USA Visa for Indians: Fees, Documents & Processing Time
Every US visa for Indian nationals is a sticker placed in your passport by a consulate — there is no e-visa and no visa-on-arrival. Here are the fees, documents, processing and honest answers for each route we handle.
Visa fees and rules verified on 13 July 2026
- A dedicated case manager on every file
- An honest read on your case, always
- Refused before? We specialise in rebuilding the case
USA visa fees & timelines
| Visa type | Government fees | Our fee | Processing | Validity | Entries | Max stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist visa | MRV visa application fee $185 | ₹20,000 + 18% GST = ₹23,600 · Includes appointment booking | Interview wait varies by consulate and month; passport is usually returned within about a week after approval | Typically 120 months (10 years), multiple entry for Indian nationals | Multiple | Set by CBP at entry, commonly up to 6 months per visit |
| Business visa | MRV visa application fee $185 | ₹20,000 + 18% GST = ₹23,600 · Includes appointment booking | Interview-based; wait time varies by consulate | Up to 10 years (120 months), multiple entry | Multiple | Set by CBP at entry, commonly up to 6 months |
| Family & friends visa | MRV visa application fee $185 | ₹20,000 + 18% GST = ₹23,600 · Includes appointment booking | Interview-based; wait time varies by consulate | Up to 10 years (120 months), multiple entry | Multiple | Set by CBP at entry, commonly up to 6 months |
| Student visa | MRV visa application fee $185 SEVIS I-901 fee $350F-1/M-1; paid before the interview | ₹25,000 + 18% GST = ₹29,500 · Includes appointment booking | Decision usually given at the interview; appointment wait times vary by consulate | Up to 60 months, multiple entry (India) | Multiple | Duration of status; F-1 students depart within 60 days after the I-20 program end date |
| Dependent visa | MRV visa application fee $205H-4/L-2/O-3/P-4 (petition-based), raised from USD 190 on 30 May 2026; USD 185 for F-2/M-2/J-2 (student/exchange dependents); no separate SEVIS fee for dependents | ₹25,000 + 18% GST = ₹29,500 · Includes appointment booking | Interview-based; appointment wait times vary by consulate | Cannot exceed the principal visa holder's visa validity | Multiple | Tied to the principal's authorized stay (Form I-94) |
Government and VFS fees are paid directly to the authorities in the local currency shown and are subject to change at the discretion of the concerned consulate or embassy; our service fee is in INR and includes appointment booking. No consultant can guarantee a visa — the decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Document checklists
Tourist visa — document checklist
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay (plus any older passports)
- DS-160 online application confirmation page
- MRV visa fee payment receipt
- One recent photograph meeting US visa photo specifications
- Interview appointment confirmation
- Evidence of the trip's purpose (travel itinerary, invitation from a US host, or hospital/medical documents)
- Proof of funds to cover the trip (bank statements, income-tax returns, salary slips)
- Proof of ties to India showing intent to return (employment letter, business proof, property or family documents)
Business visa — document checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay (plus any old passports)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- MRV visa fee payment receipt (USD 185)
- Visa interview appointment confirmation letter
- Photograph meeting US DS-160 specifications
- Invitation/business letter from the US company or event, plus a letter from your Indian employer stating your position, purpose of travel and who bears expenses
- Evidence of the purpose of travel (meeting agenda, conference registration, contracts or purchase orders)
- Proof of sufficient funds for the trip (bank statements, salary slips, income-tax returns)
- Evidence of strong ties to India (employment, property, family) showing intent to return
Family & friends visa — document checklist
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay (plus any old passports)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
- MRV visa fee payment receipt (USD 185)
- Visa interview appointment confirmation
- Photograph meeting US DS-160 specifications
- Invitation letter from your US-based relative or friend, stating their address, immigration status (citizen, green-card holder or valid visa), your relationship, and the purpose and dates of the visit
- Proof of your relationship to the host (birth or marriage certificates; for friends, photographs and call/chat history)
- Evidence of strong ties to India — employer letter and approved leave, property papers, family responsibilities — showing you will return
- Proof of funds for the trip (bank statements, salary slips, income-tax returns); the host's Form I-134 and financial documents only if the officer requests them
Photo specification: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), colour, taken within the last 6 months, full face on a plain white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression.
Student visa — document checklist
- Passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay, plus any old passports.
- Form I-20 signed by you and your school's Designated School Official (F-1/M-1); Form DS-2019 for J-1.
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
- I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt.
- MRV visa application fee receipt and visa appointment confirmation.
- Recent passport-size photograph meeting US specifications.
- Academic records — Class 10 and 12 marksheets, degree/diploma certificates and transcripts.
- Standardized test scores where required (TOEFL/IELTS; GRE/GMAT/SAT as applicable).
- Proof of funds for at least the first year — bank statements, education-loan sanction letter, and sponsor/affidavit documents.
- Evidence of ties to India and intent to return after studies.
Dependent visa — document checklist
- Passport valid for the intended period of stay in the USA (generally at least six months of validity recommended)
- DS-160 confirmation page with barcode — a separate DS-160 is completed for each dependent
- MRV visa fee payment receipt (USD 205 for petition-based H, L, O, P categories; USD 185 for F, M and J)
- One recent US-format photograph, 2x2 inches (51x51 mm), white background
- OFC (biometrics) and consular interview appointment confirmations
- Principal's status document: I-797 approval notice / I-129 receipt for H-4 and L-2, dependent Form I-20 for F-2/M-2, or Form DS-2019 for J-2
- Copy of the principal's US visa and passport bio page
- Proof of relationship: marriage certificate for a spouse; birth certificate for each child
- Evidence of the principal's US employment, study or exchange status and proof of funds to support the family
Three steps, one dedicated case manager
Honest case review
We assess your profile candidly and recommend the visa route that actually fits your trip.
