Introduction
The United States is one of the top choices for Indian travelers — whether it’s for studies, work, tourism, or family visits. But getting a USA visa from India can feel confusing because there are many visa types, each with its own rules, steps, and costs.
This guide explains 10 practical ways to get a USA visa from India, how much each one costs, what you need, and tips to make the process smooth.
Why This Guide Matters
Many visa applications fail because people don’t follow the right steps or miss small details. This blog will help you:
✅ Pick the right visa for your purpose
✅ Understand the cost before you apply
✅ Avoid common mistakes
✅ Save time and money
1. B1/B2 Tourist or Business Visa
Who should apply?
For holiday, family visits, or short business trips.
Steps:
Fill DS-160 form online: www.ustraveldocs.com/in
Pay the visa fee: Around $185 (~₹15,500)
Book a biometric appointment at Visa Application Center (VAC).
Wait for processing (usually 7–10 days).
Practical Tip:
Be ready to show ties to India — job, family, or property — so the officer knows you will return.
Common Mistake:
Incomplete DS-160 or mismatched answers.
2. F1 Student Visa
Who should apply?
Students admitted to a US school or university.
Steps:
Get an I-20 form from your school.
Pay SEVIS fee: $350 (~₹29,000)
Fill DS-160 and pay visa fee: $185 (~₹15,500)
Book VAC and embassy appointments.
Carry academic documents, proof of funds, and admission letter.
Practical Tip:
Show clear proof of how you’ll pay tuition and living costs.
Warning:
Fake documents can lead to bans.
3. H1-B Work Visa
Who should apply?
Skilled workers with a job offer from a US company.
Steps:
Employer files petition with USCIS (H1-B cap opens in April).
Once approved, get I-797 approval notice.
Pay visa fee: Usually paid by employer, but check.
Fill DS-160, book appointments.
Show job offer and qualifications at the interview.
Cost:
Filing fee varies but employers usually pay $1,500–$6,000 (you may not pay this). Visa fee: $190 (~₹16,000) if you pay it yourself.
Practical Tip:
Apply early — H1-B has yearly limits.
4. L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Who should apply?
Employees of a company with branches in India and the US.
Steps:
Employer files I-129 petition.
Once approved, fill DS-160, pay fee.
Attend VAC and embassy interviews.
Cost:
Visa fee: $190 (~₹16,000). Petition fees usually paid by employer.
Practical Tip:
Your role must be managerial or specialized knowledge.
5. J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Who should apply?
For research, training, or cultural exchange.
Steps:
Get DS-2019 form from sponsor.
Pay SEVIS fee: $220 (~₹18,500)
Fill DS-160, pay visa fee: $185 (~₹15,500)
Book appointment and prepare interview documents.
Practical Tip:
Check if you need to return to India for 2 years after the program (home residency rule).
6. K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
Who should apply?
Engaged to a US citizen and planning to marry in the US.
Steps:
US partner files petition I-129F.
Once approved, fill DS-160, pay visa fee: $265 (~₹22,000)
Practical Tip:
Be ready to show proof of relationship — photos, chats, travel tickets.
7. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
Who should apply?
People with outstanding talent in arts, science, sports, or business.
Steps:
Employer or agent files I-129.
Once approved, fill DS-160, pay visa fee: $190 (~₹16,000)
Book appointment and show evidence of your achievements.
Example:
Actors, researchers, athletes.
8. EB-5 Investor Visa
Who should apply?
Those who can invest at least $800,000 (~₹6.7 crore) in a US business that creates jobs.
Steps:
Invest in an approved Regional Center or project.
File I-526 petition.
Attend interview once approved.
Practical Tip:
Use a trusted immigration lawyer to avoid scams.
9. B-2 Medical Treatment Visa
Who should apply?
People seeking medical care in the US.
Steps:
Fill DS-160, pay visa fee: $185 (~₹15,500)
Show proof of treatment, doctor’s letter, cost estimate.
Attend interview with medical records and funds proof.
Practical Tip:
Have documents showing you can pay all costs.
10. Green Card Lottery (Diversity Visa)
Who should apply?
Citizens from eligible countries. India is not eligible, but this is good to know for dual citizens.
Steps:
Apply during open window (usually Oct–Nov).
If selected, follow steps for immigrant visa.
Pay fees: $330 (~₹27,500) for DV application.
Practical Tip:
Check eligibility every year: www.dvlottery.state.gov
General Tips for Any US Visa
Always use the official site: www.ustraveldocs.com/in
Be honest in your answers.
Practice for the interview — clear, confident answers matter.
Double-check your DS-160 before submitting.
Don’t fall for agents who promise guaranteed visas — no one can do that!
Conclusion
Getting a USA visa from India is possible if you plan well and pick the right type for your goal. Now you know 10 options with steps, costs, and practical tips to help you succeed.
If you still have questions or want to share your experience, drop a comment below. Safe travels and good luck with your US visa!
✅ Official Resource: www.ustraveldocs.com/in
✅ 50 Questions & Answers: Getting a USA Visa from India
📌 General Questions
1️⃣ Q: What is a US visa?
A: A US visa is an official stamp or sticker in your passport that allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter the country.
2️⃣ Q: Do Indians need a visa to visit the USA?
A: Yes, Indian citizens must get a visa before traveling to the USA.
3️⃣ Q: Where do I apply for a US visa in India?
A: You apply online at www.ustraveldocs.com/in and attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulates in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata.
4️⃣ Q: How long is a tourist visa valid for?
A: A B1/B2 tourist visa is usually valid for 10 years with multiple entries, but your stay is usually up to 6 months per visit.
