US Visa for Indians
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Planning a trip to the USA? The US is one of the most popular places in the world to visit, whether it is for vacation, school, or work. To begin your journey, you need to plan adequately and choose the right US visa type as well as secure international travel insurance, an essential step for a worry-free visit. Whether you're planning to visit the US for study or a holiday, this guide will provide all the guidelines you need to know about getting a US visa as an Indian citizen.
Read this guide to learn all the guidelines for getting a US visa as an Indian citizen.
Do Indians need a US visa from India?
Yes, if you are an Indian citizen, you need a visa to enter the USA. Alongside the visa, it's also wise to consider getting US travel insurance to ensure your trip is secure. Indians can get both immigrant and non-immigrant visas at the US embassy, depending on the nature of their visit. You can choose the type of visa you need, keeping your travel plans and the duration of your stay in mind.
What are the different types of US visa for Indians?
Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are different types of visas for the USA from India. Below is a list of the ones you can apply for on ACKO.
Multiple Entry Tourist US visa
It is the ideal US visa for Indians who plan to visit the US for tourism and leisure purposes. With this visa, you can stay for 180 days from the date of entry and you can visit multiple times within its validity span.
Multiple Entry Business US visa
With this visa, you can stay for 180 days from the date of entry and you can visit multiple times within its validity span.
Airport Transit Visa
If you are transiting through the USA to a different country, you can apply for a transit visa. This visa is offered for single entry and is valid for up to 29 days.
Validity of US Visas for Indians
The validity of a US visa for Indians depends on the type of visa issued. For example, tourist (B2) or business (B1) visas can be valid for up to 10 years, allowing for multiple entries. Other visas, like student (F1) or work visas (H1B), have different validity periods tied to the duration of the study program or employment contract.
The table below shows the validity of US visas for Indians:
Types of US Visa | Validity Period |
|---|---|
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | 10 years |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | 10 years |
Airport Transit Visa | 29 days |
US Visa Processing Time in India
The following table shows the processing time for US visas from India:
Types of US Visa | Processing Time |
|---|---|
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | 300-320 business days |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | 300-320 business days |
Airport Transit Visa | 150-180 business days |
US Visa Fees from India
Here is a chart that shows the US visa fees for Indians:
Types of US Visa | Final Price (INR) |
|---|---|
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | 19,500 |
Multiple Entry Business Visa | 19,500 |
Airport Transit Visa | 19,500 |
*Note: The 'Final Price' mentioned in the table is inclusive of both the Embassy Fee/VFS Charge and the Service Charge. Also, note that these USA visa fees are subject to change.
Why Choose ACKO to Apply for US Visa Online?
Worldwide Visa Assistance
We make it easy and quick to get visas for all international countries.
End-to-End Process
From submitting documents to getting your visa in your email, we assist you with everything.
Pay As You Wish
Select the payment method you prefer to pay your visa fees.
Pick up and Delivery at Your Door
We collect and deliver your documents to your doorstep.
Documents Required for US Visa Application for Indian Citizens - Requirements
Here are the major documents required to apply for a US visa from India.
Standard documents for US visa application:
A passport, valid for a minimum duration of six months after the departure.
The passport must contain at least 2 blank pages.
Coloured passport-size photographs
Size: 35mm x 45mm.
Background: White.
Taken: Within the last 6 months.
Clarity: No blurred spots with the face and eyes visible with no headgear.
Proof of sufficient funds (last six months' bank statement, attested by a bank).
ITR for the last 3 years.
NOC from the employer.
A copy of GST.
For transit visa:
Original passport issued within 10 years
Valid for 6 months
Contain at least 2 blank visa pages
Have no alteration
Confirmed onward flight
Apart from the mentioned documents, the visa officials may ask for additional paperwork, depending on the individual’s case, for the successful completion of the US visa application process.
How to Apply for US Visa Online?
To apply for US visa, it’s pretty simple to do it online. Here are the steps you can follow to apply for a US visa application online:
Step 1: First, click here and select USA as the country of visit.
Step 2: Next, you need to complete the online application form and upload all the required documents.
Step 3: The next step requires the applicant to pay the mandatory visa fees. Choose one of the available payment modes to pay the necessary fees for your application.
Once payment is made, the documents will be verified, and your USA visa will be sent to your email address.
Who is eligible for US visa?
To apply for US visa online or offline, there are some criteria that you must meet. Here’s a list that shows what exactly you need to do in order to be eligible for a US visa application:
1. You must have a valid Indian passport.
2. You shouldn’t have any major health issues.
3. You shouldn’t have any criminal history.
4. You should have enough bank balance.
5. You should have a return ticket.
6. You should have proof of your stay.
Is there a visa on arrival for Indians in the US?
Unfortunately, Indian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in the US. If you are an Indian citizen, you must apply for a US visa well in advance of your planned travel dates for hassle-free travel.
US Visa and Travel Insurance
Now that you are all set for your US experience, don't forget the most important thing- travel insurance online. It will protect you against potential financial loss due to medical emergencies, flight cancellations, baggage delays and other potential issues. If you need travel insurance before visiting the USA, check out ACKO Travel Insurance today.
As always, have a great trip ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to the US visa for Indians.
Is a US visa open now in India?
Yes, as of 2024, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India have made appointments available for all types of visas; however, there are only a few spots available because of the high number of appointments. So, it’s best if you can apply way before your actual travel date.
What is the cost of a US visa from India?
As of 2024, the cost of a US visa is INR 19,500, which includes all the additional fees. However, this can change.
Do I Need to Carry My Original Documents for the US Visa Interview Process?
It is recommended to carry all the original documents for the US visa interview process. This will help you avoid last-moment panic if the officer asks you to show the original ones.
Is a U.S. visa difficult to get?
No, it's not, especially with the sticker visa in place. It contains all your information and is placed inside the passport by the consulate or embassy. This will help reduce the paperwork, and it’s convenient to apply. You can also get a sticker visa for your US visa through ACKO.
Can I get 10 years US visa?
Yes, you can get a B-1 or B-2 visa that is valid for up to 10 years. However, visitors on B-1 or B-2 are only permitted to stay in the United States for a short duration (a maximum of 180 days). However, you can enter multiple times during your visa span.
What to do if my visa gets stolen?
You must report to the Indian Police immediately and get a police report. Also, you must provide details such as name, email address, and photocopy of the lost US visa to the Fraud Prevention Unit.
Can I reschedule my interview appointment for a US visa?
Yes, you can get the US visa interview appointment rescheduled.
How long does it take for visa approval for USA?
Because of the huge number of applicants, the waiting time for a US visa usually takes between 300 and 320 days. It also depends on the type of visa. For example, a transit visa can be issued within 150-180 days, which is much faster than a tourist or business visa.
Will I get a refund if my US visa application is rejected?
No, this is a non-refundable payment.
What do I do if my US Visa gets rejected?
If the US authorities refuse your visa application, you can re-apply at any time unless your decision letter says you can’t.
What will happen if I extend my stay beyond my US visa's validity?
If you stay longer than the time on your US visa, you could face severe penalties and even be denied entry into the country again in the future.
How many months prior to the trip should I apply for a US visa?
To your knowledge, our multiple-entry US visas are valid for 10 years. Therefore, the processing time is a little high in this case, so we recommend you apply for your US visa 6-10 months before the date you want to travel to the US.
Is it a sticker or an E-visa?
A US visa is a sticker visa.
Is it mandatory for Indians to get travel insurance for a US visa?
No, having travel insurance is not compulsory for a US visa application from India, but we highly recommend one. You can look at Acko Travel Insurance to find plans that fit your budget.
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