Expert forms & document review
We complete and double-check every form and paper, so nothing weakens your case.
Appointment, prep & tracking
We book the appointment, prepare you for the interview, and track it to the decision.
What travellers say
“One of the best consultants I have worked with for USA visa. Say it Student Visa or B1/B2 parents Visa they nail it everytime. Just got my parents B1/B2 visa approved. They offer a smooth process and great services with instant replies.”
“Team Parashar, you handled my US visa in the most professional way. I thank you for the prompt reply to inquiries and on-spot preparation for the interview.”
“They provided excellent services for securing my US Visa. A trusted company with efficient staff and cooperation at every step was provided.”
“Parashars are the reliable agency. They are always there in your need regarding the visa. Varsha ji is very nice person, approachable, and dedicated towards her work. She always listens to your queries and tries her best to work on them.”
“I had a great experience with THE PARASHARS CONSULTANCY & SERVICES. Their team is professional, supportive, and very responsive. They provided clear guidance and completed the work smoothly and on time. The staff was polite and helpful.”
“Awesome; no other words; excellent services. Prompt, highly cooperative and flexible. Ms. Shivani madam was leading the processing for us backed by her team. The processing was very fast.”
“I had a great experience with The Parashars. The entire visa process was handled very professionally and efficiently. The team specially Varsha was always available to answer my questions and guided me through every step with patience.”
“Shivani ma'am was so supportive throughout the prep and she made sure I'm sure with everything that I need to. Honestly she was with me on multiple calls throughout this process. Thanks a lot for your morning message too.”
“Very supportive and helpful. They guided me through every step.”
“Prompt and fast services. Helped me throughout the process and follow up.”
“Great experience and recommended!”
USA visa — your questions, answered
How much does a US visa cost from India in 2026?
The government charges the MRV application fee of USD 185. Students also pay the USD 350 SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1/M-1. India pays no reciprocity fee on B and F visas. Our service fee is ₹20,000 + GST for tourist, business and family visas, and ₹25,000 + GST for student and dependent visas, and it includes appointment booking.
Is there a US visa on arrival or e-visa for Indian citizens?
No. The United States offers neither to Indian passport holders, and India is not part of the visa-free ESTA programme. Every applicant must obtain a physical sticker visa from a US Embassy or Consulate in India before travelling.
What is the most common reason US visas are refused?
A refusal under Section 214(b) — the consular officer is not persuaded you will return to India. Weak or unclear ties to India (job, family, property, finances) is the single biggest reason. A 214(b) refusal is not a ban; it means the case, as presented, did not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.
Can I reapply after a US visa rejection?
Yes — there is no fixed waiting period, and you may reapply as soon as you are ready. But reapplying without anything meaningful having changed usually ends the same way. We analyse exactly why the earlier application was refused and rebuild the case before you file a fresh DS-160, pay the fee again and book a new appointment.
What is the difference between my visa validity and how long I can stay?
They are two different things. Validity — up to 10 years on a B visa — is the window during which you may travel to the US. How long you may stay on any single trip is decided separately by a Customs and Border Protection officer at the airport, commonly up to six months, and is recorded on your I-94.
Do I need an interview, or can I use the dropbox (interview waiver)?
Since 2 September 2025 most applicants attend an in-person interview. A B-1/B-2 renewal may qualify for the interview waiver (dropbox) if the previous visa was issued for full validity, expired within the last 12 months, and you were 18 or older when it was issued. Even then, a consular officer can require you to appear.
How do I check my US visa application status?
Track the application status on the Consular Electronic Application Center at ceac.state.gov using the barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page. After the interview, passport collection and courier dispatch are tracked separately through the official US visa scheduling portal.
Do I need ECR emigration clearance or 'Okay to Board' for the USA?
No. The United States is not on India's list of Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries, so even ECR-category passport holders do not need emigration clearance at the airport to travel to the US for tourism, study or a family visit. ECR clearance applies only to ECR passport holders travelling for employment to the 18 notified ECR countries.
How long does it take to get a US visa appointment in India?
Appointment wait times vary by city and by month and are published on the State Department's global visa wait-times page, so we advise applying well ahead of your travel. Booking the appointment is part of our service, and once you attend, the passport is usually returned within about a week of approval.
Does a US visa guarantee I can enter the country?
No. A visa only allows you to travel to a US port of entry and request admission. A Customs and Border Protection officer makes the final decision to admit you and sets how long you may stay. Carry your supporting documents for that inspection.
Is the US visa a sticker or a digital eVisa?
A physical sticker (foil) that the consulate places in your passport — the US does not issue a digital eVisa. That is why the passport must be submitted and returned, and why there is no purely online route for Indian applicants.
Do you guarantee the visa?
No honest consultant can — the decision rests entirely with the US consular officer. What we do is give you a frank assessment of your case and build the strongest, most accurate application it can support, from the DS-160 to your documents and interview preparation. Over the last 2-3 years, our applications have carried a 97% success rate.
Ready to start your USA visa?
Talk to a case manager — a frank assessment and a clear next step, usually within 30 minutes in working hours.