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The US is one of the most popular destinations among Indians for tourism, work and education. However, travelling to this country has its own set of rules and requirements, which one must fulfil. Obtaining a US visa for Indians prior to departure is an essential requirement.

Let us explore the various aspects of the American visa for Indians. From US visa costs for Indians to the types of visas, we shall cover various aspects of the US visa for you. But, before you set out on a journey to this beautiful country, it is wise to also safeguard yourself with travel insurance for the US from Reliance General Insurance.

Do Indians Need a Visa for the US?

Yes, Indians require a visa to the US from India, irrespective of the purpose of their visit. The US issues various types of visas to Indians and all other nationals based on the purpose of the visit and the duration of stay.

For instance, if you want to visit the US for tourism purposes, you can apply for a non-immigrant US tourist visa from India. Under this category of visa, you must apply for a B2 visa, which is specifically for tourists.

While you apply and wait for the issuance of an American visa for an Indian, you must consider securing your trip to the US with travel insurance for the US from Reliance General Insurance so you can be worry-free on your trip.

Is there a Visa On Arrival for Indians With a US Visa?

There is no on-arrival visa for Indians with a US visa as per the regulations of the country. India and the USA do not have any mutual agreement allowing visa-free travel for the citizens of both countries. Hence, Indians who wish to visit the US must apply for a US visa for Indians from India through the US Embassy or Consulate.

Based on the purpose of the visit and duration of stay, Indians must apply for an immigrant or non-immigrant category of visa and complete the procedure laid down by the US embassy to receive a visa.

Types of US Visas for Indians

US visa types of Indians can be divided into various categories based on the purpose of the visit. However, the two main categories of visas for Indians are the immigrant category and the non-immigrant category.

Types of US Visa from India	Description of US Visitor Visa from India	Entry Type	Purpose of Visit	Required Documents for Visa of America from India
Immigrant Visa	This visa is issued to those Indians who wish to live permanently in the USA.	Permanent	Marriage to a US citizen, adoption by a US citizen, family members of US citizens, returning resident, diversity immigration.	Passport, marriage certificate, original documents establishing the relationship between petitioner and applicant, etc.
US B1/Business Visa	It is a multiple-entry visa for businessmen, allowing them to enter the US multiple times during the validity.	Multiple entry	Business-related entry into the USA for conferences, meetings, negotiating contracts, etc.	Passport and other documents to prove the purpose of the visit.
US F1/M1 Visa	It is a student visa granted to foreign nationals who wish to pursue academics.	Single Entry/ Multiple-Entry	Foreign nationals wanting to pursue academic or vocational courses in the USA.	Passport, Form 1-20, proof of payment for SEVIS, scholarship letters, educational transcripts, etc.
US H-1B Visa/US job visa for Indian	Granted to individuals who are temporarily hired in special occupations.	Multiple Entry	To work in a speciality occupation in the USA on a temporary basis.	Passport, petition approval, Employment letter, Resume, etc.
US H-2B Visa	It is granted to individuals who secure temporary jobs in non-agricultural sectors.	Multiple Entry	Jobs in the non-agricultural sector in the USA.	Passport, petition approval, Employment letter, Resume, etc.
US B2/Tourist Visa	Granted to individuals who want to come to the USA for vacation, sightseeing, etc.	Multiple Entry	Tourism, medical treatment, social events, visiting family, etc.	Passport, bank statement, detailed itinerary, etc.
US J1/Q1/Exchange Visitor American Visa for Indian	It is a US student visa for Indian Issued to individuals visiting the USA for educational or cultural exchange programs	Single Entry/ Multiple Entry	Educational or cultural exchange	Passport, DS-2019 form, DS-7002 form, etc.
A-1/A-2 Visa	It is issued to government officials and diplomats.	Unlimited	This is for individuals on diplomatic or official duty on behalf of the Indian government.	Diplomatic/ official passport, a note from the Indian government confirming the status and purpose of travel, etc.

