For those looking to visit the United States temporarily, whether for tourism, business, or a mix of both, obtaining a visitor visa is typically the first step. The U.S. offers two primary types of non-immigrant visitor visas: the B-1 visa for business-related activities and the B-2 visa for leisure and other non-business purposes. This guide will walk you through the process of securing a U.S. Tourist Visa.
Business (B-1)
Tourism (B-2)
Please note that certain activities cannot be performed on a visitor visa and require specific visa categories, including:
Special Note: Visitor visas are not issued for birth tourism, where the primary purpose is to give birth in the U.S. to secure U.S. citizenship for a child.
Securing a U.S. tourist visa involves several key steps:
Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application
You must complete the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and ensure you have a printed confirmation page. Additionally, you will need to upload a compliant passport-sized photograph during this process.
Step 2: Schedule an Interview
Generally, visa applicants are required to attend an interview, with some exceptions based on age:
Applicants should schedule their visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. While scheduling interviews outside your home country is possible, it may be more challenging.
Step 3: Prepare for Your Interview
Before your interview, make sure you have completed the following:
Step 4: Attend Your Visa Interview
A consular officer will conduct an interview to assess your eligibility for a visitor visa. During the interview, digital fingerprint scans are typically collected. Following the interview, the consular officer may inform you if additional administrative processing is required.
It is crucial to understand that possessing a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The final decision rests with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port-of-entry. If granted entry, they will provide an admission stamp or Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
Should your circumstances change while in the U.S. (e.g., marriage to a U.S. citizen or a job offer), you may be eligible to request a change in your non-immigrant status through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Acquiring a U.S. tourist visa unlocks the doors to explore the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and exciting opportunities that the United States has to offer. Plan your journey meticulously, adhere to the visa application process diligently, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels!
If you’re considering a visit to the United States for purposes such as tourism, business engagements, or medical treatment, it’s important to be aware of the associated expenses. To initiate the visa application process there is a mandatory non-refundable processing fee of $185. This fee essentially covers the administrative costs involved in handling your application.
Yes, Indian citizens need a tourist visa to travel to the United States.
U.S. tourist visas can be granted with a validity of up to 10 years. However, the specific validity period may vary for individual applicants.
With a U.S. tourist visa, you can stay in the United States for up to 180 days during each visit. The duration of stay is typically determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the port of entry.
The application fee for a U.S. tourist visa for Indian citizens is USD 185.
The U.S. Embassy in India typically processes tourist visa applications in 3 to 5 working days. However, it may take approximately 10 days in total for you to receive your visa after approval.
No, Indian citizens do not have the option of obtaining a tourist visa on arrival in the United States. A valid visa must be obtained before traveling.
Besides the B1/B2 Visa, other non-immigrant visa types available for Indian travellers include work visas (H, L, O, P, Q), student visas (F, M), exchange visitor visas (J), transit/ship crew visas (C, D), religious worker visas (R), domestic employee visas (B-1), and journalist and media visas (I).
Generally, expedited processing of tourist visas is not available for standard applications. It’s advisable to plan your travel well in advance to allow for the standard processing times.
This visa is for an individual and their dependent family members, granting them permanent residence in a specific country.
Read MoreThis is an individual's permission to remain in a country for a specific period of time, granted under certain conditions.
Read MoreThis is a visa that permits the immediate family members of a permanent resident or citizen of a country to reside, work, and study.
Read MoreThis is a visa that permits the immediate family members of a permanent resident (PR) or citizen of a country to reside, work, and study.
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