How to Apply for US Visit Visa

This article was last updated and fact checked on July 14, 2025 by Mani Karthik.

Planning to visit the USA but confused about the visa process?

You’re not alone.

Most people feel overwhelmed by all the forms, fees, and requirements.

But here’s the truth: getting a US visit visa isn’t as scary as it seems.

Over 60-70% of Indian applicants get approved every year. (Source: US Embassy India)

You just need to know the right steps.

Let’s break it down.

What is a US Visit Visa?

The US visit visa is called a B1/B2 visa.

It’s for short trips to America.

B1 visa: For business trips, meetings, conferences

B2 visa: For tourism, visiting family, medical treatment

Most people get both combined as a B1/B2 visa.

This visa is usually valid for 10 years.

You can enter multiple times during those 10 years.

But each visit is limited to 6 months maximum.

How Much Does it Cost?

The visa application fee is $185. (Source: US State Department)

That’s approximately ₹15,540 in Indian rupees.

The exact INR amount changes with exchange rates.

As of January 2025, the consular rate is 87 rupees per dollar. (Source: US Embassy India)

Important: This fee is non-refundable.

Even if your visa gets rejected, you won’t get the money back.

💡Tip: The visa fee is valid for one year from payment date. You must schedule your interview within this time or you’ll lose the money.

Step 1: Fill the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is your online visa application form.

It’s the most important part of your application.

Where to fill it: Go to the official US State Department website

Time needed: 30-60 minutes

Language: Must be filled in English only

What Information You’ll Need

Before starting, gather these details:

Your passport information

Travel dates (approximate is fine)

US address where you’ll stay

Employment details and salary

Education history

Travel history for last 5 years

Parent’s names and birthdates

Important: You can save your progress every 20 minutes.

Write down your Application ID number.

If you take longer than 20 minutes on one page, the session expires.

Common DS-160 Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t leave any fields blank (write “N/A” if not applicable)

Double-check your passport number

Use the exact spelling from your passport

Upload a photo that meets US visa requirements

💡Tip: The DS-160 confirmation page has a barcode. Print this page and bring it to your interview. Without it, you can’t attend the interview.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

After completing DS-160, you need to pay the application fee.

Amount: $185 (₹15,540 approximately)

Payment methods in India:

NEFT bank transfer

IMPS payment

Cash at Axis Bank or Citibank branches

Online via debit/credit card

UPI payment (newly accepted)

Steps to pay:

1. Visit USTravelDocs.com
2. Create an account
3. Select “Pay Visa Fee”
4. Choose your payment method
5. Complete payment
6. Save the receipt number

You’ll need this receipt number to schedule appointments.

Step 3: Schedule Two Appointments

Yes, you need TWO appointments.

Not one. Two.

Appointment 1: Visa Application Center (VAC)

This is for biometrics.

They’ll take your fingerprints and photo.

Duration: 15-30 minutes

What to bring: Passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment letter

Appointment 2: US Embassy/Consulate Interview

This is the actual visa interview.

Duration: 2-5 minutes (yes, it’s usually very quick)

What to bring: All required documents

Important: Schedule the VAC appointment at least one day before your interview.

💡Tip: Current wait times for interviews are 60-120 days in most Indian cities. Apply early!

Documents You Need

Mandatory Documents

Valid passport (should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date)

DS-160 confirmation page with barcode

Visa fee payment receipt

Appointment confirmation letters (both VAC and interview)

Recent passport-size photo

Supporting Documents

Financial documents:

Bank statements for last 3-6 months

Salary slips

Income tax returns

Fixed deposit certificates

Employment documents:

Employment letter from your company

Leave approval letter

Business registration (if self-employed)

Travel documents:

Flight itinerary (don’t buy tickets before getting visa)

Hotel bookings or invitation letter

Travel insurance (recommended but not mandatory)

Purpose-specific documents:

For tourism: Detailed travel itinerary

For business: Conference invitation, meeting details

For medical treatment: Medical reports, hospital invitation

For visiting family: Invitation letter, relationship proof

Proof of Strong Ties to India

This is crucial for approval.

You need to show you’ll return to India.

Examples:

Property documents

Family ties (marriage certificate, birth certificates)

Job responsibilities

Business ownership

Children’s school admission

💡Tip: The more ties you can prove, the better your chances. Don’t hide anything – show all your connections to India.

The Interview Process

Before the Interview

Arrive 15 minutes early

Security check takes time

No electronics allowed inside (leave phones, smartwatches outside)

Dress professionally

Bring all documents in a folder

During the Interview

The interview happens at a window.

You’ll stand and talk to the officer.

Common questions:

“What’s the purpose of your visit?”

“How long will you stay?”

“Who’s paying for your trip?”

“What do you do for work?”

“Do you have family in the US?”

“Have you visited the US before?”

