The Ultimate Guide to Your B1/B2 USA Visa for Indians

1. Complete the DS-160 Form

What is the DS-160 Form?

The DS-160 form is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application used to gather your personal, travel, and background information for determining your eligibility for a B1/B2 visa. It’s crucial for your application, so ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Correct Information: Provide accurate details as if it’s a critical exam.

• Application ID: This acts like a unique boarding pass number—keep it secure.

• Save Regularly: The form logs you out after 20 minutes, so save your progress frequently.

• Security Question: The default question is your grandmother's name—this is your secret code, so remember it.

Pro Tip: If you’ve applied before, ensure the information matches your previous DS-160 form.

2. Pay the US Visa fees

Current US Visa Fees for Indians: 15,533 INR, non-refundable.

Payment Methods:

• NEFT: Not available through cooperative or regional rural banks.

• UPI: Quick and convenient.

• Debit/Credit Card: Easy online payment.

• Cash: Pay at AXIS or Citibank branches with a printed fee collection slip.

Pro Tip: Make only one payment per account number to avoid confusion.

3. Schedule Your Appointments

Creating an Account and Logging In:

• Visit the official U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website for your country.

• Register your details, including your name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, and DS-160 confirmation number.

• Log in using the credentials you created.

Paying the Visa Fee:

• After logging in, proceed to the payment confirmation screen.

• Obtain a unique account number and payment details.

• Make a single payment of the exact amount; the payment is non-refundable.

Note: Payment processing may take between 4 to 24 hours.

Scheduling Your Appointments:

• After the payment processing time, log back in and click "Schedule Appointment."

• Visa Application Center (VAC) Appointment: Schedule this first for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photographs).

• Embassy/Consulate Interview Appointment: Schedule this for your visa interview with a consular officer, ideally after your VAC appointment.

Note: The VAC appointment must be at least one day before your Embassy or Consulate interview.

Current Wait Times for Indians (as of Nov’23):

• Delhi: 37 days

• Mumbai: 322 days

• Kolkata: 126 days

• Chennai: 341 days

• Hyderabad: 511 days

1. Obtain a Visa Sponsorship

You need an invitation or affidavit of support from a U.S. resident or entity. This document shows that your sponsor will financially support you during your stay in the U.S.

2. Complete the DS-160 Form

Follow the same process as for standard applicants. Ensure you include details about your sponsor and their support in your application.

3. Pay the Visa Fee

The fee remains 15,533 INR, non-refundable. Follow the same payment methods and guidelines as mentioned above.

4. Schedule Your Appointments

Creating an Account and Logging In:

Just like standard visa applicants, create a profile and login in the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website.

Paying the Visa Fee:

After payment, follow the same steps to confirm and process your fee.

Schedule Your Appointments

Visa Application Center (VAC) Appointment: Book this appointment for biometric data collection.

Embassy/Consulate Interview Appointment: Schedule this for your interview. Ensure it is after your VAC appointment.

Note: Always verify the specific requirements and processing times on the official U.S. embassy or consulate website in your region.

- What they're asking: The duration of your trip.

- Example Answer: "I plan to stay for two weeks to attend a business conference and do some sightseeing."

- Tip: Be specific and ensure your answer matches your DS-160 form.

- What they're asking: The purpose of your visit

- Example Answer: "I'm attending a conference in San Francisco and then visiting family in New York."

- Tip: Keep it short and clear, covering both business and leisure if applicable.

- What they're asking: If you'll come back to India as planned.

- Example Answer: "Yes, I have work commitments and family responsibilities in India."

- Tip: Highlight your strong ties to India, like job, family, or ongoing projects.

- What they're asking: Your financial plan.

- Example Answer: "I have saved for this trip and have a stable job. Here are my bank statements and income tax returns."

- Tip: Present your financial documents confidently.

- What they're asking: About your job or business.

- Example Answer: "I work as a software engineer at XYZ Company."

- Tip: Provide your job title and a brief description if asked.

- What they're asking: Your income level.

- Example Answer: "I earn INR 10 Lakhs per annum."

- Tip: Stick to the facts and show your salary slips or tax returns if needed.

- What they're asking: Your travel plan reliability.

- Example Answer: "Yes, I have a detailed itinerary and return flight booked."

- Tip: Bring your travel itinerary and any booking confirmations.

Getting embassy slots for a B1/B2 visa can be a challenge—everyone knows that! We consulted a few folks and they suggested joining Telegram groups for live updates on slot availability, but be cautious of frauds as some groups might not be reliable. To smooth things out, try booking your VAC and interview slots together.

If there's a big gap between when you first filled out your DS-160 form and your interview, it's time for a refresh! Imagine updating your profile pic to match your current look. For instance, if you filled it out back in 2022 for a wedding, but your interview is in 2024, give it a quick update. Keeping things accurate helps avoid any mix-ups and shows them you're on top of your game.

