US Tourist Visa (B-1/B-2) for Indians 2026 — Fees, Process, Documents & Wait Times
The United States remains the most aspirational — and most paperwork-heavy — destination for Indian travelers. For tourism, visiting family, or short business trips, you’ll need a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa. There is no visa-on-arrival and no ESTA for Indian passport holders. Here’s everything you need to know to apply in 2026.
Do Indians need a US visa?
Yes. Indian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to the USA. The B-1 covers business visits and the B-2 covers tourism and visiting relatives; they are almost always issued together as a combined B-1/B-2 visa.
Fees (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| MRV application fee (B-1/B-2) | US$185 |
| Visa Integrity Fee (introduced Oct 2025) | US$250 |
| Approximate total | ~US$435 |
The MRV fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. The newer Visa Integrity Fee is, in principle, refundable if you comply with visa conditions — confirm current refund rules on the official portal.
Processing & appointment wait times
Once your interview is done, visa printing/return typically takes 2 working days to about 2 weeks. The real bottleneck is the interview appointment wait, which in 2026 has ranged widely by city — roughly 3 months in Mumbai/Hyderabad to much longer in some posts. Apply as early as possible. A mandatory in-person interview applies to almost all applicants.
Validity & length of stay
B-1/B-2 visas for Indians are usually issued for 10 years, multiple entry. The visa lets you travel to a US port of entry; the actual stay (generally up to 6 months) is granted by the CBP officer on arrival and recorded on your I-94.
Step-by-step application process
- Complete the online DS-160 form and save the confirmation page (with barcode).
- Create a profile on the US visa services portal and pay the MRV fee.
- Pay/acknowledge the Visa Integrity Fee as instructed.
- Schedule two appointments: the biometrics (VAC) and the consular interview.
- Attend biometrics, then attend your interview with all documents.
- If approved, your passport is returned with the visa via the chosen pickup/courier method.
Documents checklist
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond travel, plus old passports.
- DS-160 confirmation and appointment confirmation pages.
- One recent photo per US specifications (51x51mm, white background).
- Proof of funds: bank statements (6 months), salary slips, ITRs.
- Proof of strong ties to India: job letter, property, family, business.
- Travel itinerary / invitation letter (if visiting family or business).
Key points to remember
- The interview is about intent to return — be concise and honest about your trip and ties to India.
- You don’t need to over-prepare a thick file; officers decide quickly, but carry documents in case they’re requested.
- Visa appointment slots open in waves — check the portal regularly and book the earliest workable date.
- Do not overstay; your I-94 date, not the visa expiry, governs how long you can remain.
Common reasons for refusal
Most B-visa refusals are under Section 214(b) — failure to demonstrate strong ties to India and non-immigrant intent. Weak financials, inconsistent answers, or unclear trip purpose also hurt. You can reapply, but only with a materially stronger case.
Official application & disclaimer
Apply only through the official channel: ustraveldocs.com/in (official US visa info for India) and travel.state.gov. Beware of look-alike websites and agents charging inflated fees.
Last verified: June 2026. Visa fees, processing times, and rules for the USA change frequently and can vary by applicant profile and season. Always confirm the latest fees and requirements on the official site above before you apply. This guide is for general information and is not legal or immigration advice.