How to answer:

Be brief and honest

Don’t volunteer extra information

Stick to your planned itinerary

Show confidence but be respectful

Have documents ready but don’t hand them over unless asked

After the Interview

If approved: You’ll get a slip saying your visa is approved

If rejected: You’ll get a letter explaining the reason

If approved, your passport will be returned in 3-5 business days

You can track the status online

💡Tip: If your visa gets rejected, you can apply again immediately. There’s no waiting period, but you’ll need to pay the fee again.

Recent Changes for 2025

Social Media Vetting

Starting June 2025, some applicants need to make social media accounts public during processing. (Source: Boundless)

This applies mainly to F, M, J visa categories.

But it’s good practice to clean up your social media anyway.

Rescheduling Rules

New rules from January 2025: (Source: US Embassy India)

You can reschedule once for free

If you miss your appointment or reschedule again, you pay the fee again

Choose your dates carefully

DS-160 Submission Deadline

You must submit DS-160 at least 2 business days before your interview. (Source: Boundless)

The barcode must match your appointment booking

Don’t wait till the last minute

Interview Waiver Program

Some people can skip the interview.

Who qualifies:

Previous US visa holders (expired within 48 months)

Same visa category as before

Age restrictions may apply

Where to apply:

Currently limited to New Delhi

Other cities have very limited slots

Processing time: Up to 3 weeks

Common Reasons for Rejection

Lack of Strong Ties to India

You didn’t prove you’ll return

Solution: Show more evidence of your life in India

Insufficient Financial Proof

You couldn’t show you can afford the trip

Solution: Provide more bank statements, income proof

Inconsistent Information

Your DS-160 and interview answers didn’t match

Solution: Practice your answers, be consistent

Previous Immigration Violations

You overstayed or violated visa terms before

Solution: Be honest about past issues, show changed circumstances

💡Tip: If rejected, carefully read the rejection letter. It tells you exactly what was missing. Fix those issues before reapplying.

Tips to Increase Your Approval Chances

Financial Stability

Show steady income for 6+ months

Maintain good bank balance

Avoid large, unexplained deposits right before applying

Strong Travel History

If you’ve traveled internationally before, it helps

Show you returned on time from previous trips

Bring old passports with stamps

Clear Purpose

Have a detailed itinerary

Book refundable hotel reservations

Show specific reasons for your travel dates

Employment Stability

Job letter should show you’re expected back

Don’t apply if you just started a new job

If self-employed, show business continuity

Special Situations

First-Time Applicants

Take extra care with documentation

Consider applying for a shorter trip first

Show very strong ties to India

Retired Applicants

Show pension income

Prove family ties requiring your return

Consider medical insurance for age-related concerns

Students

Show enrollment proof

Parent’s sponsorship letters

Proof of course continuation after return

Self-Employed

Business registration documents

Tax returns showing business income

Client contracts or ongoing projects

💡Tip: Every case is different. Focus on your strongest ties to India and be honest about your situation.

After Getting Your Visa

Before Travel

Check visa validity dates

Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)

Buy travel insurance

Plan your itinerary

At US Border

Carry all supporting documents

Be prepared to answer questions about your visit

The border officer decides your actual stay duration

Having a 10-year visa doesn’t guarantee 6-month stays

During Your Stay

Don’t overstay your authorized period

Maintain records of your activities

Keep proof of your return ticket

Cost Breakdown

Mandatory Costs

Visa application fee: ₹15,540

VAC service fee: ₹3,000-4,000

Passport photos: ₹200-500

Optional Costs

Document translation: ₹2,000-5,000

Courier service: ₹500-1,000

Travel to embassy/consulate: ₹5,000-15,000

Consultant fees: ₹10,000-50,000

Total estimated cost: ₹20,000-80,000 depending on your choices

Timeline for Application

Ideal Timeline

3-4 months before travel: Start DS-160 application

2-3 months before: Pay fees and schedule appointments

1-2 months before: Attend appointments

2-4 weeks before: Receive passport with visa

Rush Applications

Expedited appointments are available but limited

Only for genuine emergencies

Medical emergencies, death in family, urgent business

No guarantee of approval

💡Tip: Never plan travel or buy non-refundable tickets before getting your visa. Even if you think approval is certain, rejections can happen.

Your Next Steps

Ready to start your US visa application?

This week:

Gather all required documents

Take new passport photos

Start practicing interview answers

Next week:

Fill out DS-160 form carefully

Pay the application fee

Schedule both appointments

Before interview:

Organize all documents

Practice common interview questions

Plan your travel outfit

The US visit visa process might seem complicated.

But thousands of Indians get approved every month.

With proper preparation and honest documentation, you can too.

Take it step by step.

Don’t rush.

Be thorough.

Your American adventure is closer than you think.

All fees and requirements mentioned are current as of 2025. Always verify latest information on official US government websites before applying.