5️⃣ Q: Can I work on a tourist visa?
A: No. Working on a tourist visa is illegal.
📌 Tourist & Visitor Visa
6️⃣ Q: What is a B1 visa?
A: The B1 visa is for short business trips, meetings, or conferences.
7️⃣ Q: What is a B2 visa?
A: The B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, or medical treatment.
8️⃣ Q: How much is the B1/B2 visa fee?
A: $185 (~₹15,500).
9️⃣ Q: How long does it take to get a tourist visa?
A: Usually 7–10 working days after the interview, but wait times for appointments can be weeks or months.
🔟 Q: What documents do I need for a visitor visa?
A: Passport, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, appointment confirmation, photos, travel plan, bank statements, job proof, and any invitation letter.
📌 Student Visa
1️⃣1️⃣ Q: Which visa is for students?
A: F1 visa.
1️⃣2️⃣ Q: Do I need an admission letter for an F1 visa?
A: Yes, you must have an I-20 form from a US school or university.
1️⃣3️⃣ Q: What is the SEVIS fee?
A: $350 (~₹29,000) paid online before your visa interview.
1️⃣4️⃣ Q: Can I work on an F1 visa?
A: Yes, limited on-campus jobs or optional training (OPT) with permission.
1️⃣5️⃣ Q: Can my spouse join me on an F1 visa?
A: Yes, they can apply for an F2 dependent visa but cannot work.
📌 Work Visas
1️⃣6️⃣ Q: Which visa is for skilled workers?
A: The H1-B visa.
1️⃣7️⃣ Q: Who files the H1-B petition?
A: Your US employer must file it with USCIS.
1️⃣8️⃣ Q: What is the H1-B lottery?
A: It’s a random selection if there are more applicants than available visas.
1️⃣9️⃣ Q: Can I switch jobs on an H1-B visa?
A: Yes, but the new employer must file a new petition.
2️⃣0️⃣ Q: What is an L-1 visa?
A: For employees transferred within the same company from India to the US.
📌 Family & Marriage Visas
2️⃣1️⃣ Q: How do I bring my spouse to the USA?
A: If you’re a US citizen, you can file a family petition for an immigrant visa.
2️⃣2️⃣ Q: What is a K-1 visa?
A: A fiancé(e) visa to bring your future spouse to the US for marriage.
2️⃣3️⃣ Q: How much is the K-1 visa fee?
A: $265 (~₹22,000).
2️⃣4️⃣ Q: Can my children come with me on a K-1 visa?
A: Yes, unmarried kids under 21 can get K-2 visas.
2️⃣5️⃣ Q: How long does it take for a spouse visa?
A: It can take 12–18 months or more.
📌 Special Visa Programs
2️⃣6️⃣ Q: What is an O-1 visa?
A: For people with extraordinary ability in arts, science, sports, or business.
2️⃣7️⃣ Q: Who needs an EB-5 visa?
A: Investors who invest $800,000–$1.05 million in a US business.
2️⃣8️⃣ Q: What is a J-1 visa for?
A: Exchange visitors — researchers, interns, trainees, and au pairs.
2️⃣9️⃣ Q: What is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
A: A random lottery for permanent residency. India is not eligible.
3️⃣0️⃣ Q: What is a B-2 medical visa?
A: For people traveling for medical treatment in the USA.
📌 Application Process
3️⃣1️⃣ Q: What is the DS-160 form?
A: The online application form for all non-immigrant US visas.
3️⃣2️⃣ Q: Do I need an interview for a US visa?
A: Yes, most first-time applicants must attend an in-person interview.
3️⃣3️⃣ Q: How long does the interview take?
A: Usually 2–5 minutes.
3️⃣4️⃣ Q: Can my visa get rejected?
A: Yes, if you don’t meet requirements or the officer doubts your return.
3️⃣5️⃣ Q: How do I pay the visa fee?
A: Online or at a designated bank listed on www.ustraveldocs.com/in.
📌 Costs & Fees
3️⃣6️⃣ Q: Are visa fees refundable?
A: No. Visa fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
3️⃣7️⃣ Q: How much is the visa fee for work visas?
A: Usually $190 (~₹16,000).
3️⃣8️⃣ Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Not mandatory but highly recommended.
3️⃣9️⃣ Q: Are agent services safe?
A: Be careful. Many agents promise guaranteed visas — but nobody can guarantee a visa.
4️⃣0️⃣ Q: What if I lose my passport with the visa?
A: Report it immediately and apply for a replacement.
📌 After Arrival
4️⃣1️⃣ Q: Can I extend my stay in the US?
A: Possible in some cases. You must apply with USCIS before your stay expires.
4️⃣2️⃣ Q: Can I change my visa type in the US?
A: Sometimes, like changing from F1 to H1-B, but rules apply.
4️⃣3️⃣ Q: What happens if I overstay?
A: Overstaying can get you banned for 3–10 years.
4️⃣4️⃣ Q: Should I carry copies of my visa?
A: Yes, keep a copy separate from your passport.
4️⃣5️⃣ Q: Can I travel to Mexico or Canada with a US visa?
A: Some travelers do short trips, but check each country’s rules first.
📌 Practical Tips
4️⃣6️⃣ Q: How early should I apply?
A: At least 2–3 months before travel.
4️⃣7️⃣ Q: Should I book tickets before getting the visa?
A: It’s not required — book flights after visa approval to avoid losses.
4️⃣8️⃣ Q: What should I wear for the interview?
A: Dress neat and formal — look confident and professional.
4️⃣9️⃣ Q: Do I need an English test?
A: No, but students need TOEFL or IELTS for university admission.