Nonimmigrant B-2 — TouristVerified 2026-04-19

USA Tourist Visa (B-2 — Tourism / Visit Family)

The B-2 Tourist visa lets Indian passport holders visit the US for tourism, sightseeing, visiting relatives/friends, medical treatment, or amateur events. Apply via DS-160, pay $185, and attend a Consulate interview in New Delhi / Mumbai / Chennai / Kolkata / Hyderabad. If approved, you typically get a 10-year multiple-entry stamp — each visit up to 6 months as decided by CBP at port of entry.

Processing

Interview wait times vary significantly by city and season — check current wait times at travel

Stay Duration

Up to 6 months per entry, decided at US border by CBP

Starting Fee

$185

Apply At

6 VFS centres

Special Instructions — Read Before Applying

These requirements apply to ALL United States visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.

1Complete DS-160 online and print the confirmation page with barcode BEFORE booking appointments. One DS-160 per person, including children.
2Pay MRV fee online via usvisascheduling.com. Keep the receipt number — required to schedule appointments.
3Book TWO appointments: (1) Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics; (2) Consulate for interview. VAC must be at least 2 business days before Consulate interview.
4Passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended US stay (unless reciprocal agreement — India has none, so 6-month rule applies).
5Social media declaration is MANDATORY on DS-160 for all handles used in the last 5 years. Expanded vetting applies to A-3, C-3 (domestic worker), G-5, H-1B, H-3, H-4 dependents, F, M, J, K, Q, R, S, T, U categories — set social media accounts to 'public' for these.
6Presidential Proclamation 10998 (effective 1 Jan 2026) suspends/limits visa issuance to nationals of 39 specified countries — Indian applicants are NOT on this list but check the current travel.state.gov notice.
7US visas are stamped (physical sticker) in the passport — unlike UK/Australia digital visas.
8Applicants with medical devices must bring a hard-copy letter from a medical professional certifying the need — otherwise entry to the Consular Section may be refused.
9Dress smart/professional for the interview. Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring ONLY necessary documents — no bags, no laptops, no bottled water.

Who Can Apply

Indian citizens travelling to the US for tourism, holiday, or sightseeing
Indian citizens visiting family/friends already in the US
Patients travelling for US medical treatment (B-2 covers this)
Attendees of social events, amateur performances, non-credit short courses
Applicants with strong ties to India (employment, family, property) demonstrating intent to return

Not eligible under this visa:

Anyone intending to work in the US (need H/L/O/P/Q)
Anyone intending to study for credit / enrol in degree course (need F-1)
Anyone intending to immigrate or settle permanently (need immigrant visa / Green Card)

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Fees (in INR)

Item	Amount	Notes
B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist visa	$185	≈ ₹15,500. MRV fee, paid online via usvisascheduling.com.
F-1 / M-1 Student visa	$185	≈ ₹15,500. Plus SEVIS fee (F-1: $350, M-1: $350) paid separately.
J-1 Exchange Visitor	$185	≈ ₹15,500. Plus SEVIS fee ($220).
H/L/O/P/Q Work visas	$205	≈ ₹17,200. Paid by applicant even if employer pays USCIS petition fees separately.
R-1 Religious Worker visa	$205	≈ ₹17,200.
C/D Transit/Crewmember visa	$185	≈ ₹15,500.
I Journalist/Media	$185	≈ ₹15,500.
K-1 Fiancé(e)	$265	≈ ₹22,200.
E Treaty Trader/Investor	$315	≈ ₹26,400.

All US nonimmigrant visa (MRV) fees are set in USD by the Department of State and paid online in India via usvisascheduling.com. The INR amount depends on exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: SEVIS fee for F/M/J visas (paid to ICE separately), VFS document delivery charges, photograph, and any USCIS petition fees (for work visas — usually paid by employer). MRV fees are non-refundable regardless of interview outcome.

Documents Required

Mandatory at Interview

!
Valid passport
Valid at least 6 months beyond intended US stay.
!
DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
Printed from ceac.state.gov/genniv after online submission.
!
Interview appointment confirmation
From usvisascheduling.com.
!
MRV fee payment receipt ($185)
!
One photograph (US specifications)
Only required if under 14; DS-160 photo upload sufficient otherwise. 5×5 cm, white background, 80% face coverage.

Strong Ties to India (the #1 factor in approval)

!
Employment letter + recent salary slips
Confirms role, tenure, approved leave, salary. Shows job waiting for you in India.
!
Income Tax Returns (last 3 years)
○
Property documents / business ownership proof
Title deeds, GST certificate, business registration — demonstrates roots in India.
○
Family ties documentation
Marriage certificate, children's birth certificates, parents' dependency.

