Applying for a US tourist or business visa (B1/B2) from India involves a multi-step process: filling out a detailed online form, paying the fee, and attending two separate appointments. High demand means you must plan months in advance.
Before You Start
What you need before starting
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Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the core of your application. The consular officer bases their interview questions primarily on what you fill in here.
- Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Select the location where you will apply (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata).
- Start a new application. Note down your Application ID and the answer to your security question immediately. The session times out quickly, and you will need these to log back in.
- Fill in all sections truthfully: Personal, Address, Passport, Travel, Travel Companions, Previous US Travel, US Contact, Family, Work/Education/Training, and Security/Background.
- Upload your digital photograph.
- Review the form carefully and submit.
- Print the DS-160 Confirmation Page (the page with the barcode). You do not need to print the entire application, just the confirmation page.
WARNING
Be absolutely truthful on the DS-160. Do not exaggerate your income, hide relatives in the US, or lie about past visa refusals. The US government cross-checks information, and misrepresentation can result in a permanent ban.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee
- Go to the US Visa Scheduling portal for India.
- Create an account (or log in). Ensure the email and passport details match your DS-160 exactly.
- Start a new application on the portal, select the visa class (B1/B2), and enter your DS-160 confirmation number.
- Proceed to the payment screen.
- The fee is $185. The portal will convert this to INR at the current consular exchange rate.
- Payment methods include NEFT, IMPS, UPI, or cash at designated bank branches (CitiBank/Axis Bank).
- Save the MRV Fee Receipt Number. It is usually activated within 3 to 24 hours depending on the payment method.
Step 3: Schedule Your Appointments
You need to schedule two separate appointments, usually on two different days:
- OFC Appointment: Offsite Facilitation Center (for biometrics/fingerprints and photo)
- Consular Appointment: At the Embassy/Consulate (for the actual visa interview)
- Log back into the US Visa Scheduling portal.
- The system will prompt you to select the Consular Appointment first, followed by the OFC Appointment.
- Due to high wait times, you may not find early slots at your preferred consulate. You can book an appointment at any of the 5 consulates in India (e.g., live in Delhi but interview in Chennai).
- After booking both, print the Appointment Confirmation Page.
TIP
If wait times are over a year, book the earliest available slot anyway. You can log in occasionally to check for closer, cancelled slots and reschedule (though there is a limit on how many times you can reschedule without paying the fee again).
Step 4: Attend the OFC Appointment (Biometrics)
The OFC appointment is quick and straightforward. No interview happens here.
What to bring:
- Current passport and old passports with US visas (if any)
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Appointment Confirmation Page
At the OFC, they will take your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
Step 5: Attend the Consular Interview
This is the final step. Arrive at the Embassy/Consulate 15-30 minutes before your time slot. Electronics, smartwatches, and large bags are strictly prohibited inside.
Mandatory Documents:
- Current and all old passports
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Appointment Confirmation Page
- One physical 2x2 inch photograph (just in case the OFC photo is unclear)
Supporting Documents (carry them, but only show if asked):
- Proof of income/finances (bank statements, ITR for last 3 years, salary slips)
- Proof of ties to India (property papers, letter from employer stating you are on leave)
- Purpose of trip (invitation letter from family, conference registration, medical letter)
The Interview
The interview is usually very short, often lasting only 2 to 3 minutes. The officer will speak to you in English (or local languages if you requested a translator).
The officer is evaluating one primary thing under Section 214(b) of the INA: Do you have strong ties to India that will compel you to return after your visit?
Common questions:
- What is the purpose of your trip?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Who is funding the trip?
- What do you do in India (job/business)?
- Do you have relatives in the US?
Answer confidently and concisely. Do not offer unsolicited documents unless the officer asks for proof.
Step 6: Passport Collection
- If Approved: The officer will keep your passport to stamp the visa. You will collect it a few days later from the designated pickup location (Blue Dart) or have it couriered to your home (if you chose Premium Delivery).
- If Refused (214b): The officer will hand your passport back immediately along with a generic refusal letter. You can reapply anytime, but should only do so if your circumstances have changed significantly.
- If Administrative Processing (221g): The officer may need more information or time to process. They will give you a 221(g) slip explaining what documents to submit.
Related Guides
Need more help?
For more information, check out our Travel guides or estimate import costs with our Customs Duty Calculator. See also the Passport Help hub for related guides.