Documents Required for USA Visitor Visa (B1/B2) from India
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Table of Contents
- Types of US Visitor Visas for Indians
- Documents Required for Your B1/B2 Visa Interview
- Supporting Documents for a US Visitor Visa (Updated H2)
- Documents Based on Purpose of Visit for US Visitor Visa
- The US B1/B2 Visa Fees & Processing Times (Added)
- How to Prove Your Financial Stability?
- Documents Required for Renewal of USA Visitor Visa from India
- Seek GetGIS for the Right Guidance to Documentation Requirements as per Your Visa Type
A U.S. Visitor Visa is issued to foreign nationals seeking temporary entry for specific purposes. For travellers from India, this is typically issued as the combined B-1/B-2 visa, which covers both temporary business activities (B-1) and tourism/pleasure (B-2).
To successfully obtain this visa, applicants must prove they have the financial means to support their trip and, most importantly, strong social and economic ties to India that guarantee their return. This proof is primarily established through the mandatory application forms and a comprehensive set of supporting documents.
Here is a detailed guide on the documents required for a USA Visitor Visa from India, covering all essential paperwork needed for your application and interview.
Types of US Visitor Visas for Indians
The U.S. Visitor Visa is a non-immigrant visa category, generally issued as a combined B-1/B-2 visa, allowing the holder to travel to the United States temporarily for various reasons.
|
Visa Type |
Primary Purpose |
Examples of Permitted Activities |
|
B-1 Visa (Business) |
For short-term business activities that do not involve receiving a salary from a U.S. source. |
Consulting with business associates. Attending scientific, educational, or professional conferences. Negotiating contracts. Settling an estate. Short-term training (not intended for employment). |
|
B-2 Visa (Tourism/Pleasure) |
For travel related to tourism, leisure, and personal matters. |
Vacationing or sightseeing. Visiting friends or relatives. Seeking medical treatment. Participating in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations. Enrollment in a short, non-credit, recreational course of study (e.g., a cooking class). |
Most Indian applicants apply for a combined B1/B2 visa.
Documents Required for Your B1/B2 Visa Interview
Now that you are aware of the types of visitor visa (B1 and B2). Next in the row is to identify which documents you would need to carry for your interview with the US consulate. Please note that the original documents are crucial for your visa interview at the US consulate general; these include:
- Valid Passport
- Photograph (as per specifications)
- Visa Application Form DS-160
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt
- US Visa Appointment Letter PrintOut
- Supporting Documents Based on Your Visit Purpose
1. Mandatory Documents for a US Visit Visa
The set of essential documents required for a tourist visa to the USA from India that every US tourist visa applicant must provide:
- Valid Passport: Make sure your passport is up-to-date with plenty of blank pages.
- Travel Itinerary: Have a clear plan for your trip, including your intended dates of travel and the places you plan to visit.
- Dates of Your Last 5 Visits to the USA: If you've been to the US before, you'll need this information.
- Resume or CV: Prepare a document outlining your professional history.
- Photograph (as per specifications): Ensure your photo meets the official requirements.
Moving to the next let us find out what supporting documents are required for a USA visitor visa.
2. Supporting Documents Based on Your Tourist Visa Type
Now, the documents you need can vary depending on your specific purpose for visiting the USA like for tourism, medical assistance, etc, one by one let us learn the individual requirements as per the purpose of visit:
- For Tourism & Pleasure
- Proof of Funds for Expenses in the USA: This includes bank statements, passbook copies, and information on fixed deposits and mutual funds.
- Travel Itinerary
- 1-Year-Old Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- PAN Card
- Business Card (if applicable)
- For Visiting Family or Attending Family Events
- Letter of Invitation from a Family Member or Event Host
- Event Invitation Proof
- For Spouse (B-1) or Children Requesting Dependent Visa (B-2)
- Copy of B-1 Visa and Passport (if pending, apply for it)
- Letter of Invitation from the B-1 Visa Holder
- Letter to Embassy Consulate Requesting Visa for Spouse or Children
- Letter from the Company Stating the B-1 Visa Holder's Ability to Care for Dependents
- Proof of Funds for Expenses and a Sponsorship Letter
3. Documents Required for Your B1/B2 Visa Interview
Now that you are well-versed with the documents required for a visitor visa to the USA from India. Next in the row is to identify which documents you would need to carry for your interview with the US consulate.
Please note that the original documents are crucial for your visa interview at the US consulate general, these include:
- Valid Passport
- Photograph (as per specifications)
- Visa Application Form DS 160
- Visa Fee Payment Receipt
- US Visa Appointment Letter PrintOut
- Supporting Documents Based on Your Visit Purpose
Supporting Documents for a US Visitor Visa (Updated H2)
- Financial Documents: Provide bank statements for the last six months, Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the previous three years, and salary slips.
