US Visa FAQs for Indians: 25 Questions Answered

These 25 questions cover what Indian applicants ask at every stage, from the DS-160 to arrival in the US. Answers come from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India, the official appointment service (ustraveldocs.com), DHS and the Federal Register, as published on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. For a complete walkthrough, see our US visa guide for Indians.

Who needs a US visa, and who handles it in India?

1. Do Indian citizens need a visa for the US?

Yes, even for short tourist or business trips. India is not one of the countries designated for the Visa Waiver Program.

2. Can I travel on an ESTA instead?

No. ESTA is only for Visa Waiver Program countries, which do not include India. There is also no electronic visa for Indians; the visa is placed in your passport.

3. Does VFS Global handle US visas in India?

No. You complete the DS-160 online, pay the fee and book appointments through the Embassy's appointment system at ustraveldocs.com and usvisascheduling.com.

4. Where can I apply?

Anyone legally present in India may apply at any of the five posts. The Mission's consular-posts map groups states like this:

5. Which visa do I need for tourism or business?

The B visa. B-1 covers business such as conferences or contract negotiations; B-2 covers tourism, visiting relatives and medical treatment. They are often issued together as one B-1/B-2 visa.

What does a US visa cost, and how do you pay?

6. How much is the visa fee?

$185 for B, C-1, D, F, I, J, M, T and TN/TD visas. Work categories CW, H, L, O, P, Q and R cost $205. E visas cost $315 and K visas $265.

7. What exchange rate applies?

The fee is payable in Indian rupees at the Consular Exchange Rate. The U.S. Embassy set it at INR 98 per USD from 25 May 2026, up from INR 96. It changes with the market, and the Embassy does not publish a fixed rupee fee.

8. How can I pay?

By NEFT, UPI, debit or credit card, or cash at DRUK Bank, AXIS Bank and Citibank. UPI payments let you book instantly; NEFT and RuPay cards take up to one business day; cash at AXIS or DRUK Bank clears the following business day.

9. How long is the fee receipt valid?

365 days from the receipt date. You must schedule your appointment within that period, but the interview itself need not take place within it.

10. Is the fee refunded if I am refused?

No. All visa application fees are non-refundable.

11. What is the $750 expedited appointment fee?

An optional pilot fee from 1 July to 31 December 2026 for a B1/B2 interview within ten business days, paid on top of the $185 fee. It is offered only at limited posts listed on travel.state.gov, and Indian participation was not verified. It does not speed up processing or guarantee a visa.

How do the DS-160, biometrics and interview work?

12. What are the steps?

Complete the DS-160, pay the fee and schedule two appointments: biometrics at a Visa Application Center at least 2 business days before the interview, then the interview at the Embassy or a Consulate.

13. What should I carry?

The DS-160 confirmation page (its barcode must match the one used to book), a passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay, the fee receipt and the documents named in your appointment letter. Supporting documents are optional.

14. What photo is accepted?

2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), white background, taken within the last six months, without eyeglasses. Renewal applicants generally must not reuse the photo from the old visa.

15. What does the officer check for a B1/B2?

That your trip is temporary, for a specific limited period, that you have funds to cover it, and that you have a residence outside the US and ties that ensure your return. Section 214(b) presumes every B applicant is an intending immigrant until shown otherwise.

16. When should I apply, and should I buy tickets?

Apply at least three months before travel. The appointment service advises not to buy tickets until the visa is issued.

17. Can I skip the interview?

Possibly, when renewing a B visa that is still valid or expired within the past 12 months, issued when you were at least 18, with all 10 fingerprints taken before and no unresolved refusal. You must be in India when submitting.

18. How long does an interview-waiver renewal take?

Allow up to three weeks from passport drop-off, and it cannot be expedited. Drop-off is free at the VACs in the five Embassy and Consulate cities and costs INR 1,500 per passport elsewhere. The officer may still call you for an interview.

What happens after the interview?

19. How long does processing take after the interview?

Typically 7-10 working days after the interview; individual cases may take longer.

20. What does administrative processing mean?

Some applications need extra review. Its length cannot be predicted in advance, but most cases are resolved within 180 days of the interview.

21. Can the passport be delivered home?

Yes. Premium delivery to a home or office address costs INR 1,500 per passport including taxes, paid in cash on delivery.

22. How long can I stay in the US?

A CBP officer at the port of entry decides and records it on Form I-94. The visa's expiry date is only the last day you may use it to enter, and you may stay for the I-94 period even if the visa expires meanwhile.

What changed for students and workers in 2025 and 2026?

23. What extra does an F-1 student need?

An original signed Form I-20, the $350 SEVIS fee receipt and social media accounts set to 'public'. The visa can be issued up to 365 days before the course starts. From 15 September 2026, F admission is for a fixed period up to the programme length, not exceeding four years, and the post-completion departure period is 30 days.

24. What changed for H-1B workers?

Petitions for H-1B workers outside the US must carry a $100,000 payment by the employer under Proclamation 10973, renewed by Proclamation 11069 for 12 months from 21 September 2026, unless DHS grants a national-interest exception. Cap-subject registrations use weighted selection from the FY 2027 season.

25. Can Indians apply for H-2A, H-2B or the green card lottery?

No. Indian passport holders are not eligible for H-2A or H-2B seasonal worker visas, and Indian citizens are not included in the Diversity Visa lottery.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I contact the US visa helpdesk in India?

Visa enquiries go to support-india@usvisascheduling.com or +91 20 69020000, according to the U.S. Embassy's appointment service.

How much is the SEVIS fee for a J-1 exchange visitor?

The I-901 SEVIS fee is $220 for most J exchange visitors, $35 for special subsidised J categories and $0 for government visitors, according to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Can an L-2 spouse work in the US?

An L-2 spouse may seek US work authorisation after entry by filing Form I-765. L-2 children may not work.

How early can I get an H-1B visa before my job starts?

The Embassy or Consulate may process an H, L, O, P or Q visa up to 90 days before the start date on your I-797, and you can use it to enter the US from 10 days before that date.