How to Pay for US Visa in India

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

So, you’re all set to apply for a U.S. visa but now you’re wondering, “How do I actually pay for it in India?”

No worries—I’ve got you covered. Paying for your U.S. visa in India is a straightforward process, but there are a few different methods you can use depending on your convenience.

Let’s break down each step and make sure you don’t miss a beat!

Step 1: Determine the Visa Type and Fee

Before you dive into the payment process, it’s important to figure out which type of visa you’re applying for, as the fees vary. For example:

• B1/B2 (Tourist/Business) visa: $185
• H1B (Work) visa: $190
• F1 (Student) visa: $185

You can find the exact fee for your specific visa category on the U.S. Embassy in India website.

Tip: Make sure to check the exchange rate because the fee will be payable in Indian Rupees (INR) based on the current consular exchange rate.

Step 2: Create a Profile on the CGI Federal Website

Next, head to the CGI Federal Website, which handles U.S. visa applications in India.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Fill in your basic information and choose the visa category.
3. Select the appropriate payment method.

Tip: After completing this step, the website will generate a unique receipt number, which you’ll need for your payment.

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method

There are three main ways to pay your U.S. visa fee in India. Let’s break them down:

1. NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)

If you have access to online banking with a bank in India, NEFT is one of the easiest and fastest ways to pay.

• Log in to your internet banking portal.
• Add the CGI Federal account as a beneficiary using the unique receipt number you generated earlier.
• Complete the NEFT transfer.

Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive a receipt within 2-4 hours, and you can then schedule your visa interview.

2. IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)

IMPS is another quick and secure way to pay via mobile banking. It’s especially useful if you’re in a rush because it’s typically processed instantly.

• Log in to your mobile banking app.
• Use the unique receipt number as the account number and complete the transfer via IMPS.
• Keep the transaction confirmation as proof of payment.

Tip: IMPS works even on weekends and public holidays, so if you’re on a tight deadline, this is your best bet!

3. Cash Payment at AXIS Bank or Citibank

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can pay in cash at designated AXIS Bank or Citibank branches across India.

• Download and print the cash payment slip from your CGI Federal account.
• Visit any participating AXIS Bank or Citibank branch and pay the visa fee in cash.
• Make sure you keep the receipt because you’ll need it to schedule your interview.

The payment may take up to 1 business day to reflect in your account, so plan ahead if you’re in a hurry.

Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview

Once your payment has been processed, log back into your CGI Federal account and schedule your visa interview.

• Click on the “Schedule Appointment” tab.
• Choose the Consulate or Embassy closest to you.
• Pick a date and time that works for you.

Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

One important thing to note is that visa fees are non-refundable, whether your application is approved or denied. So, make sure all your documents and details are in order before paying.

Tip: If you’re unsure about your visa eligibility, it’s worth consulting an immigration expert to avoid any hiccups in the process.

Common Payment Issues

Although the payment process is usually smooth, here are some common issues you might face:

• NEFT delays: Sometimes banks take longer than expected to process NEFT transfers, so double-check your payment confirmation.
• IMPS errors: Ensure you enter the correct receipt number; otherwise, your payment might not be recognized.
• Cash payment delays: If you’re paying in cash, allow up to 2 days for the payment to reflect in your account before scheduling your interview.

Final Thoughts

Paying for your U.S. visa in India is a critical step in your application process, and now that you know all the different methods, you’re all set!

Whether you prefer the convenience of online banking or good old-fashioned cash, the choice is yours.

Tip: Keep all payment receipts safe because you’ll need them at multiple stages of your application process!

With your visa fee taken care of, you can focus on preparing for your visa interview. Best of luck!