usa visit visa process from india

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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A Complete Guide for USA Visitor Visa from India - 2024

The United States of America usually referred to as the United States, USA or US is a country in North America. From iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Niagara Falls, Walt Disney Resort to extravagant scenery and a variety of culinary offerings, the United States has much more to offer to its tourists. With approximately 79.3 million visitors in 2019, the USA is listed as the third most popular travel destination.

Are you planning a visit to the USA in the near future? Then you are on the right page. Keep reading the article to get a better insight on how to apply USA tourist visas from India.

USA Tourist Visa for Indians

All Indians are required to hold a tourist visa, also known as a non-immigrant visa, to visit the USA. B2 category tourist visas are issued to people visiting the US for reasons like tourism, medical treatment, visiting friends or family and participation in social events or concerts.

[Read More: 10 Best Cities In USA For New Immigrants ]

6 Most Important Documents Needed to Apply for a US Tourist Visa:

• A valid Passport - The visitor’s passport should be valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of stay in the USA.
• All old passports of the visitor are required.
• A colour photograph of the candidate in the size 22mm*35mm that was taken within the last six months. The background of the photo should either be off-white or white. To know all the photo requirements please visit Travel. State. Gov.
• Fully completed and signed Non-immigrant visa application form (Form DS-160).
• A valid fee receipt, as a proof that the candidate has paid the tourist visa application fee.
• Certain supporting documents like a travel itinerary, proof of funds (bank statements), and a PAN card can be required if the reason for visiting is tourism.
• If the purpose is participation in social events or visiting family or friends, supporting documents like a letter stating the purpose of the visit, and proof of the event can be required. The applicants must note that a Letter of Invitation is not compulsory to apply for a USA tourist visa.
• If the purpose of the visit is medical treatment, supporting documents like medical documents can be required.

How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a USA Tourist Visa:

The candidate is required to pay an application fee of 160 US Dollars. The application fee is non-transferable and non-refundable irrespective of whether the tourist visa is approved or not. Once the tourist visa is approved, the candidate may have to pay a visa issuance fee.

How to Apply for a USA Tourist Visa from India?

Follow the steps below to apply for a USA tourist visa from India:

Step 1: Gather all the required documents for USA visa. After getting an understanding of all the required documents, the candidate should be ready with all the documents before they start the application process.

Step 2: Complete your application Download and carefully fill in the Non-immigrant visa application form (Form DS-160). For a better understanding, it is recommended that the candidate reads the guidelines for completing the DS-160 Form.

Step 3: Pay the application fee Once the candidate completes filling out the application, it is obligatory for the candidate to pay the visa application fee. The fee can be paid using options like the NEFT payment system, payment by mobile phone, or payment at Axis bank/ Canara Bank/ Druk bank.

Step 4: Schedule the appointment After paying the application fee, the candidate can book an appointment. The candidate is expected to book two appointments, one for Visa Application Center and the other for a visa interview.

Step 5: Attend the scheduled visa interview Lastly, the candidate will be interviewed by the US embassy officer. It is mandatory for the candidate to carry documents like their passport, appointment confirmation page, DS-160 confirmation page, as well as one photograph.

Note: It is not required for children younger than 14 years to attend the visa interview. The documents can be submitted by their parents.

Step 6: Track your application

If the tourist visa of the candidate is approved, they can collect it from the pickup location selected by them during the application process.

Click here to start your USA tourist visa application process with the guidance of well-experienced agents at Global Tree Careers.

[Read More: Top 5 Reasons To Immigrate To United States Of America! ]

What is the Processing Time of a USA Tourist Visa?

The ideal processing time of the USA tourist visa from India is anywhere between three to five days. However, a delay can be expected in certain scenarios. It is suggested that the visitor starts their immmigraion application process at least 6-8 weeks before they plan to visit the country.

How Long can a Visitor Stay in the US with a Tourist Visa?

A US visitor visa is valid for up to 10 years. Every individual with a valid tourist visa is allowed a stay time of 6 months on every visit.

Why is a US Visitor Visa Rejected?

A US tourist visa application may be rejected in situations where:

• The candidate has provided inadequate or inappropriate information.
• The candidate has financial instability.
• The candidate has overstayed in their previous visit.
• The candidate is convicted of a crime
• The candidate has applied for the wrong type of visa.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa Extension?

