USA Tourist Visa
from India
Your complete guide to the US B1/B2 Visitor Visa — DS-160 steps, fees, document checklist, and expert interview preparation.
Updated for 2026 Applications
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The USA B1/B2 Visitor Visa is a nonimmigrant visa physically affixed as a sticker in your passport. The B1 category covers temporary business travel (meetings, conferences), while the B2 category covers tourism, medical treatment, and visiting family or friends. They are almost always issued together as a combined B1/B2 visa.
Unlike many other countries, the US visa process requires an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, preceded by a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). The consular officer evaluates your application under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, assuming every applicant is an intending immigrant until they prove otherwise.
| Location | Interview Wait Time Estimate | Post-Interview Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Varies (Check AIS) | 3–7 working days | Highest Volume |
| Mumbai | Varies (Check AIS) | 3–7 working days | High Volume |
| Chennai | Varies (Check AIS) | 3–7 working days | Moderate Volume |
| Hyderabad | Varies (Check AIS) | 3–7 working days | Moderate Volume |
| Kolkata | Varies (Check AIS) | 3–7 working days | Lower Volume |
The AIS portal allows you to reschedule your interview appointment. Many applicants successfully find earlier slots by checking the portal regularly for cancellations, especially 1–2 weeks before their desired travel date. Do not cancel your existing appointment until you have successfully secured a new one.
Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) on the official CEAC portal. Ensure every detail matches your passport exactly. Save the Application ID frequently. Upon submission, print the DS-160 Confirmation Page with the barcode. You will need this barcode to schedule your appointments.
Register on the official US Visa Information and Appointment Services (AIS) portal. Create a profile, enter your DS-160 barcode number, and pay the non-refundable $185 USD Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee via NEFT, IMPS, or approved payment methods. Save the payment receipt.
Once the fee is processed, use the AIS portal to schedule two appointments: first, a VAC appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo), and second, an Embassy/Consulate interview. You can choose any of the 5 locations in India, regardless of your state of residence.
Visit the designated VAC on your scheduled date with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and appointment letter. This is a quick 10–15 minute process to capture your digital fingerprints and photograph. No interview takes place at the VAC.
Organise all supporting documents (financial, employment, travel itinerary, ties to India). Practice clear, concise, and honest answers about your travel purpose, funding, and plans to return to India. The interview typically lasts only 2–3 minutes.
Arrive at the US Embassy or Consulate 30 minutes before your scheduled time. Electronic devices are not permitted. Answer the consular officer's questions confidently. The officer will determine your eligibility, primarily assessing if you overcome the presumption of immigrant intent under Section 214(b).
If approved, the officer will retain your passport. It will be returned to your registered address via courier within 3–10 working days with the B1/B2 visa sticker affixed. If denied, your passport will be returned immediately along with a written refusal letter citing the applicable section of law.
The CEAC portal is used exclusively for filling out the DS-160 application form. The AIS (usvisa-info.com) portal is used for paying the MRV fee and scheduling your VAC and Embassy appointments. You cannot schedule an appointment without first completing the DS-160 and obtaining its barcode.
Original passport, printed DS-160 confirmation page, printed VAC appointment confirmation letter, and one 2x2 inch photograph (as a backup).
Upon arrival, your documents are verified. You will then proceed to a digital scanner to provide all ten fingerprints and have your digital photograph taken. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes.
Electronic devices, large bags, and food are not permitted inside the VAC. Only one companion is allowed for minors or applicants requiring assistance.
The MRV fee is set in USD but paid in INR at the prevailing consular exchange rate via the AIS portal. Payment methods include NEFT, IMPS, or approved debit cards. This fee is strictly non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is approved, denied, or if you cancel your application.
| Service / Charge | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Courier Return | Secure doorstep delivery of your passport post-interview | ~₹1,000 |
| SMS Updates | Text message alerts for application milestones | ~₹100 |
| Photograph Service | Compliant 2x2 inch digital/printed photo at VAC | ~₹250 |
| Travel Insurance | Recommended medical coverage for US travel | Variable |
Schedule VAC and Embassy appointments on the same day or consecutive days to minimise travel and accommodation costs, especially if applying outside your home city.
Do not park incomplete DS-160 forms. If you save a form and do not submit it within 30 days, it may be deleted from the system, requiring you to start over and obtain a new barcode for your AIS profile.
Total time at the Embassy: Plan for 2–3 hours. This includes security screening, document pre-check, waiting for your number to be called, the brief interview, and post-interview administrative steps.
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, every nonimmigrant visa applicant is presumed to be an intending immigrant until they can prove otherwise. The consular officer's sole job during the 2–3 minute interview is to determine if you have overcome this presumption.
Your entire application — from the DS-160 form to your supporting documents and interview answers — must proactively demonstrate three things: 1) You have a legitimate, temporary purpose for visiting the US. 2) You have the financial means to fund the trip without working in the US. 3) You have compelling, binding ties to India (employment, family, property, ongoing education) that guarantee your return after a short visit.
Having a criminal record or an ongoing legal case does not automatically result in a US visa refusal, but it triggers additional scrutiny. The US Department of State conducts thorough background checks, and honesty is paramount.
The USA B1/B2 Visitor Visa is the primary pathway for Indian citizens travelling to the United States for tourism, business meetings, medical treatment, or visiting family and friends. Unlike many other destinations, the US visa process is rigorous and requires an in-person interview, making thorough preparation essential for approval.
The most critical aspect of the US visa process is Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which presumes every applicant is an intending immigrant. Your sole objective during the brief consular interview is to overcome this presumption by demonstrating strong, binding ties to India, such as stable employment, property ownership, family dependents, and a clear history of compliant international travel.
The process is divided into two distinct phases. First, you must accurately complete the DS-160 form on the CEAC portal and pay the $185 USD MRV fee via the AIS portal. Second, you must attend two in-person appointments: a quick biometrics capture at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), followed by the substantive visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. You are free to choose any of the five US diplomatic missions in India for your appointments, regardless of your state of residence.
While the consular officer may not ask to see your supporting documents, you must bring them to the interview. Focus on quality over quantity: 6 months of consistent bank statements, 3 years of ITR, a clear employer NOC, and a logical, refundable travel itinerary are far more valuable than a thick folder of irrelevant paperwork. Never present fraudulent or altered documents, as this results in permanent ineligibility.
Navigating the DS-160 form, understanding the nuances of the AIS scheduling system, and preparing for the high-stakes consular interview can be overwhelming. Destination To Plan provides comprehensive guidance, document review, and interview preparation strategies to help you present the strongest possible case for your temporary visit to the United States.
Visa rules, fees, and processing timelines change frequently. All information on this page is provided for general guidance only and was last verified for 2026. Always confirm requirements directly with the official US Department of State at in.usembassy.gov before applying. Destination To Plan is a tour operator — we do not provide visa services or legal advice and cannot be held responsible for application outcomes.
Our assistance covers document review, checklist guidance, itinerary feedback, cover letter review, and appointment support. We do not submit applications on your behalf or guarantee processing times. All official fees are payable directly to the issuing authority.
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