Financial Capacity

!
Bank statements (last 6 months)
Should show balance covering US trip cost ($200+/day × days) plus buffer.
○
Fixed deposits / investment proof
Strengthens financial profile.
○
Sponsor's affidavit of support + their bank statements (if sponsored)
If US-based family/friend sponsoring, their financial details help.

Trip Details

○
Travel itinerary (tentative OK)
US cities, dates, hotels. Flight bookings NOT required until approved — don't purchase tickets.
○
Invitation letter from US host (if visiting family/friends)
Simple letter with their US address, relationship, invitation dates.
○
US host's status proof (copy of US visa / Green Card / citizenship)

For Medical Treatment (B-2 covers this)

○
Indian doctor's letter (condition + need for US treatment)
○
US doctor/hospital letter (treatment plan + estimated cost)
○
Financial evidence to cover treatment
Must demonstrate funds for full treatment cost.

! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable

🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process

Complete DS-160 online

Go to ceac.state.gov/genniv. Answer ~100 questions accurately. Cannot be edited after submission. Print the confirmation page with the alphanumeric barcode.

Pay the $185 MRV fee

Via usvisascheduling.com. Keep the receipt number — required to book appointments.

Schedule two appointments

(1) VAC at VFS centre for biometrics; (2) Interview at US Consulate. VAC must be 2+ business days before Consulate.

Attend VAC appointment

Fingerprints + photo (biometrics) taken at VFS. Quick — usually under 30 min.

Attend Consulate interview

Bring ONLY: passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmation, fee receipt, photo (if under 14), supporting documents (originals). NO bags, phones, laptops, water bottles — most Consulates have strict policies.

Interview (2–3 minutes)

Answer directly and honestly. Officer decides on the spot. You're told: Approved / 214(b) Refused / 221(g) Further review needed.

Passport + visa delivery

If approved, visa stamped in passport and delivered to chosen VFS pickup / courier within 3–7 business days.

Download Official Forms

Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.

📋 How to download from VFS:

Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device

DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Mandatory online form for ALL US nonimmigrant visa applicants. Complete, submit, and print the confirmation page (with barcode) BEFORE booking your appointment.

US Embassy India — Official Visa Information

Official information on US visa services in India — covers all categories, updates, and notices.

USTravelDocs India — Appointment Scheduling & Fees

Where Indian applicants pay MRV fee, schedule VAC (biometrics) + Consulate (interview) appointments, and track passport return.

SEVIS Fee Payment (I-901) — for F/M/J visas

Required for student and exchange visa applicants BEFORE the visa interview. Keep the receipt.

USCIS — Petition-based Work Visa Information

For H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc — the employer files I-129 petition with USCIS first; approval notice (I-797) is required at visa interview.

VFS Application Centres

US Embassy — New Delhi (Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, 110021)US Consulate — Mumbai (C-49, G-Block, BKC, Bandra East)US Consulate — Chennai (220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle)US Consulate — Kolkata (38A Jawaharlal Nehru Road)US Consulate — Hyderabad (Paigah Palace, 1-8-323 Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet)VFS Global — Visa Application Centres in 12+ cities (biometrics only)

Visa Eligibility Check

Answer 10 questions to see your likelihood of approval. Embassies look for the same core factors across visa types — financial strength, clear purpose, genuine intent to return.

0 / 10

How clear is your purpose of visit?

How long is your planned stay?

Travel history to developed countries?

Any previous visa refusals?

Employment / income source?

3-month average bank balance?

Income Tax Returns history?

Travel bookings status?

Ties to India (reasons you'll return)?

Travelling with?

Indicative only — final decision is always with the Embassy.

