Planning to visit, study, or work in the United States? A U.S. visa is your gateway, whether it’s for tourism, business, education, or work. This page gives you all you need: types, fees, new changes, process, document checklist, wait times, and tips to increase your chance of approval.
What is a U.S. Visa?
A U.S. visa is an official travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for specific purposes. Non-immigrant visas cover tourism, business, study, transit, and work. Immigrant visas are for permanent residence. Most short-term visits are under B-1/B-2 visitor visas (business + tourism).
Types of U.S. Visas (Non-Immigrant)
Here are major visa types travellers often use:
B-1/B-2 Visa (Visitor / Tourist / Business): For short stays, business meetings, tourism, visiting family.
F-1 / M-1 Student Visa: To study at U.S. schools, colleges or vocations.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: For exchange programs, internships, training.
H-1B / L-1 / O / P / Q / R Visas: For work, intra-company transfers, specialized skills.
Many of these visas allow multiple entries and longer validity depending on the country and applicant history.
What’s New: Key Changes & Fee Updates (2025-2026)
Starting October 1, 2025, a new “Visa Integrity Fee” (VIF) of $250 will be required for most non-immigrant U.S. visa categories (including B-1/B-2 tourist/business, F, M, H-1B) for Indian applicants. This adds to the usual application fees.
Interview waiver / renewal rules have tightened. From September 2, 2025, many visa categories will require in-person interviews even for renewals, reducing the availability of waiver or drop-box options.
Fees / Cost for Indian Applicants
The standard application (MRV) fee for B-1/B-2 (tourist / business) non-immigrant visas is US$185 (≈ ₹13,200) for Indian applicants.
With the added Visa Integrity Fee ($250) starting Oct 1, 2025, total cost for many categories will rise significantly.
Validity & Duration
For B-1/B-2 visas, many Indian applicants receive multiple-entry visas, often valid for 10 years, with each stay typically allowed up to 6 months.
Other visa types (student, work, etc.) have validity based on program duration.
Wait Times & Appointment Delays
Wait times for visa interview appointments in India are currently very long for B-1/B-2 visas. For example, New Delhi has reported a wait time of up to 12 months, while cities like Mumbai and Kolkata are around 5.5 months. Chennai has shorter wait times (~2.5 months) in some cases.
The delays stem from high demand, limited slots, and administrative processing times.
Documents Required
You’ll generally need:
Valid passport with at least six months validity beyond intended stay.
DS-160 application form confirmation.
Visa appointment confirmation.
Photograph per U.S. visa specs.
Proof of travel itinerary (flight bookings).
Proof of funds / financial statements.
For student visas: I-20 or proof of university enrollment.
Additional documents showing strong ties to home country (employment, property, family).
Application Process – Step by Step
1. Choose visa category (tourist, business, study, work).
2. Fill DS-160 form online.
3. Pay MRV fee & schedule appointment for visa interview (if required).
4. Attend interview at embassy or consulate, bring all required documents.
5. Submit biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
6. Wait for approval and collect passport with visa inside.
Tips to Improve Your Approval Odds
Apply well in advance because of long wait times.
Ensure all documents are complete, consistent, and clearly show your purpose of travel and financial ability.
Be honest in your application and interview. Misrepresentation leads to rejection.
Maintain clear ties to your home country (job, property, family) showing you intend to return.
Be aware of and comply with new regulations (e.g. social media info for student or exchange visa applicants, integrity fee).
Why Choose MusafirBaba for U.S. Visa Assistance
With MusafirBaba guiding you, your U.S. visa journey becomes easier. We help with document review, DS-160 guidance, scheduling, preparing for interview, and keeping you updated on wait times and rule changes. We ensure you pay correct fees, understand the process clearly, and avoid common pitfalls.
