US visa, USA visa, US visa application, US visa requirements, US immigration visa, US tourist visa, US work visa, US student visa, US visa process, US visa types
US visas allow foreign nationals to enter the country for visit, work, study, or business purposes. The two US visa categories are immigrant and non-immigrant visas.
Why apply for a US Visa?
- Travel to the US for tourism and visit some of the famous attractions in the country
- Reunite with friends and family in the US
- Attend business meetings, conferences, or short-term training
- Study in one of the top-ranked universities and apply for research opportunities (F-1 visa)
- Work in high-demand job roles in sectors such as IT, science, and Medicine
- Live and settle in the US after meeting the permanent residency requirements
You will require a US visa for tourism, business, work, studies, and family reunification purposes. There are various US visas available for individuals seeking to migrate to the USA, ranging from temporary stay visas to permanent residency options. A US visa is required for non-citizens entering the country to work, pursue studies, attend business conferences, visit family and friends, or for vacation. You can select the US visa type that best suits your needs, depending on your purpose and requirements for migrating to the US.
*Want to know more about US visas? Get started with the H-1B Visa Flipbook.
US visas for Indians
The U.S. offers different visa options for both non-immigrant and immigrant visa categories. Applying for a US visa from India mainly depends on your purpose of travel (work, studies, business, or tourism). Generally, it requires you to submit an original passport, DS-160 Form, copies of your latest passport-sized photographs, a fee payment receipt, and attend the US visa interview at the nearest US embassy in India. Some of the most common U.S. visas are the H-1B visa for skilled professionals, the F-1 visa for students, the L-1 visa for transfers, the J-1 visa for exchange visitors, and the B1/B2 visa for visitors. The US visa process involves submitting an online application, completing the fee payment, scheduling and attending two visa appointments (biometrics and interview), and providing a clear intent to return to your home country after your temporary stay.
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Types of US visas for Indians
Indians need a valid US visa to enter the US for temporary (non-immigrant) or permanent (immigrant) stays. The most common US visas for Indians include the B1/B2 visa for tourism, the B1 visa for business, the F-1 visa for studies, and the H, L, or O visa for temporary work, as well as family-based visas and employment-based EB visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3) for permanent residency. The type of US visa you apply for depends on your purpose of travel.
The table below has a complete overview of the different types of US visas for Indians:
|
Visa Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
Main Eligibility Criteria |
When to Apply |
Who It Is Suitable For |
|
Tourism, family visits, or short business trips |
Valid for up to 10 years, with a maximum of 6 months per visit. |
Strong ties to home country, clear travel intent, and sufficient funds. |
Well in advance of intended travel date. |
Tourists and family visitors |
|
|
Business meetings and conferences |
Up to 6 months per visit |
Business-only purpose, no employment |
Before intended travel |
Business professionals |
|
|
Academic study |
Course duration + OPT |
Admission to US institution and proof of funds |
120 days before course start |
International students |
|
|
Employment |
1–3 years |
Job offer and employer sponsorship |
After petition approval |
Skilled professionals |
|
|
Family reunification |
Same as primary visa holder |
Proof of relationship |
With or after primary applicant |
Spouses and children |
The following are the different US visas for Indians:
US Tourist Visa
Indian citizens planning to visit the US must apply for a U.S. tourist visa. The US B1/B2 visa allows for temporary or short-term stays for reasons such as tourism, visiting family, short business trips, or emergency medical treatment. To apply for a U.S. tourist visa, you will generally need a passport, a completed online DS-160 Form, a visa fee payment receipt, sufficient ties to your home country, proof of adequate funds, and evidence of your intention to return after your visit. The two main categories of US visit visas are the B-1 visa for business-related purposes and the B-2 visa for tourism or visitation purposes.
*Want to visit the US? Contact Y-Axis for complete support with the steps.
US Business Visa
A U.S. Business visa or a B-1 visa allows temporary visits to the U.S. for business-related activities, such as attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. The B-1 visa is strictly for business purposes and does not allow employment or paid work. Certain qualifying citizens from eligible countries can use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) for stays of up to 90 days. Individuals with long-term business goals can opt for E-1, E-2, or EB-5, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
*Want to apply for a US Business visa? Get in touch with Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
US Student Visa
A US student visa allows international students to study in the country. The two most common student visa types are the F-1 visa for academic studies and the M-1 visa for non-academic or vocational programs. To apply, you generally require acceptance from a SEVP-approved school, a passport, sufficient funds, and a Form I-20.
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US Work Visa
A US work visa permits foreign nationals to work in the country on a temporary or permanent basis, depending on the visa type. You will require employer sponsorship, a DS-160 form, a fee payment receipt, and attendance at the visa interview. Common options for Indians include the H-1B visa, the US O-1 visa, the US L-1 visa, the US J-1 visa, and the US H-2B visa. The application process varies by visa category.
*Want to work in the US? Get in touch with Y-Axis for expert counseling.
US Dependent Visa
A US Dependent visa permits spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) of main visa applicants with an H-1B, F-1, or L-1 visa to accompany them temporarily in the US. The most common dependent visa options are H-4, F-2, and L-2 visas, which allow temporary residence and, in some cases, work authorization (EAD) for spouses. To qualify, you must submit proof of relationship with the primary visa holder, who must have a valid legal status in the U.S.
*Want to apply for a US Dependent visa? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
US Visa application
Indians wishing to enter the US for temporary purposes must undergo the US visa application process. As part of the process, you must complete required forms such as the DS-160, gather supporting documents, and attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The DS-160 form is submitted electronically to the U.S. Department of State and reviewed during the interview. Once approved, the US visa is stamped in your passport. With a valid visa, you can travel to a U.S. port of entry, where Customs and Border Protection (CBP) makes the final admission decision. You must also complete biometrics at a visa application centre before the interview.