A visitor can extend their B2 visa for an additional six months by providing a valid reason. The candidate must fill in Form I-539 and submit their request to extend the tourist visa. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recommends submitting an extension 45 days before the expiration date.

Is a Tourist Visa open for the USA from India, 2024?

Yes, US borders have opened for tourism and other short-term visits. Applications for US visitor visas are being accepted and processed as of April 2024.

[Read More: No More Dispointments For H-4 Visa Immigrants In USA ]

To apply for a USA tourist visa and for additional information get in touch with our authorized USA Visitor Visa experts here at Global Tree.

Download USA Visitor Guide to read it offline

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• Home > e-Visa

Nationals of USA and of other eligible countries can also apply for E-Visa under different categories (Tourist, Business, Medical, Medical Attendant and Conference) at Government of India website:

https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/

The following may also be noted in this regard:

• Visa applicants are cautioned against using any other website which may appear to represent the Government of India and only use the Government of India portal which is   https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• Passport used by the applicant should have at least six months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer on arrival.
• The applicant must travel on the passport on which e-Visa has been applied. Entry into India will be allowed on a new passport even if the e-Visa has been granted on the old passport. However, in such cases, the traveler must also carry the old passport on which the e-Visa has been granted.
• E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.
• E-Visa is not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.
• E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders.
• Applicants requiring help regarding e-Visa may call the 24X7 helpline number (+91-11-24300666) or send an email to [email protected] for any queries.
• The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services being provided through Indian Embassy and Consulates.

Advisory :  The applicant may note that the Embassy does not process e-visas and any enquiries in this regard will need to be made directly on the e-visa portal. Service of e-Visa involves a completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agent etc. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact [email protected]  

1. E-Visa has been made available by the Government of India to citizens of certain countries, including the United States of America. Details of the scheme are available on the dedicated website created for this purpose:  https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html  .  International travellers whose sole objective for visiting India is recreation, sightseeing, casual visit to meet friends and relatives, attending a short term yoga programme, medical treatment including treatment under Indian systems of medicine, business purpose, as attendant to e-Medical visa holder, attending a conference/ seminar/ workshop organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations etc. & their subordinate/ attached organizations & PSUs and no other purpose/activity, can apply for e-Visa.

2. The revised fee structure for e-Tourist visa is as under:-

3. Passport used by the applicant should have at least six-months validity from the date of arrival in India. The passport should have at least two blank pages for stamping by the Immigration Officer on arrival.

4. The applicant must travel on the passport on which e-Visa has been applied. Entry into India will be allowed on a new passport even if the e-Visa has been granted on the old passport. However, in such cases, the traveler must also carry the old passport on which the e-Visa has been granted.

4. International Travellers should have return ticket or onward journey ticket, with sufficient money to spend during his/her stay in India.

5. International Travellers having a Pakistani Passport or are of Pakistani origin may please apply for regular Visa at the Indian Mission.

6. E-Visa is not available to Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders or Laissez-passer travel document holders.

7. E-Visa is not available to individuals endorsed on Parent's/Spouse's Passport i.e. each individual should have a separate passport.

8. E-Visa is not available to International Travel Document Holders.

9. Applicants requiring help regarding e-Visa may call the 24X7 helpline number (+91-11-24300666) or send an email to  [email protected]  for any queries.

10. The e-Visa facility is in addition to the existing Visa services being provided through Indian Embassy and Consulates.

11. Advisory: Service of e-Visa involves completely online application for which no facilitation is required by any intermediary / agent etc. Applicants are, therefore, advised to be cautious and for any clarification, please contact  [email protected]

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

* Calendar days refers to every day of the week, including days when embassies are closed (such as weekends and holidays).

† Work days refers only to days when the embassy is open and does not include weekends and holidays.      

‡ A, G, and NATO applications are excluded from these wait times, as they are processed separately.

