Applies via: Embassy/official portalSources checked on
Indian citizens apply for a United States visa directly with the embassy or its official visa portal. The published fee for B, C-1, D, F, I, J, M, T, TN/TD is $185. Processing time (All nonimmigrant visas incl. B-1/B-2 business, tourist and family visits (after the interview)): Typically 7-10 working days; individual cases may take longer. Application locations listed include New Delhi (VAC: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station; Embassy: Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri), Mumbai (VAC: Bandra Kurla Complex; Consulate General: C-49, G-Block, BKC), Chennai (VAC: Nungambakkam; Consulate General: Anna Salai), Hyderabad (VAC: Hitec City Metro Station; Consulate General: Nanakramguda) and Kolkata (VAC: Mirza Ghalib Street; Consulate General: Ho Chi Minh Sarani). Sources checked on October 15, 2026.
How do Indian citizens apply for a United States visa?
Applies via: Embassy/official portal
Who handles applications in India
VFS Global does not handle US visas from India (visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/usa returns 404). Applicants complete the online Form DS-160, pay the non-refundable MRV fee, and schedule appointments online via the U.S. Embassy's appointment system (ustraveldocs.com/in / usvisascheduling.com). Applicants attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Center (at least 2 business days before the interview) and an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy New Delhi or Consulates General in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata; previous B1/B2 visa holders may qualify for an interview waiver. Anyone legally present in India may apply at any of the five posts (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata), and visa enquiries go to support-india@usvisascheduling.com or +91 20 69020000.
Not available: Indian passport holders must get a US visa before travelling - a foreign citizen generally must first obtain a visa placed in the passport, and India is not a Visa Waiver Program country.
eVisa / online visa
Not available: there is no electronic visa for Indians. You fill the DS-160 form online, pay the fee and book appointments online, but the visa is issued in your passport after biometrics and an interview (or an interview waiver if eligible); the online ESTA authorization is only for Visa Waiver Program countries, which do not include India.
Visa-free entry
Not available: India is not one of the countries designated for the Visa Waiver Program, so Indian citizens need a visa even for short tourist or business trips.
How to apply from India — step by step
1
Complete the application form
Fill in the United States visa application form linked from the official pages below.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.
3
Book an appointment
Book an appointment as described on the embassy's official page.
4
Submit your application
Submit at a listed location: New Delhi (VAC: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station; Embassy: Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri), Mumbai (VAC: Bandra Kurla Complex; Consulate General: C-49, G-Block, BKC), Chennai (VAC: Nungambakkam; Consulate General: Anna Salai), Hyderabad (VAC: Hitec City Metro Station; Consulate General: Nanakramguda) and Kolkata (VAC: Mirza Ghalib Street; Consulate General: Ho Chi Minh Sarani).
5
Give biometrics
Attend in person for biometrics where the official pages require it.
6
Pay the fees
Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.
Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.
How much is the United States visa fee for Indian citizens?
B, C-1, D, F, I, J, M, T, TN/TD
$185
Non-refundable; payable in local currency (NEFT, UPI, Debit/Credit Card, Cash at DRUK Bank, AXIS Bank & Citibank); fee payment valid 365 days from the receipt date: the appointment must be scheduled within that period, but the interview or VAC appointment need not take place within it; payable in Indian rupees at the Consular Exchange Rate, which the U.S. Embassy set at INR 98 per USD from 25 May 2026 (previously INR 96) - rate as published October 2026, changes with the market
CW, H, L, O, P, Q, R
$205
Non-refundable
E
$315
Non-refundable
K
$265
Non-refundable
Official and Diplomatic travelers
Generally exempt from application fees
A or G visas for official travel and J visas for U.S. Government-sponsored programs do not pay the application fee (ustraveldocs payment-options page, October 2026)
Other fees
Reciprocity (issuance) fees, SEVIS fee, Blanket L fraud prevention and detection fee where applicable
SEVIS and Blanket L fee amounts are listed in separate rows below; reciprocity (issuance) fee amounts for Indian nationals not verified
SEVIS I-901 fee (F and M students)
$350
Paid to DHS (ICE) before the visa interview; payment receipt required with the F/M application
SEVIS I-901 fee (J exchange visitors)
$220
Special subsidised J categories $35; government visitors $0
Blanket L-1 Fraud Prevention and Detection fee
$500
First-time principal applicants under a blanket L petition; paid at the consular cashier on interview day (demand draft, Visa/MasterCard credit card, or cash in INR or USD); non-refundable; L-2 dependants exempt
Blanket L-1 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit fee
$4,500
Only where the petitioner has more than 50 US employees and more than 50% of them are in H-1B or L status; non-refundable
Temporary fee 1 July - 31 December 2026, paid on top of the $185 MRV fee, for an interview within ten business days; offered only at limited posts listed on travel.state.gov (Indian participation not verified); does not speed up processing or guarantee a visa
H-1B petition payment for workers outside the US (paid by the employer)
$100,000
Required with petitions for H-1B workers outside the US under Presidential Proclamation 10973 (from 21 September 2025) and Proclamation 11069 (renewed for 12 months from 21 September 2026), unless DHS grants a national-interest exception; not a visa application fee
Service fee: VFS does not handle US visas from India. The official appointment service (ustraveldocs.com) lists the government visa fees only; it publishes these optional charges: premium passport delivery to a home/office address (or Premium Hold for Collection) INR 1,500 per passport including taxes, paid in cash on delivery; interview-waiver drop-off at a location other than the VACs in the five Embassy/Consulate cities INR 1,500 per passport including taxes (free at those VACs). Banks may charge for NEFT payments. INR as published by ustraveldocs.com, October 2026.
