Do Indians need a visa for United States?

Yes, Indian passport holders need a Sticker Visa to enter United States. The application is processed in 105–270 business days.

How much does a United States visa cost for Indians?

The United States visa costs $185 USD for Indian applicants. $185 non-refundable visa application fee. Additional visa issuance fee may apply depending on nationality.

How long does United States visa processing take?

United States visa processing typically takes 105–270 business days. B1/B2 interview wait times in India: Chennai ~3.5 months, Delhi ~5.5–7 months, Mumbai ~9 months, Hyderabad ~6.5–8 months (May 2026). Apply 6–12 months before travel. Dropbox (interview waiver) nearly eliminated from October 2025 — most applicants must attend an in-person interview.

What documents are needed for United States visa from India?

Required documents include valid passport (6+ months validity), passport photographs, bank statements, ITR, employment proof, travel itinerary, and confirmed hotel bookings. See the full checklist on this page.

Where do I apply for a United States visa in India?

Apply through US Travel Docs India: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/. Indian applicants typically submit through VFS Global or the embassy in Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai/Bengaluru/Kolkata.

StampTheory · United States Visa for Indians 2026

✓Verified against live embassy source · 10 May 2026

Document Checklist

3 required · 5 recommended

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Passport

Valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements)

REQ.

✓

Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-160

Completed online. Must print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

REQ.

✓

Photograph

Uploaded while completing Form DS-160. Must meet Photograph Requirements. If upload fails, bring one printed photo in required format.

REQ.

Recommended

Application Fee Payment Receipt

Required if you are required to pay the fee before your interview

Evidence of Trip Purpose

Documentation establishing the purpose of your trip (e.g., tourism itinerary, business meeting details)

Evidence of Intent to Depart

Documentation showing intent to depart the United States after your trip (e.g., return ticket, property ownership, job offer letter)

Evidence of Financial Ability

Documentation showing ability to pay all costs of the trip (e.g., bank statements, proof of sponsorship from another person)

Evidence of Employment and/or Family Ties

Documents establishing ties to home country to demonstrate purpose of trip and intent to return (e.g., employment letter, family documentation)

Important Notes

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Indian passport holders must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.

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Visa interviews are generally required. Wait times vary by location and season—apply early.

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A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the United States; final admission is decided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry.

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A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not required and is not a determining factor for visa approval.

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Employment is not permitted on a visitor visa (B-1/B-2).

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Failure to depart by the admission expiration date voids your visa and may make you ineligible for future U.S. visas.

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Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process, typically during the interview.

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A valid visa in an expired passport remains valid for travel if used with a new valid passport.

Specific Guides for United States

First-Time Travellers

Verified Sources

Visa data verified against official government sources. Always confirm at source before applying.

🏛 US Department of State 📋 US Travel Docs India

Apply at Official Portal →

US Travel Docs India · Verified 2026-05-08

⚠ Fee shown in official government currency (USD). INR equivalent fluctuates — verify at official portal before applying.