💡 Pro Tips

The #1 factor in approval is proving 'strong ties to India' under section 214(b). Employment, family, property, business, ongoing education — layer multiple types of ties.
First-time applicants are most likely to face close scrutiny. Be calm, concise, and direct in the interview.
If you have a US-based relative, a simple invitation letter (not sponsorship affidavit) is sufficient. Don't over-document — officers dislike it.
Answer in clear short sentences. 'I'm visiting my brother in Seattle for 3 weeks' is better than rambling detail.
If you've been refused before, re-apply only with SIGNIFICANT change in your profile (new job, marriage, asset purchase, travel history). Same-profile reapplication gets same result.
After approval, typical validity is 10 years multiple-entry. Each entry, CBP at US port of entry decides your stay (max 6 months usually).
Complete the DS-160 carefully — you cannot make changes after submission. Any errors require starting over.
Prepare strong 'ties to India' evidence: property documents, family, employment, ongoing commitments. The single most important factor for B-1/B-2 and F-1 interviews.
Bring ORIGINALS (not photocopies) of all financial and supporting documents to the interview — the consular officer may ask to see any of them.
Interview lasts 2-3 minutes on average. Answer questions directly, honestly, and confidently. Do NOT volunteer extra information.
The consular officer decides within minutes. You're told immediately whether approved, denied (214(b)), or placed in 221(g) administrative processing.
214(b) refusals are not permanent — you can reapply with stronger documentation. 221(g) means your case needs further review.
If approved, your passport + visa is delivered to your chosen pickup location (VFS centre or courier) within 3-7 business days.

Common Rejection Reasons

1.214(b) — Failure to demonstrate strong ties to India / non-immigrant intent (by far the most common)
2.Thin financial profile relative to declared trip cost
3.Vague or inconsistent purpose of visit
4.Previous US visa refusals or immigration issues not disclosed
5.221(g) — Administrative processing triggered by profile (not a refusal, but delayed)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a US Tourist visa valid?+

For Indian citizens, typically 10 years multiple-entry. Each visit, CBP at the border decides your stay duration (usually up to 6 months).

What is 214(b)?+

Section 214(b) refusal means the officer isn't convinced you'll return to India. It's the most common B-2 refusal reason. You can reapply with stronger ties evidence but only if your situation has genuinely changed.

Can I visit the US with a B-2 then extend to study?+

Technically, the law requires you to state truthful intent at visa application. 'Preconceived intent' (applying as tourist but intending to study) causes future bans. Apply for the correct visa (F-1) from the start.

Can I work on a B-2 visa?+

No. Any paid or unpaid work triggers immediate deportation and future bans. For work, you need H/L/O/P/Q visa categories.

Can I visit for medical treatment on B-2?+

Yes — B-2 covers medical treatment. Bring doctor's letters + financial evidence for the full cost. US healthcare is very expensive; show robust funds.

Do I need to buy flight tickets before interview?+

No. Don't buy tickets until visa is approved. Mention tentative dates in DS-160.

What's the difference between B-1 and B-2?+

B-1 is for business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations). B-2 is for tourism, family visits, medical treatment. Most Indians apply for B-1/B-2 combined — same visa class, same fee, covers both.

Let us prepare your USA Tourist Visa — (B-2 — Tourism / Visit Family) application

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Other United States Visa Types

Nonimmigrant B-1 — Business

USA Business Visa (B-1 — Business Visitor)

Non-immigrant visa for Indian professionals doing business activities in the US — meetings, conferences, negotiations, consulting. $185. Usually combined B-1/B-2.

Nonimmigrant F-1 — Academic Student

USA Student Visa (F-1 — Academic Student)

Full-time study visa for Indian students at US universities/colleges. Requires I-20 from SEVP-certified school + SEVIS fee + funds evidence. $185 visa fee.

Nonimmigrant J-1 — Exchange Visitor

USA Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) — Informational

For participants in State-Department-approved exchange programs — research scholars, interns, trainees, au pairs, summer work travel, physicians. Sponsor-driven.

Nonimmigrant H-1B — Speciality Occupation

USA H-1B Work Visa (Speciality Occupation) — Informational

Petition-based work visa for Indian professionals with US job offers in specialty occupations requiring bachelor's+. Annual lottery, 65,000 cap + 20,000 US master's. $205.

Nonimmigrant L-1 — Intra-Company Transfer

USA L-1 Intra-Company Transfer Visa — Informational

For Indian managers/executives (L-1A) or specialised-knowledge employees (L-1B) transferring to a US branch/subsidiary of their employer. No annual cap. $205.

Nonimmigrant O-1 — Extraordinary Ability

USA O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa — Informational

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or film. Petition-based, no cap. Stringent standards.

Nonimmigrant P — Athletes/Entertainers

USA P Visa (Athletes, Entertainers, Artists) — Informational

For internationally recognised athletes, entertainers, artists, or performers entering the US for specific events/competitions. P-1, P-2, P-3 sub-categories.

Nonimmigrant Q — Cultural Exchange

USA Q Cultural Exchange Visa — Informational

For participants in international cultural exchange programs providing practical training + cultural sharing with the American public.

Source & Disclaimer

Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United States website and Embassy of United States. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.