Checklist
What documents are required for a United States visa from India?
All applicants
6 items
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation (barcode) page - must match the barcode used to book the appointment
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)
Photo uploaded with the DS-160 (one printed photo if upload fails)
Visa fee (MRV) payment receipt
Documents stated in the appointment letter
Optional: any supporting documents you believe support the information you give the consular officer
Official and Diplomatic (A, G, C-2, C-3)
5 items
DS-160 barcode page
Passport
Photo
Diplomatic Note/Letter from International Organization
Domestic employees (A-3, G-5): employment contract and in-person appearance
H and L work visas
1 item
Approved petition from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security before an interview can be scheduled
F, M, J and specified categories
1 item
Adjust privacy settings on all social media accounts to 'public' (A-3, C-3, G-5, H-1B, H-3, H-4, F, I, J, M, K, Q, R, S, T, TN, TD, U)
B-1/B-2 visitor visas: purpose and what you must show the consular officer (INA 214(b))
7 items
B-1 (business): e.g. consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts
B-2 (pleasure): tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature; B-1 and B-2 are often issued together as one B-1/B-2 visa
That the purpose of the trip is a temporary visit for business, pleasure or medical treatment
That you plan to stay for a specific, limited period
Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the US
A residence outside the US and other binding social or economic ties that will ensure your return
Section 214(b) presumes every B applicant is an intending immigrant; the applicant must overcome this
Interview waiver (B-1/B-2 renewal) eligibility and documents
6 items
Renewing a B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 visa that is still valid or expired within the past 12 months, and you were at least 18 when it was issued
All 10 fingerprints taken for the previous visa; previous visa not lost, stolen, revoked or cancelled; never refused unless the refusal was overcome or waived
Applicant must be present in India when submitting; passport valid at least 15 calendar days from the appointment
Interview waiver appointment letter, current passport, DS-160 confirmation page and the previous passport with the US visa (original)
One colour photo, 5 x 5 cm, white background, taken within six months, no eyeglasses
The consular officer may still call you for an interview at the post adjudicating the application
F and M student visas
6 items
Original signed Form I-20 from the US school or program
Form I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt
DS-160 confirmation page and passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay
One 2 x 2-inch (51 x 51 mm) photo taken within the last six months
Interview appointment letter
Photocopy of marriage certificate for spouses of principal applicants
H, L, O, P and Q work visas
7 items
Receipt number of the approved USCIS Form I-129 petition (I-797 approval notice)
DS-160 confirmation page and passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay
One 2 x 2-inch (51 x 51 mm) photo taken within the last six months
Interview appointment letter
Blanket L-1 principal applicants: Fraud Prevention and Detection fee
Dependants: original marriage/birth certificate and a letter from the principal's employer confirming continued employment
Dependants of an H-1B holder already working in the US: the H-1B holder's pay slips for the current calendar year and US federal tax returns (IRS Form 1040 and W-2s) for each year on H-1B
On arrival in the US (length of stay)
3 items
The visa's expiry date is the last day you may use it to enter the US; it does not show how long you may stay
A CBP officer at the port of entry decides how long you may stay; it is recorded on the online Form I-94 (i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
You may stay for the period on your I-94 even if the visa expires during your stay
Photo
What are the United States visa photo specifications?
Size
2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm); interview-waiver page specifies 5 x 5 cm
Background
White
Taken within the last six months
Renewal applicants generally must not reuse the photo on the old visa
Uploaded during DS-160; printed copy if upload fails
Eyeglasses are not allowed in visa photos
Insurance
Is travel medical insurance required for a United States visa?
Not published as a requirement on the embassy pages read
Processing
How long does United States visa processing take?
