US visa from India: cost, DS-160 and interview waits
By Ganesh ·
How to apply for a US tourist (B1/B2) visa from India: DS-160, the MRV fee, OFC and interview appointments, documents, wait times and interview tips.
The short answer: to visit the US as a tourist you need a B1/B2 visitor visa. Fill in the online DS-160 form, pay the visa application (MRV) fee US$185 for a B1/B2 at the time of writing, paid in rupees. Book your biometrics (OFC) and interview appointments, then attend the interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India with your documents. The official sources are travel.state.gov and the US Embassy in India (in.usembassy.gov).
US visa fees and rules are set by the US government and do change, in 2025 the US also passed an additional "visa integrity fee" whose rollout was still being worked out. Check the official pages for the current fee before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Step by step: the B1/B2 process from India
- Fill in the DS-160 on the State Department's Consular Electronic Application Center. Save the application ID and print the confirmation page with the barcode.
- Create a profile on the official appointment site linked from in.usembassy.gov, and pay the MRV fee.
- Book two appointments: one at an Offices of Consular Services (OFC) centre for fingerprints and photo, and one for the interview at the Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.
- Attend the OFC appointment, then the interview, with your passport, DS-160 confirmation and appointment letter.
- Collect your passport from the pickup point you chose, or by courier, if the visa is approved.
What it costs (approximate)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| MRV fee, B1/B2 | US$185, paid in INR at the official exchange rate |
| Additional US fees introduced in 2025 | Check travel.state.gov for whether and when they apply |
| Photos, printing, travel to the consulate | Your own costs: budget ₹1,000–₹5,000 if you travel to another city |
| Travel insurance | Not required for the visa, but strongly recommended for the US |
The MRV fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. It is valid for one appointment booking within the period stated on the receipt.
Documents to take to the interview
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, and old passports with US visas if you have them.
- DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation.
- Photo as per the State Department's photo rules (if asked).
- Supporting documents (carry them, but officers often don't ask): proof of employment or business, salary slips or ITRs, bank statements, property papers, a short trip plan, and an invitation letter if you're visiting family.
Wait times and interview waivers
Interview wait times for visitor visas in India have often been long. Check the current estimate for each city with the official Visa Appointment Wait Times tool on travel.state.gov before you plan dates, and book the appointment before you book flights. In 2025 the US narrowed the "interview waiver" (dropbox) route, so most applicants should expect an in-person interview; check the embassy site for who still qualifies for renewal without an interview. Searches for US visas from India peak from November to January, so start early for summer trips.
Interview tips
- Answer briefly and truthfully. The officer wants to know the purpose of your trip, who pays, and why you'll return to India.
- Show ties to India: a job, business, studies, family or property are the usual ones.
- Know your plan: cities, rough dates, where you'll stay. A simple day-by-day plan in Sancharees helps you answer without hesitating.
- Be consistent with your DS-160. Any difference between the form and your answers is a red flag.
FAQ
How long is a US tourist visa valid for Indians?
B1/B2 visas for Indian citizens are commonly issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries, but the officer decides. Each stay is decided at the US border, usually up to six months.
Can I apply for a US visa in a different city?
You can choose any US consular post in India. Since 2025 the US generally expects applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence, so applying from India is the normal route for Indians living here.
What happens if my visa is refused under 214(b)?
214(b) means the officer wasn't convinced you'll return. You can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee when your circumstances have changed or you can explain them better.
Do I need travel insurance for a US visa?
No, but US medical bills are very high, so buy cover for the whole trip.
Photo: Lower Manhattan from Jersey City November 2014 panorama 2 by King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Read in: भारत से US वीज़ा: B1/B2 का ख़र्च, DS-160 और इंटरव्यू का इंतज़ार