United States Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Five US consular posts in India handle the world's largest B1/B2 caseload; wait times have dropped from a 2022 peak of 999 days to under 250 days at most posts in 2026.

Eligibility is decided against the host country's immigration rules, but officers also apply pattern recognition specific to the India caseload. Applications on this corridor are not evaluated in isolation — they are read against years of decision data for the same nationality, age group and stated purpose.

Passport: machine-readable, two blank visa pages, validity beyond your planned stay.

Financial proof: Officers look at whether the trip is plausible, not bank balance alone — ITR-V for 3 years, Form 16 and property records are stronger than a single account statement.

Travel history: Heavily weighted on this corridor.

Supporting documents: employment / business proof, accommodation, day-by-day itinerary, return ticket, sponsor documents where applicable.

Biometrics: fingerprints and photograph captured at a designated visa application centre.

1. Confirm eligibility for the B1/B2 Visitor Visa against United States's current rules.
2. Create your application on the DS-160 + in-person interview at a US Consulate (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata).
3. Upload documents, pay the fee (~USD 185).
4. Book and attend biometrics at the VAC.
5. Wait for a decision (typically 3–14 days).
6. Collect the passport / receive the e-visa and verify all details before travel.

• 214(b) — failed to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent
• Vague answers about itinerary or sponsor
• Previous H-1B / F-1 denial not disclosed
• Family member overstayed in the US

• Book the earliest available interview at your assigned post; do not switch posts to chase dates
• If renewing, check Interview Waiver eligibility before booking an in-person slot
• Keep answers under 30 seconds and consistent with the DS-160

Expect to pay USD 185 in government and service fees. Real out-of-pocket is higher once biometrics, photos, courier and translation are included. Decision timelines on this corridor sit in a 3–14 day band; peak-season spikes are common.