*Looking to apply for the DS-160 form? Y-Axis will help you with the step-by-step process.
Requirements for US visa
The US visa requirements generally include an original passport, a completed DS-160 Form, a fee payment receipt, photographs as per specifications, proof of ties to your home country, intent to return, and other documents related to your trip and visa type.
Here is a complete breakdown of the US visa requirements:
- Passport with a minimum validity of 6 months
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Photographs as per US visa requirements
- Fee payment receipt for the US visa application
- Evidence of ties to your home country (employment, property, tax returns, family)
Visa-type specific requirements:
- Invitation letter, travel itinerary, and hotel bookings (B1/B2 visa)
- SEVIS fee receipt, Form I-20, proof of funds, and educational documents (F-1 visa)
- DS-7002 and Form DS-2019 from sponsor (J-1 visa)
Given below is an overview of the documents required for USA visas:
|
Visa Type |
Passport |
DS-160 Form |
Visa Fee |
Photograph |
Proof of Funds |
Employer Letter / Offer |
Admission Letter |
Relationship Proof |
|
Visit / Tourist Visa (B1/B2) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Optional |
NA |
NA |
|
Business Visa (B-1) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Optional |
NA |
NA |
|
Student Visa (F-1) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
Yes |
NA |
|
Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
|
Dependant Visa (H-4, L-2, F-2) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
NA |
NA |
NA |
Yes |
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Eligibility for US Visa
US visa eligibility depends on the visa type (study, work, or visitor) and typically requires proving your purpose of visit, sufficient funds, and strong ties to your home country. You must submit your passport, DS-160 Form, fee receipt, passport-sized photographs, and visa-specific documents.
The US does not follow a points-based system or skill assessment. Eligibility is evaluated based on the visa category, travel intent, documentation, and other visa-specific requirements.
US Visa Process
The US visa process typically involves completing the DS-160 Form, paying the visa fee, attending a biometrics appointment at the US Visa Application Centre (VAC), and undergoing a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate, along with providing the required documentation for a US visa.
Here is a complete step-by-step process for a US visa:
Step 1: Choose a US visa that matches your purpose and requirements
Step 2: Fill out the DS-160 Form (Online Nonimmigrant visa application) via the Consular Electronic Application Center website
Step 3: Create a profile on the official U.S. Visa Service website (usvisascheduling.com for India). You will be required to enter your DS-160 Form confirmation number along with other details to create an account
Step 4: Complete the applicable US visa fee payment
Step 5: Schedule visa appointments for biometrics and the visa interview
Step 6: Arrange the documents required for the visa
Step 7: Attend the visa interview at the nearest US embassy/consulate
Step 8: Await a decision on your US visa application.
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How do I submit my US visa application?
To submit your US visa application, you will be required to complete the DS-160 Form, create a valid profile on the official U.S. Visa Service website, pay the visa fees, and schedule visa appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must carry the US visa documents for biometric submission at the US embassy or consulate, followed by the visa interview. The US visa application process involves selecting and finalizing the type of US visa that best suits your purpose, completing the application form, paying the required fees, and attending a visa interview.
US Visa Login
The US visa login can be done through the CEAC login page (for immigrant visas) and the USTravelDocs portal (used for appointment scheduling, fee payment, and passport tracking). Non-immigrant visa applicants must complete the DS-160 form online using their unique application number. To log in to your US visa application, you typically need your application ID or username, along with the corresponding password.
How do I check my US visa status?
Checking the US visa status is possible through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). On the website, you must select your visa type (immigrant or nonimmigrant), fill out your DS-160 barcode or case number, along with your passport details and surname. This will help you receive updates such as "Approved," "Issued," or "Administrative Processing". You can use a 13-character receipt number on the Case Status Online page of USCIS for forms that the USCIS processes.
US Visa Fee
The US visa fees range from $185 to $205, and may vary depending on the type of US visa you are applying for.
| Visa Type | Visa Category | Application Fee (USD) |
| Visit / Tourist Visa | B1 / B2 | US$185 |
| Business Visa | B-1 | US$185 |
| Student Visa | F-1, M-1, J-1 | US$185 (SEVIS fee paid separately) |
| Work Visa | H, L, O, P, Q, R | US$205 |
| Dependant Visa | H-4, L-2, F-2, J-2 | Same fee as primary visa (US$185 or US$205, depending on category) |
US Visa Processing Time
The processing time for US visas varies depending on the type of visa, location, overall demand, and other factors. Processing a US visa can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. The B1/B2 visas may take a few days to several months, depending on visa interview scheduling and wait times, while the US student visa may take relatively less time when applied at the embassy. US work visas may take longer to process at the stage of employer petition approval.
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
| Visit / Tourist Visa (B1/B2) | A few days to several weeks |
| Business Visa (B-1) | A few days to several weeks |
| Student Visa (F-1, M-1, J-1) | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Work Visa (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.) | Several weeks after petition approval (overall process may take months) |
| Dependant Visa (H-4, L-2, F-2, J-2) | Similar to or slightly longer than the primary visa |
US Visa News
The latest information about United States visas and immigration is listed in our US Immigration news.
This page provides the latest information about US immigration, USCIS news releases, and alerts.
How can Y-Axis help you?
The Y-Axis team has been the best solution to assist you with your US visa:
- Evaluate the appropriate visa type for your application
- Guide documentation
- Assist in filling out online application forms
- Review all your documents
- Assist in the visa application process