We will introduce here the process to apply an US visitor visa from India. You will learn how to complete the DS-160 application form, how to schedule your visa interview and what documents you should prepare for application process.
Step 1: Determine US visitor visa type
Firstly, you should determine the type of US visitor visa that you need
You should choose B1-visa for the following activities:
- Consult with business associates
- Negotiate a contract
- Settle an estate
- Attend a convention or conference
You should choose B2-visa for the following activities:
- Tour the U.S.
- Vacation or holiday
- Visit friends or family
- Participate in social events, musical events, sporting events, or contests (must be amateur level and you must not get paid for participating)
- Take a short recreational course that does not count for credit toward a degree
- Seek medical treatment
Step 2: Where to apply US visa for indian?
After decide visa type, you must find the nearest place to apply your visa application:
There are currently four U.S. consulates and one U.S. embassy located in India. You will apply at the embassy or consulate most convenient for you:
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
- Address: Gemini Flyover, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India
- Phone Number: +91 44 2811 2000
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
- Address: Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Club Ln, Patigadda, Begumpet, Secunderabad, Telangana 500003, India
- Phone Number: +91 40 4033 8300
U.S. Consulate General Kolkata
- Address: 5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kankaria Estates, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071, India
- Phone Number: +91 33 3984 2400
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai
- Address: C49, G Block Rd, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051, India
- Phone Number: +91 22 2672 4000
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
- Address: Panchsheel Marg, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
- Phone Number: +91 11 2419 8000
Step 3: Gather required information
Before you start the process of obtaining a visitor visa for the U.S. from India, you should prepare the following information to complete the electronic DS-160 U.S. visa application:
- Passport
- Travel itinerary (if you have already made travel plans)
- Dates of your previous 5 visits to the United States (if applicable) and details of any additional international travel you’ve taken within the past 5 years
- Information about your current and/or previous work and/or education history
- Photograph that meets the required specifications
Step 4: Complete and submit electronic DS-160 application form
Visit the U.S. Department of State Consular Application Center website to apply for your U.S. visa in India. Use the dropdown options under the “Get Started” header to select the location in India where you will apply for your U.S. visitor visa.
Options include:
- India, Chennai
- India, Hyderabad
- India, Kolkata
- India, Mumbai
- India, New Delhi
In the second blank box, enter the code as shown. Then click the red box that says, “Start an Application.”
The “Application Information” page will appear next. Write down or print your application ID that appears in the upper righthand corner. Then choose and answer one of the security questions toward the bottom of the page.
Toward the end of the application process, you will be prompted to upload your DS-160 application photo.
Finally, you will be prompted to sign and submit your application. You will sign your application electronically by clicking the “Sign and Submit Application” button.
A confirmation page will appear after you sign and submit your application. Print this page and bring it with you to your U.S. visa appointment in India.
Step 5: Pay the US visa application fee
The next step after completing the DS-160 is to pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
The current U.S. tourist visa fee for most non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas is $160.
Visit the site’s “Bank and Payment Options/Pay My Visa Fee” page for payment details. Then follow these steps to pay the fee:
Visit the “New User Registration – India" page to create a profile on the site.
Then click the “Schedule Appointment” option.
On the payment confirmation screen, you will see payment options and details on how to make a payment. (Note it can take up to 2 business days for your receipt to be activated from your time of payment.)
Keep the receipt for the fees you pay. You will need it to schedule your appointment.
Step 6: Schedule Your U.S. Visa Appointment in India
Interviews are generally required for most U.S. visitor visa applicants from India—especially for those between the ages of 14 and 79.
If you are:
- Age 80 or older – interview is generally not required
- Age 14 – 79 – interview is generally required (there are some exceptions for visa renewals)
- Age 13 or younger – interview is generally not required
To schedule an appointment you should visit embassy or consulate nearest to where you live in India. Ideally, this should be the same embassy or consulate you selected on your DS-160 visa application as the location in India where you will apply for your U.S. visitor visa.
However, if you need to make your interview appointment at another U.S. embassy or consulate, its officials should be able to access your application form using the barcode on your DS-160 confirmation page. Be sure to bring this confirmation page to your appointment.
Check the Appointment Wait Time for Your Chosen Embassy or Consulate
You can visit the “Visitor Visa” page from the U.S. Department of State to check the appointment wait time for your chosen embassy or consulate.
Scroll down to the gray box that contains the “Appointment Wait Time” header. Type the name of your selected city and click it when it pops up. See an example of visa wait times for Mumbai below.
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so be sure to apply for your visa early.
Read more How to Schedule Your U.S. Visa Interview
Step 7: Attend Your Visa Application Centre Appointment
Attend your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken. Bring the following documents with you:
- Passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave the U.S.
- DS-160 application confirmation page
- One photograph as per U.S. visa specifications (See photo requirements under “Step 3” above.)
Step 8: Attend Your Visa Interview
Attend your scheduled U.S. visitor visa interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate in India. Bring the following documents with you:
- A printed copy of your appointment confirmation letter
- Your DS-160 confirmation page stamped at the Visa Application Centre
- Your current passport (and any old passports)
- Any supporting documents
Be ready to answer questions about your intended visit and be sure to take all the required documents.
Also note the following:
- You are not permitted to take friends, relatives, attorneys, or business contacts to your nonimmigrant visa interviews.
- Children under 14 years old are not required to attend either appointment.