Planning trip to the United States? Before you apply, you should know how much a US visa costs from India. US tourist and business visa (B1/B2) application fee is $185 per applicant. US visa fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is rejected. Your total US visa cost may also depend on your visa category and any additional charges that apply to your case. In this guide, you will find the US visa fees for Indians, the cost of B1/B2 visa, DS-160 form details, payment methods, refund rules and the steps to pay your visa fee from India.
US visa fees for Indian
The US visa fee depends on the type of visa you need. If you are travelling for tourism, visiting family or attending business meetings, you will need B1/B2 visitor visa. Here is a quick comparison of common US nonimmigrant visa application fees:
| US visa category | Visa type | Application fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist and Business | B1/B2 | $185 |
| Student | F and M | $185 |
| Exchange Visitor | J | $185 |
| Transit | C-1 | $185 |
| Temporary Worker | H | $205 |
| Intra-company Transfer | L | $205 |
| Extraordinary Ability | O | $205 |
| Athlete or Entertainer | P | $205 |
| Religious Worker | R | $205 |
| Treaty Trader/Investor | E | $315 |
| Fiancé(e) of a US citizen | K | $265 |
These are US Department of State application processing fees. Some categories have special exemptions or additional requirements.
US Tourist Visa Fees for Indians (B1/B2)
- If you want to visit the United States for a holiday, sightseeing or to meet family and friends, you will generally apply for a B2 visa.
- If you are travelling for permitted business activities, such as attending meetings or conferences, you may need a B1 visa.
Many applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visitor visa. The application fee is:
| Particulars | Fee |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 visa application fee | $185 |
| Approximate INR cost | ₹17,500 |
| Payment per applicant | Yes |
| Refundable after rejection | No |
The $185 application fee is charged separately for each applicant. For example, if three family members apply, each person must pay the applicable fee.
What Is the DS-160 Form Fee in India?
If you are applying for US nonimmigrant visa, you must complete the DS-160 online application form. One common question is whether you need to pay a separate DS-160 form fee.
No. There is no separate government fee just for filling out or submitting the DS-160 form.
You pay the applicable visa application fee for your visa category through the official appointment system. Remember these two things:
- DS-160 is the online visa application form.
- The MRV fee is the visa application processing fee.
US Visa Price in Indian Rupees
The US visa application fee is set in US dollars, but applicants in India pay through the local payment process. For a B1/B2 visa, the official application fee is $185.
The approximate rupee amount can change because the consular exchange rate may be revised. For example:
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Official B1/B2 fee | $185 |
| Illustrative INR estimate | ₹17,500 |
| Actual INR payable | As displayed in the official payment system |
Check the current amount in your official US visa appointment account before making payment.
Is there any additional US visa fee?
The main application fee is not the only amount you should consider when planning your application. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to account for:
- The official visa application fee.
- Optional paid expedited appointment service, if offered and available to you.
- Any separate visa-related charges officially applicable at the time of issuance.
- Travel to the Visa Application Centre or US Embassy/Consulate.
- Document preparation or consultancy charges, if you use an assistance service.
The US Department of State also announced a limited expedited appointment pilot for eligible B visa applicants at selected posts. It involves an optional $750 charge in addition to the normal $185 fee and is not a standard charge for every applicant. Do not assume this service is available at every US Embassy or Consulate in India.
How to pay US visa fees from India
You must pay US visa application fee before scheduling your interview, following the instructions for your application location.
Step 1: Complete Your DS-160 Form
Visit the official CEAC website and complete your DS-160 application. Check your details before submitting the form. Save and print your confirmation page.
Step 2: Create Your Account and Get Payment Details
- Visit the official U.S. visa scheduling website for India: .
- Create your profile and enter your DS-160 confirmation number. Select your visa category, such as B1/B2, F-1 or H-1B.
- Go to the payment page. The portal will show your visa fee in Indian Rupees (INR) based on the current consular exchange rate.
- Download and save your Payment CGI Slip / Reference Page. It contains your unique CGI Reference or Account Number, which you need to use when making the payment.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method
You can pay your U.S. visa fee through UPI, NEFT bank transfer or cash at authorised bank branch.
1. UPI Payment (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm or BHIM)
- Select the UPI / Mobile Payment option on the payment page.
- Scan the QR code shown on the portal using your UPI app. You can also enter your VPA (Virtual Payment Address) if this option is available.
- Approve the payment through your UPI app.
- Payment activation time: Usually immediate or within 1–2 hours.
2. NEFT Bank Transfer (Net Banking)
You can also pay through NEFT using your bank’s net banking facility.
- Open your net banking account and add the beneficiary details given on your payment slip.
- Enter the following details:
- Beneficiary Name:
BANA US VISAor the name printed on your payment slip. - Account Number: Your unique CGI Account Number. It may start with
TIERor appear as a unique numerical reference. - IFSC Code: Use the IFSC code printed on your payment instructions.
- Beneficiary Name:
- Transfer the exact visa fee amount in INR. Do not round off the amount.
- Payment activation time: Usually 2–24 hours. Your payment receipt will appear on the scheduling portal once the bank transfer is processed.
3. Cash Payment (At an Authorised Bank Branch)
You can also pay your visa fee in cash at a participating Axis Bank or Druk PNB Bank branch.
- Download and print the official payment slip from the visa scheduling portal.
- Visit a participating branch of Axis Bank or Druk PNB Bank with the printed slip and the exact cash amount.
- Give the payment slip and cash to the bank teller.
- After receiving your payment, the bank will give you a stamped receipt with your transaction receipt number.
- Payment activation time: Usually by 11:00 AM on the next business day.
Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment
After completing your payment, you need to wait for the receipt to become active before booking your appointment.
- Log in to your account on US Visa Scheduling.
- Check whether the payment receipt has been linked to your profile automatically. If the portal asks for it, enter your CGI Reference / Receipt Number.
- Once the payment is confirmed, you can access the appointment calendar.
- Select your available dates for both appointments:
- Visa Application Centre (VAC): For biometrics, including fingerprints and photographs.
- Consular Interview: For your visa interview with a consular officer.
Once you complete these steps, your U.S. visa appointments will be scheduled. Attend your interview at the scheduled location.
Is the US visa fee refundable?
No. The US visa application fee is non-refundable. If your visa application is rejected, you cannot normally claim the application fee back.
You should also remember:
- The fee is non-transferable.
- Each applicant must pay the applicable fee.
- Paying the fee does not guarantee visa approval.
- You should check the validity of your payment receipt before scheduling or rescheduling an appointment.
The Department of State identifies the nonimmigrant application processing fee as non-refundable.
How much does US visa cost for family?
In India, the total U.S. visa cost for your family depends on the number of applicants and the visa category you choose. There is no discounted family visa fee. Each family member must pay a separate Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee, including infants, children and senior citizens.
1. U.S. Tourist and Visitor Visa (B1/B2) Family Cost
If you are travelling to the U.S. for a holiday, vacation or to visit family and friends, you will generally need a B1/B2 visitor visa.
- Visa fee per applicant: $185 USD
Every family member must pay this fee separately, regardless of age.
Total U.S. Visa Cost by Family Size
| Family Size | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Family of 2 (Couple) | $370 |
| Family of 3 (Couple + 1 Child) | $555 |
| Family of 4 (Couple + 2 Children) | $740 |
| Family of 5 (Parents + 2 Children + 1 Grandparent) | $925 |
Is there separate US visa issuance Fee for Indian Citizens?
No, Indian passport holders do not have to pay a separate U.S. Visa Issuance (Reciprocity) Fee for standard non-immigrant visas, such as B1/B2 tourist, F-1 student or H-1B work visas. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Reciprocity Schedule for India, the reciprocity fee for almost all non-immigrant visa categories is $0 (₹0).
- On Approval: You do not have to pay any extra stamping or visa issuance charge at the interview counter before receiving your passport.
- Total Government Charge: The visa application fee is the only official fee you need to pay to the consulate.
How long is US Tourist visa valid?
Indian applicants may receive a B1/B2 visitor visa with a validity period of up to 10 years, depending on the decision of the US authorities. A 10-year visa does not mean you can stay in the United States continuously for 10 years. Your permitted stay is decided by the US Customs and Border Protection officer when you enter the country.
Common mistakes to avoid when paying US visa fees
Before paying your US visa fee, check the following:
- Select the correct visa category.
- Enter your passport details correctly.
- Make sure your DS-160 confirmation number matches your appointment profile.
- Check the amount displayed in your payment account.
- Use the payment methods available through the official system.
- Save your payment confirmation.
- Check the payment receipt validity before scheduling your appointment.
If you enter incorrect details or make a payment through an unofficial website, you may face unnecessary delays.
US Visa Application from India
Applying for L1 Visa for USA from India
FAQs
What is US reciprocity fee?
After your non immigrant US visa is approved, you pay visa issuance fee at UK Embassy or Consulate. If you are Indian, you don’t pay any reciprocal fee for any US visa.
When can I schedule interview for US visa?
You can schedule US visa interview only after you pay visa application fees.
How much is the US visa fee for Indians?
The standard US B1/B2 tourist and business visa application fee is $185 per applicant.
What is the America visa price in India?
The America visa price depends on the visa category. For a standard B1/B2 visitor visa, the application fee is $185 per person
What is the DS-160 form fee in India?
There is no separate government fee for completing the DS-160 form. You must pay the applicable visa application processing fee for your selected visa category.
Is the US tourist visa fee refundable?
No. The US visa application fee is generally non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
Do children need to pay US visa fees?
Yes. Children who require a US visa generally need an individual application and the applicable visa fee. Any interview or biometric exemptions depend on the current rules and the applicant’s circumstances.
Can I pay US visa fees using UPI?
Yes, you can pay U.S. visa fees using UPI in India via apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. Select UPI / Mobile Payment on the official US Visa Scheduling payment screen, scan the generated QR code or enter your VPA, and authorize the exact INR amount. The receipt activates within few hours to unlock appointment booking.
How many times can I use a 10-year US visa?
If your B1/B2 visa is issued for multiple entries, you can seek admission to the United States multiple times while it remains valid. Each entry is subject to inspection by US border officials.
Is the US visa appointment fee included in the $185 application fee?
$185 MRV fee is the standard application processing fee. An optional expedited appointment service, where available, has a separate charge. Ordinary appointment scheduling is not a separate $185 fee.
How much does US business visa cost from India?
The standard B1 business visa application fee is $185. It is the same fee as the B2 tourist visa and the combined B1/B2 visitor visa.
Why to choose Itzeazy
🚀 Faster processing – We make the visa process faster
🚀 No hidden cost – Transparent pricing
🚀 Accurate guidance – We have the knowledge and experience to make the process smooth and stress-free
🚀 Our presence – Apply for visa from anywhere in India, always open for you
🚀 Door step service – Document pickup & drop from the convenience of your home
🚀 Visa Services for all Countries – We make you travel across the world
🚀 Safety & Confidentiality – Your privacy is out utmost priority
Planning a Trip to USA
Get your tourist or business visa sorted without stressing over online forms. Itzeazy handles your document verification and application seamlessly.
Get Your USA Visa Today
Leave a Reply