Bonus tip: You can fine-tune your DS-160 up to 24 hours before your VAC appointment

If you're running your own business or freelancing, your assets—like bank statements and investments—are your key strengths! Show how strong your business or freelance work is to prove you're stable and committed. Don't forget to mention ongoing projects—it shows you're not just stable now but ready for even more success in the future!

If you work for an international or multinational company, apply for a work trip visa. Gather all necessary documents like your employment letter, leave confirmation, and port of entry. It shows you have a legitimate reason to travel and a stable job waiting for your return.

When you're laying out your travel plans, make sure to highlight your return tickets with all the American flight details. This lets visa officers know you've got your trip back home all mapped out.

Bonus tip: Book a refundable flight if you are worried about your visa getting rejected.

When you enter the interview hall, remember the interviewer doesn't know you at all. Take the opportunity to highlight your key accomplishments and strengths. This will boost your confidence and demonstrate your clarity of purpose. Also, speak in the language you are most confident in; don't hesitate to request a translator.

-What it means: Mismatched details between your DS-160 form and your interview answers can raise red flags.

- Example: If you say in your form that you'll stay for a week but tell the officer you plan to stay for a month, it can create suspicion.

- Tip: Review your DS-160 form thoroughly before the interview. Practise your answers to ensure consistency.

- What it means: The visa officer thinks you might not return to your home country.

- Example: If you don't have strong evidence of your job, family, or property in India, the officer might doubt your intent to return.

- Tip: Bring documents that prove your ties to India, such as employment letters, property ownership papers, or family photos.

- What it means: You can't show enough financial stability to support your trip.

- For example: If your bank statements don't reflect enough funds for your planned stay, the officer might worry you can't cover your expenses.

- Tip: Provide comprehensive financial documents like bank statements, salary slips, and proof of other investments.

- What it means: A lack of international travel can raise doubts about your intentions.

- Example: If you've never travelled outside your country before, the officer might question why you're suddenly visiting the U.S.

- Tip: Highlight any previous international trips or strong reasons for your U.S. visit, like a business conference or family event.

If you don’t have all your plans set yet, it’s advisable to have at least a general purpose for your visit, such as exploring major cities, visiting specific landmarks, or attending a particular event. You can explain that while some details are still being finalised, you intend to have a more detailed itinerary closer to your travel date. However, it’s crucial not to lie or make up specific plans, as inconsistencies during your visa interview can lead to suspicion or denial of your application.

It’s essential to adhere to the duration of stay granted by U.S. Customs, typically marked on your I-94 form. You can request an extension before your stay expires if you need more time. However, it’s crucial not to overstay, even by a day, because doing so can lead to severe consequences like a ban on future U.S. travel or visa cancellation. For Indian applicants, overstaying could complicate future visa applications to other countries as well, as it may affect your travel history.

Yes, a USA transit visa for Indians (C-1 )must be obtained even if you’re only changing planes in the U.S. and not leaving the airport. You can apply for this visa in advance, just like a tourist or business visa.

A B1 visa is specifically for business-related activities like attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. In contrast, a B2 visa is for tourism, visiting family or friends, and other recreational purposes. However, while the final visa typically comes as a combined B1/B2 visa, it’s important that your purpose of travel is clearly indicated on your DS-160 form.

If you’re travelling on a B1 visa for business, you should have a detailed invitation letter from the U.S. company you’re visiting, proof of your employment in India, and a letter from your Indian employer outlining the purpose and duration of your trip. It’s essential not to rely on verbal agreements alone; having all necessary documentation helps ensure your application is processed smoothly.

It’s important to apply for an extension with USCIS before your authorised stay expires if you anticipate needing more time in the U.S. You cannot simply stay beyond the date without facing penalties, which could include a ban on future U.S. visits. If you miss the deadline to apply for an extension, it’s advisable to leave the U.S. promptly and reapply for a new visa if necessary.

The USA visa proces for Indians is straightforward: complete your DS-160 form accurately, gather all necessary documents, schedule your appointments, and prepare for your interview. There’s no shortcut or easy way out—skipping any part of the process could lead to delays or denial.

There is no ideal day as such. However, mid-week days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, are generally less busy and could result in a more efficient interview experience. It’s advisable to avoid scheduling on Mondays or Fridays, as these days tend to be busier, potentially leading to longer waiting times

Prepare thoroughly by reviewing your DS-160 application, gathering all required documents, and practise answers to common interview questions. It’s important not to go unprepared or to provide inconsistent answers, as this could result in a refusal. Oh and do not forget your passport!!

The process can be challenging due to the large number of applications from India, but it’s manageable with thorough preparation. It’s important to provide clear evidence of your ties to India, such as family, employment, and financial stability, to demonstrate your intent to return after your visit. While the scrutiny might be higher, being honest and well-prepared significantly improves your chances of approval.