Duration of Different Types of US Visas for Indians

Types of American Visa for Indians	Stay Duration	Visa Extension
B1/B2 Visa/Tourist Visa	180 days/6 months	It can be extended up to one year by filling out form I-539.
M1 Visa (Non-Academic or vocational students)	Up to the completion of the course, not extending one year	It can be extended one year at a time, not more than three years from the original date.
F1 Visa (Student Visa)	Up to the length of the program + 60 days	Students may extend their visa by visiting the USCIS extension page .
H-1B visa to the US from India	Up to the visa validity	Extension can be done for 3 years.
H-2B Visa	As stated on the temporary labour certification.	Extension is granted for 1 year at a time, a maximum of 3 years.
Airport Transit Visa	Date of the onward journey or 29 days, whichever is earlier	No extensions are allowed.
US B2 Visa	180 days	It can be extended in the home country (India).
US J1 Visa	Depends on the program.	An extension is granted if the program or the program sponsor gives consent.
US Q1 Visa	Depends on the program length.	Extension can be granted only if the initial stay is less than 15 months.

Why is Travel Insurance Essential for a US Visa For Indians?

Travel insurance for the US is not a mandatory requirement as per the law. However, travelling to foreign lands poses numerous risks. Reliance General travel insurance safeguards you from potential risks and allows you to navigate your way through them smoothly.

Shields Against Medical Emergencies

Our travel insurance in America offers extensive coverage for medical emergencies, including hospitalisation expenses due to sickness or accidents and much more.

Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Cover

If your trip to the US is cancelled or delayed for any unforeseen reason, we will cover the cost of the cancellation or curtailment. With our travel insurance, you can also get reimbursement for any non-refundable expenses that you may have incurred.

Passport Loss/Theft

Losing your passport during an international trip is nothing less than a nightmare. However, with our travel insurance in the United States, you can rest assured that you will get monetary assistance of up to $300 to get a new passport or a duplicate one.

Baggage Delays/Loss

We also support you in case your baggage is delayed or gets lost during transit. To cover you against such loss, our travel insurance USA trip provides reimbursement to arrange for personal items or compensate you for the baggage loss.

Features of US Visa for Indians

Application Process: Individuals who want to apply for a visa to the USfrom India must follow the visa application process. One must fill out the visa application form online and submit it at the Embassy or Consulate by paying the US visa cost from India.
Type of Visa: While applying for the visa, one must determine the type of visa applicable and apply accordingly, such as immigrant, non-immigrant, Q1, B2, and so on.
Visa Processing Time:The average processing time for a visa to America from India is 21 days. However, the exact time also depends on the type of visa and other prevailing factors.
Validity: Each US visa is valid for a specific duration as decided by the authorities. It is the duration during which the applicant must travel to the US.
Entry Permissions:American visas for Indians come with either single-entry or multiple-entry permissions.
Eligibility Criteria: For a successful visa application, one must fulfil the American visa requirements for Indian citizens, which include a valid passport, sufficient bank balance, itinerary proof, and so on.

Who Should Apply for Visa From US to India

Tourists: Those who wish to visit the US to meet their friends and family or for tourism purposes must apply for a non-immigrant or American tourist visa for an Indian. The visa allows Indians to visit the US for a short time.
Employees: Individuals who receive an employment offer from a company in the US can also apply for an American visa for Indian to be able to work there.
Businessmen:Businessmen may apply for a US travel visa for Indian citizens if they wish to attend a business meeting, conference, seminar, etc.
Students: Students travelling to the USA for higher studies can also apply for a USvisa for Indians (J1/Q1 visa) and stay in the US until the completion of their studies.
Religious Workers:People performing religious activities can also travel to the US by obtaining a visitor visa to the US from India.
Travellers: People travelling to other countries via the US must apply for a transit visa to enter the US for their onward journey legally.

