family)
Financial documents showing ability to fund the trip
Travel itinerary (not mandatory but helpful)

Step-by-step: how to apply

1
Complete the DS-160 form online
Fill the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the US Department of State's official site.
2
Pay the MRV visa fee
Pay the application fee through the designated bank or online channel.
3
Schedule your OFC and interview appointments
Book an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment for biometrics and a consulate interview slot.
4
Attend the OFC appointment
Provide fingerprints and photograph at the designated centre.
5
Attend the visa interview
Bring all required documents to your interview at the US Embassy/Consulate; answer questions about your travel plans and ties to India.
6
Await visa processing
If approved, your passport with the visa stamped in it is returned via courier or pickup.

Entry readiness

What to verify before booking and boarding

Entry eligibility is broader than the visa itself. Use these checks alongside the destination's official portal and your airline's travel-document guidance.

Trip purpose and duration

Confirm that visa required conditions cover your real reason for visiting United States and your complete intended stay.

Names and passport details

Match the booking, application and passport exactly. Check expiry, blank pages and physical condition.

Onward travel and accommodation

Keep return or onward tickets, stay details and host information accessible offline when required.

Transit and arrival formalities

Check every connection for transit permission, baggage recheck, terminal change, health or digital arrival forms.

Avoid delays and refusal

Common issues travellers can prevent

Using an unofficial application site that adds fees or captures personal data.
Submitting an unclear scan, unsuitable photograph or inconsistent passport details.
Assuming a valid visa removes the need for onward travel, funds or accommodation evidence.
Ignoring transit rules because the traveller does not plan to leave the airport.

Good to know

• Interview wait times can be long — check current appointment availability at your nearest consulate well before planning fixed travel dates.
• Be ready to clearly explain your travel purpose, itinerary and intent to return to India during the interview.
• A visa doesn't guarantee entry — final admission is decided by a US Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a US B1/B2 visa valid?

Many Indian applicants receive visas valid for up to 10 years, but this depends on individual circumstances and reciprocity rules.

Do I need to show a fixed return ticket for the US visa interview?

It's not mandatory, but having a general travel plan and showing ties to India strengthens your application.

Does a United States visa or entry exemption guarantee admission?

No. The airline checks whether you appear eligible to travel, while United States immigration makes the final entry decision. Keep your passport, onward travel, accommodation and any requested supporting evidence ready.

Should I book non-refundable flights before confirming United States entry requirements?

Avoid non-refundable commitments until you understand the applicable entry route, document requirements and processing time, unless you accept the risk or an application specifically requires a reservation.

This guide is general information for Indian passport holders, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules, fees, documents and processing times change often — always confirm current requirements on the United States government's official immigration or embassy website, or through a licensed visa agent, before applying or booking non-refundable travel.