Are you applying for US visa from India? If yes, you should know about the US visa application process and requirements for Indians. There are mainly two types of US visas i.e. non immigrant and immigrant visa The blog covers steps for US visa applications from India in detail.
US visa types from India
You have to choose correct type of US visa depending on the purpose of visit and stay duration. Following are the types of US visas from India based on stay type i.e. temporary and permanent stay :
US Non immigrant visa
If you want to visit US for short period of time, you have to get nonimmigrant Visa. DS-160 online application form is required for Nonimmigrant visa. You have to fill out and submit it to the US embassy or consulate . visa will be determined by combining the personal interview and the duly filled DS-160 form.
Following are the type of non immigrant visas on the basis of purpose of visit:
US Visitor Visa
- Tourist Visa: It is issued for tourism, vacation, family/friends, and medical treatment
- Business Visa: It is issued for attending business meetings and conferences
US Employment Visa
- Temporary employment visa: If you want to work in the US for fixed period of duration, you need to apply for temporary workers visa. The individuals holding temporary workers visas are not considered permanent residents. All the visa categories of temporary worker visas require the petition to be filed by the prospective employer with US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Only the approved petition can apply for US work visa.
- Exchange Visitor Visa: You can participate in exchange programs in the US using the visa.
- Media Visa: The representatives of foreign media can apply for Media Visas. The members of press, radio, film industries, and print media can apply for a media visa for temporary travel to the US to work in their profession.
US Study & Exchange Visa
- Student Visas: You can enroll for a short duration of study, which is not for a degree or academic certificate. The maximum validity of visitor visas is up to 120 months.
Note :
- Take print out of DS-160 bar code page after successful submission of online visa application form DS-160.
- You need to schedule two visa interview appointments.
- Make sure that you have made payment for the visa application processing fee.
- The applicants who want to visit US along with family, must apply together and suggested to go for interview altogether.
US Immigrant Visa
If you want to stay permanently in US, you can apply for US immigrant visa from India. There are various types of immigrant visas. You need to submit DS-260 immigrant visa application form to the US embassy or consulate.
Following are the type of US immigrant visas:
US Family Immigration Visa
US family immigration visa allows eligible family members of US citizens or green card holders to live permanently in the United States. It mainly includes Immediate Relative visas (spouse, parents, minor children of US citizens) and family preference visas (siblings and adult children).
US Diversity Visa
US Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also called the Green Card Lottery, allows you to apply for permanent residency in the United States. You must meet education or work experience requirements and submit an online entry during the registration period. You also need to complete interviews and background checks to receive the visa.
Note:
You can be eligible to apply for Immigrant Visa only if sponsored by-
- Permanent United States citizen relative
- Lawful permanent resident of United States
- Prospective employer
US visa application from India
Following are the steps for US visa from India:
Step 1
Visit the U. S. Department of States website and choose Consular electronic application center and fill out online visa application form DS-160.
Step 2
After successful visa application submission, you need to pay the visa fee.
Step 3
You can schedule your appointment . You need to schedule two appointment dates i.e. for visa application centre and visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
Step 4
Submit online filled form and document at the visa appointment centre (VAC):
- Passport
- DS-160- confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation page
- One photograph as per US visa specification
- Mandatory documents
Step 5
After the VAC appointment , you need to visit U.S. Embassy or Consulate for interview.
US Visa Appointment
Following are the steps to book US visa appointment in India:
- Visit the US Visa Appointment website
- Create a new profile using email ID
- Enter passport details and DS-160 number
- Select visa category and visa location
- Choose passport delivery address
- Pay the US visa fee
- Book biometrics appointment at VAC
- Book Consular interview appointment
- Download and print appointment confirmation
Note:
The applicant who want to visit to US along with family members can go altogether for both the appointment.
Photo Requirements for US Visa
- Digital photo of size 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Provide one copy of a colored photo
- Acceptable pixels: Minimum -600 x 600 and Maximum – 1200 × 1200
- The photo image must be in JPEG file format, and the size ≤ 240 kB
- Ensure the face covers 70-80% of the frame
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Use a white or light colored background
- Maintain a neutral expression
- Avoid wearing glasses except for medical reasons
- Headgear is not allowed, except for religious reasons
- Ensure your clothing doesn’t match the background
US Visa fees for Indians
The US visa fee varies according to the type of visa applied for. Following are the US visa fees for different types of visas:
Difference between B1 and B2 Visa
| US Visa Type | Visa Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Business | B1 / B2 | $185 |
| Student (Academic) | F1 / F2 | $185 |
| Student (Vocational) | M1 / M2 | $185 |
| Exchange Visitor | J1 / J2 | $185 |
| Media / Journalist | I | $185 |
| Temporary Worker | H1B / H4 | $205 |
| Intra-company Transfer | L1 / L2 | $205 |
| Extraordinary Ability | O | $205 |
| Athletes / Artists | P | $205 |
| Cultural Exchange | Q | $205 |
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FAQs
How early can I apply for a US visa from India?
You can apply up to one year before your intended travel date. Appointment availability depends on the visa category and city.
Can I reschedule my US visa appointment?
Yes. You can reschedule US visa appointment in limited times .
Is interview compulsory for US visa?
Yes, interview is necessary for US visa from India.
Can family members apply together for US visa?
Yes. Family members can submit DS-160 forms and book group appointments.
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