Factors You Must Know When Applying for an American Visa for Indian

The US follows strict guidelines and processes for US visas for Indians. Here are some key points to consider when applying for a US visa.

Type of Visa:The primary consideration when applying for a visa to the US for Indian citizens is the type of visa. Depending on the intention of your visit, you may apply for a student visa, tourist/non-immigrant visa, immigrant visa, B1 (business) visa, and so on.
Eligibility Criteria: One must fulfil the eligibility requirements to obtain a US visa. Here are some essential US visa requirements for Indian citizens:

Passport with 6 months validity
No criminal records
Payment of application fees
Strong financial position
Sound health
Solid ties with the home country, etc.
US Visa Process From India: One must be aware of the correct and detailed application process, such as filling out the application form, paying the fees, attending the interview, and so on.
Visa Processing Time:The processing time for a visa to the US from India depends on the type of visa and other internal factors such as the holiday season, workload at the embassy, etc. Visa processing may take a few days to several months. Hence, it is wise to apply in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.
Documentation: While applying for an American visa for an Indian,one must carefully go through the list of documents required. It is crucial to submit all the documents in the prescribed format, failing which the visa may get rejected.
Visa Validity & Extension:It is also essential to pay attention to the visa validity and extension. One must apply for a type of visa that allows him to stay in the US legally for the desired purpose and duration.

Eligibility Criteria for US Visa for Indians

Valid Passport

Indians who wish to travel to the USA must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of departure.

Application Form

Another crucial American visa requirement for Indian citizens is completing the application form DS-160. One must carefully complete the form and provide the correct details for the application to be accepted.

Clean Record

Another US visa requirement for Indian citizens is a clean record with no criminal activities. Those with prior or ongoing criminal cases may not get a visa to the US.

Financial Capacity

One must have enough finances to support their stay and to be eligible for a visitor visa to the US from India. The bank balance must be sufficient so you can manage your expenses during your stay in America.

Return Ticket Proof

To be eligible for an American visa for an Indian, one must show intent to return to India. Therefore, while applying for a US visa, one must submit proof of a return ticket.

Letter from the Sponsor/University/Employer

Another eligibility criterion for getting a visa from the US to India is the submission of a letter from the sponsor, employer, or University, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. An authorised letter stating the purpose of your visit solidifies your eligibility.

What is the US Visa Procedure in India?

Follow the steps given below for US visa applications for Indians.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Step 1: Toapply for a US visa in India (non-immigrant visa), you must fill out the form DS-160. Be sure to fill out the form completely without leaving any area blank.

Note: While filling out the application form and after completion, note down the application ID and save a copy of the confirmation page on your system.

Step 2: Gather all the essential documentsto be submitted, such as passport, application form, photograph, bank statement, return ticket, etc.
Step 3: Schedule a visa appointmentusing the online website for a visa interview at the nearest Embassy or Consulate. You must also book an appointment at the VAC (visa application centre) for biometrics and photographs using the same website.

Note: Fix an appointment at the VAC a few days prior to the embassy or consulate appointment.

Step 4: Pay the fee at the beginning of the process and attend the interview for a US visa for Indians on the scheduled date.
Step 5: Collect the visa and Passport after you receive an intimation such as a call or email from the Embassy or Consulate.

Note: You can also send a third party on your behalf with an authorised and signed letter to collect the visa and passport.

Immigrant Visa

Step 1:Prior to applying for an immigrant American visa for Indians, the applicant’s relative or potential employer must get the petition approved by the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Step 2:After the petition is approved, your application moves to the National Visa Centre (NVC), which will send you a welcome letter.
Step 3: Pay the visa application fees and Affidavit of support fees.
Step 4:Fill out the Affidavit of Support form as applicable. (I-864, I-864EZ, I-864W, and I-864A)
Step 5:Gather all the supporting documents and financial proofs.
Step 6: Once the fee status changes to “Paid,” fill out the Immigrant visa application form DS-260 and save the confirmation page.
Step 7:Submit all the necessary documents as mentioned.
Step 8:Visit the National Visa Centre (NVC) and attend the visa interview on the scheduled date and time.