All nonimmigrant visas incl. B-1/B-2 business, tourist and family visits (after the interview)
Typically 7-10 working days; individual cases may take longer
Recommended lead time
Apply at least three months before the intended travel date; do not buy tickets until the visa is issued
Administrative processing (some applications)
Cannot be predicted in advance; most is resolved within 180 days of the interview
Interview waiver (dropbox) renewals
Allow up to three weeks from passport drop-off until it is ready for pickup or delivery; cannot be expedited
Interview appointment wait
Varies by post (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata); current waits are published on the State Department's wait-time tool
F and M student visas
Can be issued up to 365 days before the course start date; students can travel within 30 days from the start date on Form I-20
H, L, O, P and Q work visas
USCIS petition must be approved first; the Embassy/Consulate may process the visa up to 90 days before the employment start date on the I-797, and the visa can be used to enter from 10 days before that date
Booking the interview after paying the fee
UPI/QR: instant; NEFT and RuPay cards: within one business day; cash at AXIS or DRUK Bank: following business day
Visa types
Which United States visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Nonimmigrant visas ($185 fee group)
B - Business/Tourist
C-1 - Transit
D - Ship/Airline Crew
F - Student (academic)
I - Journalist and Media
J - Exchange Visitors
M - Student (vocational)
T - Victim of Human Trafficking
TN/TD - NAFTA Professionals
Nonimmigrant visas ($205 fee group)
CW - Transitional Worker CNMI
H - Temporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees
L - Intracompany Transferees
O - Persons with Extraordinary Ability
P - Athletes, Artists, Entertainers
Q - International Cultural Exchange
R - Religious Worker
Nonimmigrant visas ($315 fee group)
E - Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty, Long-Term Investor CNMI
Nonimmigrant visas ($265 fee group)
K - Fiancé(e) or Spouse of U.S. Citizen
Diplomatic and Official visas
A
G
C-2
C-3
Embassy visa type headings
Tourism & Visit
Study & Exchange
Business
Immigrate
Employment
Other Types of Visas
Study and work visas (long stay)
F-1 student (academic)
M-1 student (vocational)
H-1B specialty occupation
L-1 intracompany transferee
Not available to Indian citizens
H-2A seasonal agricultural workers (Indian and Bhutanese passport holders not eligible)
H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers (Indian and Bhutanese passport holders not eligible)
Diversity Visa (green card) lottery (Indian citizens not included)
Long stay
United States study and work visas for Indians
F-1 / M-1 student visa
Study
For full-time study at an approved US school (F-1 academic, M-1 vocational). Indians first get a Form I-20 from the school, pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 and attend biometrics and an interview at the Embassy or a Consulate in India.
Acceptance by an approved US school and an original signed Form I-20
SEVIS I-901 fee paid ($350 for F and M) and the receipt
DS-160, $185 visa application fee, passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay and a 2 x 2-inch photo
Show a residence abroad you do not intend to abandon (ties to India); not meeting the F requirements leads to refusal under INA 214(b)
Social media accounts set to 'public' (required for F, M and J applicants)
Visa can be issued up to 365 days before the course start date
F-1 students may be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training after completing course requirements
From 15 September 2026, F (and J) admission is for a fixed period up to the program length, not exceeding four years, with extensions requested from USCIS; the post-completion departure period is 30 days (previously 60)
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may get F-2/M-2 visas but may not work; there is no derivative visa for parents
Students away from classes for more than five months may need a new visa to return
For a pre-arranged professional job in the US. The US employer files a labor condition application and an I-129 petition that USCIS must approve before the worker applies for the visa in India.
Bachelor's or higher degree (or equivalent) in the specific specialty of the job
Employer's labor condition application with the US Department of Labor and a USCIS-approved I-129 petition (I-797) before the visa application
Petitions for H-1B workers outside the US must be accompanied by a $100,000 payment by the employer (Proclamation 10973 from 21 September 2025, renewed by Proclamation 11069 from 21 September 2026 for 12 months) unless DHS grants a national-interest exception
Cap-subject H-1B registrations are selected by a weighted process that generally favours higher-skilled, higher-paid workers (rule effective 27 February 2026, from the FY 2027 registration season)
H-1B and H-4 applicants must set social media accounts to 'public'
Visa may be processed up to 90 days before the I-797 start date; entry allowed from 10 days before it
For employees of an international company being transferred temporarily to a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary in the US. Blanket L-1 interviews in India are held only at the U.S. Consulate General Chennai.
