US Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers
For Indians, be it for tourism, education, or job opportunities, traveling to the United States is a dream. However, do Indians need a visa to enter the US? The answer is Yes.
But, gaining a US visa for Indians is not an easy task. For that, having a clear understanding of the various aspects of US visa application, like visa types, eligibility criteria, application procedure, etc., is a must.
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive guide.
Different Types of US Visas for Indian Citizens
Indian nationals may apply for different types of visas, depending on whether they are looking for a temporary or a permanent stay in the United States. Following is the major US visa types list:
Immigrant Visa
If an individual wishes to migrate to the United States and become a permanent resident, an Immigrant Visa is necessary. Each year, the US grants a set number of such visas. If a person has relatives in the United States or has a job offer that requires them to live in the country, they need this visa category.
Non-Immigrant Visa
This visa applies to Indian citizens whose residency is outside the United States and who would like to visit the country for specific reasons and within a limited duration. In this regard, they can apply for the following visa types:
US B1 Visa (Business Visa)
This B1 Visa is issued for those who are travelling to the United States to attend a conference, attend business meetings, consult, negotiate, or participate in business-related activities. Simply put, this visa covers short-term business trips to the US.
US F1/M1 Visa (Student Visa)
Indian students seeking academic or vocational education in the US can apply for an F1 or M1 Visa:
- The F1 Visa is for academic programs like University degrees.
- The M1 Visa is for Vocational or Non-academic courses.
US H-1B Visa (Work Visa)
H-1B Visa grants United States companies the opportunity to hire professionally skilled foreign employees in targeted multidisciplinary sectors such as Information Technology, Engineering, Health, and Medicine amongst others. For an Indian applicant to qualify, he/she must secure an offer of employment in a specialty occupation and hold a bachelor's degree with enough experience.
US H-2B Visa (Temporary Work Visa)
This type of visa is required for non-agricultural, temporary or seasonal employment. It is found in industries like Landscaping, Construction, Hospitality, and many more.
US B2 Visa (Tourist Visa)
Indian citizens who wish to visit the US for recreational or family reasons can apply for the B2 Visa, popularly known as the Tourist Visa. As the name suggests, the visa is exclusively meant for persons who wish to travel and has no provisions for study or work.
US J1/Q1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Visa)
The J1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreigners to attend student exchange programs as well as foreign speakers to apply for school-aged residence programs. However, the Q1 Visa is aimed at foreigners who wish to travel for cultural exchange purposes. The objective of these visas is to foster goodwill among the countries involved in such exchanges.
Understanding the Validity of US Visas for Indians
The validity of a US visa for Indians varies depending on the visa type. Among them:
- B2 (tourist) and B1 (business) visas have a validity of up to 10 years with unlimited entries into the USA.
- F1 (student) or H1B (work) visas are not long as they expire once the study or the work contract is over.
- Airport Transit Visas have a maximum validity period of 29 days.
US Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens: Eligibility Criteria
To obtain a USA visa for Indians, individuals need to adhere to certain eligibility criteria. Find them listed below:
Valid Passport
All applicants need to have an Indian passport, which is at least valid for 6 months after their intended period of stay in the United States.
Clear Criminal Record
No applicant should have a prior record of criminal offence or any active cases against them.
Separate Visa for Dependents
If you are travelling with a spouse or any other dependents, they must seek out separate visas.
Sufficient Financial Resources
You should have enough evidence to show that you meet the necessary financial criteria and will be able to sustain yourself while residing in the US. A bank statement serves as good evidence.
Medical Clearance
All applicants have to get a thorough health evaluation from a qualified doctor. They must be in good health, without any contagious infections, such as tuberculosis.
Ties to Current Residence
Interdependence to India or the country of residence, including family or employment must be proved to convince they will not prolong the visit.
Purpose of Visit
It's crucial to have a reasonable and authentic motive for going to the USA, be it for sightseeing, work engagement, or academic purposes. Ensure that the reason provided correlates with the reason for the visa request.
Return Ticket and Accommodation Proof
Accredited return tickets and accommodation ought to be shown by those traveling to the USA in order to apply for a visa.
US Visa Requirements for Indians: General & Supporting Documents
Find the documents required for US visa from India listed below:
General Documents
1.Valid Passport
To enter the US, your passport must have a validity of at least 6 months from the last date of your intended stay.
2.Photographs
Ensure that you provide recent coloured photos by the US visa photograph requirements.
3.DS-160 Confirmation Page
A copy of the print of the DS-160 form confirmation page needs to be submitted.
4.Fee Receipt Copy
Keep a copy of the visa application fee receipt to show it as proof of payment.
5.Bank Statement and Financial Records
Submit your financial records and bank statements to prove you can support yourself during your stay.
Supporting Documents
1.Marriage Certificate
Include a marriage certificate, if applicable.
2.Proof of Relationship (for Family-Based Visas)
For family or dependent visas, provide all original documents verifying your relationship with the petitioner.
3.Employment Letter (for Work Visas)
A letter from your prospective employer confirming the job offer and its details is essential for work visa applications.
4.Police Clearance Certificate
Submit a police clearance certificate to demonstrate your clean legal record.