Note: Complete the steps such as medical examination, getting a police clearance certificate, gathering documents for an interview, etc., before the interview.

US Visa Cost for Indians

Visa Type	America Visa Cost From India ($)*	US Visa Charges For Indian (₹)**
US visa cost from India non-petition based visa categories (visa types: B, C-1, D, F, I, M, TN/TD, S, T, U)	$185	15,534.45
Petition-based visa categories (visa types: H, L, O, P, Q, R)	$205	17,213.85
K category (Fiance’ or spouse of US citizen)	$265	22,252.05
America visa India price (immediate relative and family preference application	$325	27,290.25
Employment-based applications	$345	28,969.65
US visa price India(other Immigrant visa)	$205	17,213.85

*Note: Applicants must note that fees are subject to change, and additional fees may be charged for extra services provided by the Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Centre.

**The dollar exchange rate is subject to fluctuations.

Required Documents to Apply for a US Visa India

If you are applying for a US visa for Indians, the following documents are required:

Passport with minimum 6 months validity.
Coloured photograph of the applicant
Bank statement
Marriage certificate
Divorce/death certificate of spouse (if applicable)
Birth certificate
Police clearance certificate
DS-160/DS-260 application form
Military Records
Income tax returns of the last three years for a visitor visa to the US from India.
Itinerary details
Letter from prospective employer, University as applicable.
Fee receipt for an American visa for India

Covid-19 Guidelines for Visa to US from India

Now that you know the visa application process and the American visa cost from India, it is also essential to know the COVID-19 guidelines for travelling to the US.

As per the latest information, the US government has lifted all the COVID-19-related restrictions and rules. Thus, Indians travelling to the US need not produce vaccine certificates or undergo COVID-19 tests, etc.

However, one must take general health precautions to avoid falling sick in a foreign country.

What is the US Visa Processing Time in India?

City	Student Exchange American Visa For Indian	Petition-Based Temporary Workers US Visa for Indians (H, L, O, P, Q)	Crew and Transit Visa to US From India	Visitors US visa application for Indians
Chennai	42 days	91 days	42 days	403 days
Hyderabad	50 days	24 days	1 day	426 days
Kolkata	66 days	-	-	457 days
Mumbai	66 days	-	16 days	455 days
New Delhi	42 days	-	59 days	452 days

How to Track US Visa Applications for Indians?

If you want to track your American visa for Indian status, it is recommended that you wait for three days. After that, you can check the status with the help of the following steps.

Go to the website of the US Department of Statefor US visa tracking in India.
For your visa to the US from India, choose “Check my visa application status” from the immigrant or non-immigrant category.
On the next page, fill out the details required to track the status of US visasfor Indians.
Click “Submit”.
You will be able to see the status of your American visa for India.

Common Reasons for US Visa Rejections for Indians

US visas for Indian citizens can get rejected due to several reasons, which include the following:

Submitting incomplete applications
Insufficient funds in the bank account.
Passport issues such as less validity
Overstaying in the previous visit
Incorrect or missing documents
Previous visa rejection
Incomplete travel details
Incorrect/insufficient application timing
Health issues, etc.

If you have faced visa rejection or want to avoid US visa rejection in India, you must do the following:

One must take utmost care to fill out the visa application form accuratelyand as per the guidelines.
While applying for an American visa for an Indian, one must ensure that they have sufficient financial abilityto manage the expenses during their stay in the USA.
Depending on the type of visa, a student must provideallthedocuments mentioned in the guidelines. For instance, a student must attach documents such as academic transcripts, letters of scholarship, etc.
Show strong family ties in Indiaso the authorities are convinced that you intend to return to your home country.
Provide complete details of your itinerary,including return flight reservations, hotel bookings, etc., to avoid US visa rejections for Indians.
Prepare yourself for the interview in advance so you can answer the questions correctly and confidently.