Managerial or executive role, or specialized knowledge, destined to a position at either level in the US company
Employed by the company outside the US continuously for one year within the three years before applying for admission
USCIS-approved petition (individual or blanket) before applying
$205 visa application fee; blanket L-1 principals also pay a $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and, where applicable, a $4,500 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit fee
L-2 spouse may seek US work authorization after entry (Form I-765); L-2 children may not work
F student and J exchange-visitor admission changed from 'duration of status' to a fixed period up to the program length, not exceeding four years, with extensions requested from USCIS; the F-1 post-completion departure period was cut from 60 to 30 days.
An optional $750 fee for an expedited B1/B2 interview appointment (within ten business days) is piloted until 31 December 2026 at limited posts listed on travel.state.gov; the $185 visa application fee is unchanged.
DHS rule introduced a weighted selection process for cap-subject H-1B registrations that generally favours higher-skilled, higher-paid workers, starting with the FY 2027 registration season.
Presidential Proclamation 10973: entry of new H-1B workers is restricted unless the employer's petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment; applies to petitions for workers outside the US for 12 months, with national-interest exceptions possible.
United States visa for Indians — frequently asked questions
Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.
How much is the United States visa fee for Indian citizens?
B, C-1, D, F, I, J, M, T, TN/TD: $185; CW, H, L, O, P, Q, R: $205; E: $315. 9 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: VFS does not handle US visas from India. The official appointment service (ustraveldocs.com) lists the government visa fees only; it publishes these optional charges: premium passport delivery to a home/office address (or Premium Hold for Collection) INR 1,500 per passport including taxes, paid in cash on delivery; interview-waiver drop-off at a location other than the VACs in the five Embassy/Consulate cities INR 1,500 per passport including taxes (free at those VACs). Banks may charge for NEFT payments. INR as published by ustraveldocs.com, October 2026..
What documents are required for a United States visa from India?
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation (barcode) page - must match the barcode used to book the appointment; Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements); Photo uploaded with the DS-160 (one printed photo if upload fails); Visa fee (MRV) payment receipt; Documents stated in the appointment letter; Optional: any supporting documents you believe support the information you give the consular officer. Category-specific checklists are listed for 8 visa categories.
How long does United States visa processing take for Indians?
All nonimmigrant visas incl. B-1/B-2 business, tourist and family visits (after the interview): Typically 7-10 working days; individual cases may take longer; Recommended lead time: Apply at least three months before the intended travel date; do not buy tickets until the visa is issued; Administrative processing (some applications): Cannot be predicted in advance; most is resolved within 180 days of the interview.
Where do Indian citizens apply for a United States visa?
Applications go via Embassy/official portal. Locations listed: New Delhi (VAC: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station; Embassy: Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri), Mumbai (VAC: Bandra Kurla Complex; Consulate General: C-49, G-Block, BKC), Chennai (VAC: Nungambakkam; Consulate General: Anna Salai), Hyderabad (VAC: Hitec City Metro Station; Consulate General: Nanakramguda), Kolkata (VAC: Mirza Ghalib Street; Consulate General: Ho Chi Minh Sarani). Jurisdiction by state: U.S. Embassy, New Delhi (Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel. +91-11-2419-8000) — Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh (and Bhutan); U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai (C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051; tel. +91-22-2672-4000) — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli; U.S. Consulate General, Chennai (220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle, Chennai 600006; tel. +91-44-2857-4000) — Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands; U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad (Survey No. 115/1, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad 500032; tel. +91-40-6932-8000) — Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha; U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata (5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata 700071; tel. +91-33-6827-2400) — West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura.
Can Indians get a United States visa on arrival or an eVisa?
Visa on arrival — Not available: Indian passport holders must get a US visa before travelling - a foreign citizen generally must first obtain a visa placed in the passport, and India is not a Visa Waiver Program country. eVisa — Not available: there is no electronic visa for Indians. You fill the DS-160 form online, pay the fee and book appointments online, but the visa is issued in your passport after biometrics and an interview (or an interview waiver if eligible); the online ESTA authorization is only for Visa Waiver Program countries, which do not include India. Visa-free entry — Not available: India is not one of the countries designated for the Visa Waiver Program, so Indian citizens need a visa even for short tourist or business trips.
What photo size is required for a United States visa?
Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm); interview-waiver page specifies 5 x 5 cm. Background: White.
Is travel medical insurance required for a United States visa?
Not published as a requirement on the embassy pages read
Which United States visa types can Indian citizens apply for?
Nonimmigrant visas ($185 fee group), Nonimmigrant visas ($205 fee group), Nonimmigrant visas ($315 fee group), Nonimmigrant visas ($265 fee group), Diplomatic and Official visas, Embassy visa type headings, Study and work visas (long stay) and Not available to Indian citizens. 35 visa types are listed on this page.
