How Indian passport holders get a visa for United States: visa type, government fee, processing time, maximum stay, the documents required and where to apply. Government-sourced — always verify on the official site before you travel.
Quick facts
- Visa type: B1/B2 visitor visa — embassy interview (or Drop Box for renewals ≤12 months)
- Government fee: US$185 (~₹15,600) MRV fee per applicant (B1/B2). No refund whatever the outcome.
- Processing time: Interview wait times in India remain among the longest globally (as of May 2026): Mumbai ~9–10 months, New Delhi ~6–10 months, Hyderabad ~5–8 months, Kolkata ~2.5–5 months, Chennai ~3.5–4 months. Drop Box (interview waiver) renewals are processed in ~7–21 days.
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per entry (CBP discretion); visa typically valid 10 years multi-entry.
- Interview: May be required
- Ease for Indian travellers: 20/100
Documents you'll need
- Passport 6+ months valid
- DS-160 confirmation page
- MRV fee receipt
- Recent 2×2 inch photograph (white background)
- Appointment confirmation
- Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs last 3 years)
- Employer NOC / business proof
- Strong ties to India (property, family, job)
How & where to apply
Pay MRV fee on ustraveldocs.com, fill DS-160, then book at any of Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad consulates. Renewals within 12 months of prior visa expiry may qualify for Drop Box (no interview) — submit at any VFS VAC. travel.state.gov — Visitor (B1/B2) visa (official)
Transit & connections
Indians need a US visa (C-1 transit or B1/B2) even for airside transit through any US airport — there is no airside transit zone in the United States.
Good to know
Drop Box (interview waiver) was tightened in Feb 2025 — only renewals where the prior visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months qualify (down from 48 months). If your prior B1/B2 visa expired within the last 12 months, you can apply for renewal via Drop Box (no interview) and get a result in ~7–21 days. Centralised processing in New Delhi for all Drop Box. Always check live wait times before booking — they swing weekly. One MRV payment allows unlimited free rescheduling. Visa rules change often — confirm on the official government source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
Frequently asked questions
Do Indians need a visa for United States?
B1/B2 visitor visa — embassy interview (or Drop Box for renewals ≤12 months). Drop Box (interview waiver) was tightened in Feb 2025 — only renewals where the prior visa is still valid or expired within the last 12 months qualify (down from 48 months). If your prior B1/B2 visa expired within the last 12 months, you can apply for renewal via Drop Box (no interview) and get a result in ~7–21 days. Centralised processing in New Delhi for all Drop Box. Always check live wait times before booking — they swing weekly. One MRV payment allows unlimited free rescheduling.
What documents do Indians need for a United States visa?
Passport 6+ months valid; DS-160 confirmation page; MRV fee receipt; Recent 2×2 inch photograph (white background); Appointment confirmation; Proof of funds (bank statements, ITRs last 3 years); Employer NOC / business proof; Strong ties to India (property, family, job)
How long does a United States visa take and what does it cost?
Processing: Interview wait times in India remain among the longest globally (as of May 2026): Mumbai ~9–10 months, New Delhi ~6–10 months, Hyderabad ~5–8 months, Kolkata ~2.5–5 months, Chennai ~3.5–4 months. Drop Box (interview waiver) renewals are processed in ~7–21 days.. Government fee: US$185 (~₹15,600) MRV fee per applicant (B1/B2). No refund whatever the outcome.. Maximum stay: Up to 6 months per entry (CBP discretion); visa typically valid 10 years multi-entry..
How do Indians apply for a United States visa?
Pay MRV fee on ustraveldocs.com, fill DS-160, then book at any of Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad consulates. Renewals within 12 months of prior visa expiry may qualify for Drop Box (no interview) — submit at any VFS VAC. Official source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html