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All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa from an Indian Mission/Post or eVisa (Limited Categories) from Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Advisory: Government of India has not authorized any agent or intermediary to charge any fee for facilitation of emergency / express Visa/eVisa. For travel to India a regular/eVisa along with passport is mandatory. Only categories exempted under bilateral arrangments may not need a visa. For persons of Indian origin (all categories), OCI card is mandatory.

e-Visa - Only Ordinary Passport holders may apply for eVisa application online. Select Visa Service as G20 eConference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Regular Visa - Diplomatic/Official/Ordinary Passport holders may fill online application and submit at concerned Indian Embassy/Mission in their country. Select Visa Service as Conference Visa and purpose as "To Attend G20 Conference/Meeting" .

Step by Step Guide to Apply for US Visa in India

India is one of the largest countries that uses US Visas. In 2019, US Consulates in India issued about 0.8 million non-immigrant and immigrant visas . In general, if you plan travel to US , you need a US Visa . Depending on your purpose of travel, you would one of the non-immigrant visas or immigrant visas. This article will cover the step by step process to apply for US Visa in India.

The process to apply for US Visa is pretty much similar across the world with some variations in India like payment options, some fees. Below charts shows the high-level steps to apply for US Visa in India. We will look at each of these steps in detail below with screenshots as applicable.

Step 1: US Visa Category Determination

The first step for applying for the US visa is to identify the visa category type. The visa category depends on the purpose of your trip. There are many visa types that are available for visa stamping in India. Below are some of the common types of visas that are available for stamping in India.

• Business / Tourist Visa – Visa Type B
• Work Visa – Visa Type H, L, O, P, Q
• Student Visa – Visa Type F, M
• Exchange Visitor – Visa Type J
• Other Visas  – C, D ( Transit, ship crew), R ( Religious Worker), I (Journalist), etc.

If you do not know the visa type, you should check Visa Types at ustraveldocs.com for India to get more details and determine your exact visa type that you are eligible.  You also need to meet the eligibility to apply for US Visa in India.

Step 2: Collect Info for US Visa Application, Pick US Consulate

Once you know the visa type, then you need to collect information that you need for completing the US Visa application online. The US Visa application form is “Form DS-160” for non-immigrant visas like B1/B2, H1B, L1, F1, etc. It is called “Form DS-260” for immigrant visas. The online application form is very detailed and you will need to fill in details related to personal info and your eligibility. Below are some of the common documents that you will need. These will vary by the visa type

General Documents Required for Visa Application

• Your personal contact information
• Your Family information of Spouse, Parents, Kids as applicable.
• Your current occupation information
• All your previous work experience history
• All your education history (need from 10 th grade on wards)
• US Travel Itinerary
• Details about who will pay for your US trip.
• Digital Passport photo with white background.
• US Point of Contact information
• Your Social Media Contact information like Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• If you have travel companions, their information.

Visa Type Specific Eligibility Documents

 In addition to above, you would need specific documents and information related to the US Visa type you choose.  For example, if you are applying for Work visa like H1B, you will need to have details about the USCIS H1B Petition approval notice.

Reschedule US Visa Appointment in India

You can reschedule your US visa appointment in India up to 4 times ( excluding the first time appointment booking). For all details, read How may times can I reschedule my US Visa Appointment in India

Article being worked on – Stay tuned.

You may also read about US Consulate Chennai Hotels, Locker, Holidays and other FAQs

Relevant Articles about US Visa Stamping in India

• US Consulates in India – Contact Numbers, Address, Email, USTravelDocs Support Info
• How to apply for Emergency US Visa Appointment in India?
• US Consulate Chennai: Hotels, Locker, Holidays, Address, FAQs
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The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Us consulate in hyderabad conducts visa interviews for 1500 applicants in 'super saturday' exercise.

US Consulate Team in Hyderabad conducted a quarterly Super Saturday, processing 1500 visitor visa applicants. Efforts to streamline the process and strengthen US-India connections were highlighted, with a focus on technological advancements and the increasing number of Indian visa applicants.

US consolidates visitor visa interview waiver appointments in New Delhi

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Apply for visas in advance: VFS Global tells travelers as demand spikes

— USAndHyderabad (@USAndHyderabad)

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Sri lanka launches new e-visa system: everything you need to know.

Sri Lanka launched an e-visa system, streamlining the visa application process for travellers. The initiative offers updated requirements, fees, and validity periods, enhancing efficiency and convenience for various nationalities visiting for tourism, business, or transit.