5.Day-Wise Itinerary (for Tourist Visas)
For tourism purposes, provide a detailed itinerary outlining your day-wise travel plans.
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
1.Divorce or death certificate of spouse.
2.Military service records, if applicable.
3.Court records in case of any legal history.
4.Birth certificate.
5.Research documentation, if visiting for research purposes.
US Visa Processing Time in India: What to Expect
The processing time for American visa for Indians depends on the visa category. Applicants can refer to the official timeline guidelines to understand the estimated duration for their visa type.
Following is a general overview of the processing time for different US visa types:
| Types of US Visa | Processing Time |
| Multiple Entry Tourist Visa | 300-320 business days |
| Multiple Entry Business Visa | 300-320 business days |
| Airport Transit Visa | 150-180 business days |
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a US Visa
To help in the process of applying for a US visa for Indians, check out the step-by-step guidelines below:
Step 1: Select the Type of Visa
To apply for a US visa, it is important to note the required visa type. You can apply for a tourist, business, or travel visa based on the purpose of your visit.
Step 2: Check Eligibility
There are a few requirements that have to be met in order to be eligible for a US visa. As an Indian citizen, valid eligibility criteria and documentation are a must to begin the application.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Online Mode:
- In order to complete the application, the DS-160 form must be filled out online along with the required documents.
- The only way that visa documents can be submitted online is through the official visa application portal.
Offline Mode:
- Manually fill in the application form after downloading it from the US embassy website.
- Then, submit it to the US embassy in India.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Once you’ve paid the visa application fee required for your specific visa type, you will now be able to schedule an appointment with the US consulate.
Step 5: Visa Interview
Present yourself for the US visa interview at your home country’s embassy or consulate. All necessary documents are to be taken with you, beginning with evidence of your capability to pay bills and travel and additional documentation specific to the visa you are applying for.
Applying for Immigrant Visas
All the applicants who wish to apply for an Immigrant visa should meet the following requirements:
1.Go to the Regional Passport office and apply for a police clearance certificate.
2.Locate a physician and complete the requisite medical exam.
3.Login to the website to proceed with your visa application, and fill out the DS-260 form using your beneficiary ID and invoice ID.
4.Proceed with making a payment for the immigrant visa.
5.Book your visa interview appointment.
Applying for Non-Immigrant Visas
The steps involved in this type of visa application are:
1.Determine the kind of visa you will be applying for. For example – a travel visa or a student residence permit.
2.Fill out the DS-160 form to ensure that all the particulars are fully accurate.
3.Pay the visa application fee depending on the type of visa being requested.
4.Make sure to schedule two visa interviews – one at the Visa Application Center and the other at the US Embassy.
The application process for a US visa for Indians might look complicated. However, if the right guidelines are followed, it can turn out to be an easy process. Also, consider applying for travel insurance, like the Star Travel Protect Insurance Policy, before filing your visa application.
Although not a mandatory requirement, having a travel plan serves as proof of financial coverage and shows your capability of managing unforeseen circumstances.
What about Travel Insurance for your US Trip?
Once you have secured your visa for your US Trip, be it Business or Tourist, Travel Insurance should be another priority item to check on your To Do list. While Travel Insurance is not mandatory for obtaining a US Visa (like Schengen country requirements), nor is it mandatory while traveling there, it is highly recommended that one does not take the risk of traveling to USA without Travel insurance. This is because:
- Medical Costs in USA are exorbitant and without insurance, you could end up spending all your savings for treatment costs. Any medical procedure costs upwards of a minimum 7-8 times the cost in India for similar treatment procedures
- Star Health, through its Assistance Partner Falck India, has access to the United Health Care (UHC) Network of Hospitals across USA and this is a major benefit to any passenger traveling to USA from India. UHC has the largest and most competent Medical Network in USA.
- Like Medical costs, even Travel Package costs, like Sightseeing Packages, Transportation and Park Entry fees are very high and in case of any unforeseen cancellation of the trip, you can lose a lot of money. Here Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption benefit of Travel Insurance policies provides financial protection for cancellations.
Given these factors, it is highly recommended that you speak to Star Health before your next USA trip.
Call Star Health today for a customized quote for Travel Insurance for your US Trip!
FAQs
1.Is the US visa application process open in India?
Yes, all visa applications are now accepted at the US Consulates in India starting at the beginning of 2024. However, due to high demand, the appointment slots will be quite limited. So it is recommended that people apply well before their traveling dates.
2.How much does a US visa cost for Indian citizens?
For applicants residing in India, the total fee for a US visa is approximately ₹19,500, which might change in the future. Thus, it is always necessary to confirm before the application is made.
3.What should I do if my US visa is stolen?
In the unfortunate case that you lose your US visa, it is advised that you reach out to the Indian police and make them aware. Along with this, you will need to contact the fraud unit, where you will need to provide them with certain information, such as your name, along with pictures of the visa.
4.Can I reschedule my US visa interview appointment?
Yes, if necessary, you are allowed to change the date of your US visa interview. To do so, you will have to log into the visa application portal and follow the appropriate procedures to book a new date.
5.What are the US visa benefits for Indian citizens?
Apart from providing travelling permission, the benefits of US visa for Indian residents include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 25 countries, like Costa Rica, the Philippines, Mexico, and more.