- Proof of Employment: A letter from your employer as proof of employment, salary, and that you have been granted leave.
- Travel Itinerary: A tentative plan of your visit, including flight and hotel bookings if you have them.
- Proof of Ties to India: Documents like property deeds, family documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates), or business documents to show you will return.
- Old Passports: Include any old passports you have.
- Travel Itinerary: Tentative plan of your stay. To and From Flight Tickets: Tentative or confirmed flight reservations. Accommodation Details: Hotel bookings or U.S. host address.
- Medical Diagnosis: Detailed diagnosis from a local Indian physician.
- US Facility Letter: Letter from a U.S. medical facility confirming willingness to treat and detailing the estimated cost.
- Proof of Payment: Documentation showing arrangements for covering all expenses.
- Old Passports: Include any old passports, especially those containing previous U.S. or other international travel visas.
Documents Based on Purpose of Visit for US Visitor Visa
Now, the documents you need can vary depending on your specific purpose for visiting the USA, like for tourism, medical assistance, etc, one by one, let us learn the individual requirements as per the purpose of visit:
For Tourism & Pleasure
- Proof of Funds for Expenses in the USA: This includes bank statements, passbook copies, and information on fixed deposits and mutual funds.
- Travel Itinerary
- 1-Year-Old Income Tax Returns (ITR)
- PAN Card
- Business Card (if applicable)
For Visiting Family or Attending Family Events
- Letter of Invitation from a Family Member or Event Host
- Event Invitation Proof
For Spouse (B-1) or Children Requesting Dependent Visa (B-2)
- Copy of B-1 Visa and Passport (if pending, apply for it)
- Letter of Invitation from the B-1 Visa Holder
- Letter to Embassy Consulate Requesting Visa for Spouse or Children
- Letter from the Company Stating the B-1 Visa Holder's Ability to Care for Dependents
- Proof of Funds for Expenses and a Sponsorship Letter
The US B1/B2 Visa Fees & Processing Times (Added)
Fees
|
Fee Type |
Description |
Amount (USD) |
Effective Year |
|
Current Application Fee |
Standard B1/B2 visa application processing fee (non-refundable) |
185 |
Current (2025) |
|
New Visa Integrity Fee |
An additional non-refundable fee is applied to most non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2 |
250 |
Starting 2026 |
|
Total Estimated Cost (Starting 2026) |
Combined standard and integrity fees for B1/B2 visa applications |
435 |
2026 onward |
Processing Times
- After the Interview, he visa can be processed in as few as 7 to 10 business days.
- Longer waits: In some locations, interview wait times can be several months or even a year or more.
- Overall: The total time from application to decision can range from a few weeks to several months. It is crucial to check the wait times for your specific location well in advance.
How to Prove Your Financial Stability?
Irrespective of the visa type it is crucial to meet the financial requirements (proof of funds) set for the specific immigration or travel criteria. The documents you could include as financial proof for paying for your stay in the USA and to demonstrate your ability to cover your expenses in the US are as follows:
- One or More Past Year Income Tax Returns
- Recent Bank Statements
- Proof of Visitor Health Insurance
Documents Required for Renewal of USA Visitor Visa from India
When renewing your USA visitor visa from India, you'll need a specific set of documents to support your application. Here's a list of the typical documents required for the renewal of a US visitor visa:
- Current, Valid Passport
- Previous US Visa
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Passport-Size Photos
- Visa Renewal Application Fee Payment Receipt
- I-797 Approval Notice (if applicable)
- Current Visa Renewal Appointment Confirmation Letter
- Old Passport with Previous US Visa (if applicable)
- I-20 Form (for F-1 visa holders) or DS-2019 Form (for J-1 visa holders)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Financial Documentation
- Proof of Ties to India
- Letter of Intent
- Other Supporting Documents
- Travel Itinerary
- Police Clearance Certificate (if required)
- Medical Examination Results (if required)
Seek GetGIS for the Right Guidance to Documentation Requirements as per Your Visa Type
As part of the visa application journey, it is crucial to note that it's not just about having the right documents, rather it's also about presenting them accurately and honestly. Have more queries on How and What regarding your abroad visa application process, GetGIS is at your disposal.
Our Immigration experts ensure that you just not have to rush through your application journey but rather ensure that you are well prepared, informed, and most importantly have the seamless experience, that any other could provide you with.
Ensure to double-check everything, and good luck with your USA visitor visa application! Safe travels await you
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa?
What documents are required for a US visa B1 B2 appointment?
How much bank balance is required for a US B1 B2 visa?
What documents are required for a US immigration check at the airport for B1, B2 visas?
How long does it take to process a visitor visa application?
What are the common reasons for visa denials?