What is the American Visa Validity in India?

Type of American Visa for Indian	US Visa Validity for Indians
B1/B2 visa	Up to 10 years
M1	1-year validity of US visa for Indians
F1 US visa for Indian citizens	Up to the study duration
H-1B	3 years (possible to extend)
H- 2B	As per the labour contract
Airport transit	29 days
J1	4 months to 10 years
Q1 visa to the US from India	15 months

US Visa Renewal Process for Indian Citizens

A visitor visa is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, allowing you to visit the US multiple times for tourism, business, or medical treatment. However, if your visa is nearing its expiration and you wish to travel to the US, the renewal of US tourist visa in India can be done by following the steps given below:

Fill out the non-immigrant visa application form-DS-160 for US visasfor Indians.
Schedule interviews at the Embassy or Consulate and the visa application centre.
Gather all the required documents, such as a passport, photograph, birth certificate, etc., to renew your American visa for Indians.
Pay the visa fees and attend the visa interview on the appointed date.

Note: In some cases, you may get a US visa renewal in India interview waiver. You can check the interview waiver categories.

Things to Know About America for Indians

Best Season:The US houses diverse climates throughout the year. Thus, while you apply for a US visa for Indians, you must choose a suitable time to visit the country based on your climatic preferences. Late spring and early autumn are very pleasing, while the summer season is perfect for indulging in outdoor activities.
Trip Cost: An American visa for an Indian may cost a lot, so you must calculate the trip cost before you head to the country. From the cost of a hotel to a flight, visa from the US to India, local commuting, food and activities, you must estimate the cost well in advance so you can arrange for sufficient funds.
Travel Insurance: Whether you are on a visitor visa to the US from India or a business or student visa, consider securing your trip with travel insurance from a trusted insurance provider such as Reliance General Insurance.

Our insurance assists in times of accidents, sickness, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unpredictable incidents on your travel visa from India to the USA.

Best Places in America for Indians

New York City

New York city is among the most famous American tourist spots for Indians. Its highlights include the Statue Of Liberty, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. Indians can enjoy the diverse culture, shopping destinations and alluring museums in this city.

Hawaii

Getting a US visa for Indians opens a plethora of tourist places that you can visit. Hawaii is a must-visit destination if you are an island lover. You can soak in the mesmerising beauty of the picturesque beaches in Kauai, visit the Volcanoes National Park, and do a lot more.

Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park is among the top tourist destinations in the USA for Indians. Located in the State of Arizona, the park’s attraction is the Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River.

Have a visa to the US from India? Make sure you visit this wonder of the world for a breathtaking view.

FAQs about US Visa for Indians

Is it permissible to work on a tourist visa in the US?
No. If you have an American tourist visa for an Indian, you are not allowed to work in the US. Under the tourist visa, you can undertake tourism and leisure activities.
Is travel insurance for the US mandatory?
No, travel insurance is not compulsory while visiting the US. However, it is highly advisable to purchase one. Reliance General Insurance provides Travel insurance for the USA, offering you safety from unforeseen events in a foreign country and reducing your financial stress.
What is the American visa cost from India?
The US visa cost for Indian depends on the type of visa you apply for. The cost of the visa ranges from $185 - $345.
Can anyone get a US visa for a tourist from India?
To get a US tourist visa from India, one must fulfil the eligibility criteria set by the government authorities. It includes a valid passport, sufficient bank balance, no criminal records and so on.
Can I travel to the US if my US visa application for Indians is denied?
No, if your visa is denied, you cannot travel to the US. You must reapply for the visa by paying the American visa India price and submitting the required documents.
What should I do if my US visa expires? Is there a US tourist visa renewal in India?
You must apply for US visa renewal in India if your visa expires. You must follow a similar process when applying for a fresh visa.

US Visa For Indians