• Police Clearance report.
• If the applicant has stayed in another country for more than 6 months, a Police clearance from that country and a copy of the Visa.
• Certificate from a Sri Lankan guarantor & a photocopy of the guarantor's NIC.
• Affidavit from a Sri Lankan JP (Justice of Peace) or a Lawyer.
• Accommodation information (Place of stay).
• Visit the official website of Sri Lanka eVisa.
• Create an account or log in if you already have one.
• Fill out the online application form with accurate details.
• Upload the required documents, including a scanned copy of your passport, a recent photograph, and any additional documents specified for your eVisa category.
• Pay the eVisa fee securely online using the available payment options.
• Once your application is submitted and payment is confirmed, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt and a unique application reference number.
• Track the status of your eVisa application online using your reference number.
• Upon approval, download and print your eVisa to present to the Immigration officer at the port of entry in Sri Lanka.
• A printed copy of your eVisa approval letter issued by the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration and Emigration.
• Your passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into Sri Lanka.
• A return ticket or proof of onward travel from Sri Lanka.

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New Schengen Visa Rules for Indian Visitors: Key Questions Answered 

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 23rd, 2024 at 5:39 AM EDT

Destinations value Indian travelers, but lengthy visa processing times lasting months act as significant deterrents. The adoption of these new regulations by European authorities reflects a proactive effort to tackle these concerns, aiming to boost tourism flow.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The European Commission has introduced a new visa “cascade” regime for Indian nationals applying for Schengen visas in India. This regime looks to offer longer-term, multi-entry Schengen visas, based on the applicant’s travel history.

Indian travel agents had been complaining of Schengen visa delays as a major challenge to the summer travel rush from India.

• How does one qualify for the longer duration visas?

The European Commission can issue a two-year multiple-entry visa after a traveler “has obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years.” This demonstrates a positive travel history and compliance with previous visa regulations.

Subsequently, after granting the two-year visa, authorities may issue a five-year visa if the passport has has adequate validity remaining.

• What benefits do holders of these extended visas enjoy?

During the validity period of these visas, holders can enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals within the Schengen area, allowing for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

• Which countries are part of the Schengen area?

The Schengen area comprises 29 European countries, including 25 European Union member states: Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden. Additionally, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also part of the Schengen area.

• Are there any restrictions or conditions to these visas?

Schengen visas do not grant the right to work within the Schengen area and are for short stays only. Additionally, the visas are not purpose-bound, providing flexibility for travel within the specified period.

Industry Take

Skift also spoke to players in the Indian outbound travel industry to understand what has changed in the new Schengen visa rules.

• How is this different from the earlier visas that Schengen countries offered? Don’t they already offer multi-entry visas with longer duration to Indians?

Mahendra Vakharia, managing director of Pathfinders Holidays, said there was no standard policy of Schengen states for issuing these long-term visas earlier. Switzerland, France, Netherlands, Italy and Spain usually issued long-term visa, but it was all subjective. “With this new policy it should be a standard rule now,” Vakharia said.

• Travelers mainly complain of longer processing times, has that changed?

Here too, there is no standard processing time as it varies from country to country, according to Vakharia. “France and Spain have been processing visas within four days, and then there’s Croatia, which takes 60 days,” he said.

Processing time will not change as of now, it will take time for the visa rules to be enforced, said an industry source, while highlighting that the visa would be especially useful for corporate travelers.

What Promoted The Move?

Speaking on the possible motivations, Vakharia acknowledged various reasons, including administrative capacity constraints at embassies to cater to the huge inflow of applications.

“As there is an overwhelming demand from Indian travelers, the process of securing visa appointments has posed significant challenges , especially for travelers residing in cities lacking VFS Global centers,” he said.

The European Commission said in an statement that the decision reflects the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, aimed at fostering comprehensive cooperation on migration policy. Facilitating people-to-people contacts is a key aspect of this agenda, acknowledging India’s importance as an EU partner.

The decision also reflects a realization of the strong economic benefits derived through the spending power of Indian tourists. As Vakharia aptly puts it, “Why let go of the Golden Indian Goodie Bag?”

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Tags: asia monthly , europe , european commission , European summer travel , european union , india , india outbound , schengen , visa , visas

Photo credit: Park Guell in Spain. Unlike many Schengen countries, Spain has been processing visas within four days for Indian travelers. Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels