US Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Created: Jun 12, 2023 | Updated: Jul 5, 2023

This article provides information for Indian citizens on how to obtain a visa to travel to the United States. It explains the different types of visas, the application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, visa fees, and other important details. It also emphasises the importance of certified translation services for immigration purposes. The article includes frequently asked questions and answers related to US visas.

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Are you an Indian citizen curious about how to get a visa to the US? Would you like to visit for business, pleasure, study, or to join a loved one? If this is you, then this article is for you. To visit the US as a foreigner, you need a visa, except your country is a member of the visa waiver programme, of which India is not a member. Members of the Visa waiver programme are allowed to visit the US for 90 days without a visa. 

Different types of visas cater to the varying needs and purposes of visitors. In recognition of this diversity, the US government recently announced a change regarding US visitor visas (also known as non-immigrant visas). Starting from May 12 2023, anyone applying for such a visa and planning to travel by plane to the US will no longer need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This update marks a notable shift in the visa application process.

Note that, You can be denied a visitor’s visa if you have a criminal record or are deemed medically ineligible. 

This article will provide information on the following:

• What Type of US Visas Do Indian Citizens Need?
• Visa Do’s & Don'ts
• How to Apply for a US Visa from India?
• What are the Supporting Documents Required for Immigrant & Non-Immigrant Visas for Indians?
• Non-immigrant Visa
• Immigrant Visa
• Eligibility Criteria for Indian Citizens for US Visa
• How to Pay US Visa Fees
• US Visa Processing Time
• Validity of US Visa
• US Visa Photo Requirements for Indians
• What if I Need to Take an Emergency Visa Interview Appointment?
• US Visa Refusal
• Certified Translation Services for Immigration Purposes
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Type of US Visas Do Indian Citizens Need? 

There are two main categories of US Visas, namely; 

1. Immigrant Visa: These types of visas are intended for individuals who wish to permanently relocate to the United States, through visa programmes like family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, or diversity visa lottery etc.
    
2. Non-immigrant visa: The non-immigrant visa (visitor visa)is issued for individuals who want to travel to the US on a temporary basis. i.e. business visa, employment visa, domestic employment, tourism visa, education visa, medical treatment visa, exchange visitor, diplomat visa etc.

A Visitor Visa is required for people who are not citizens of the countries participating in the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). This visa is different from the immigrant visa and permanent resident permit. You can apply for a visitor visa if you plan to travel for tourism, business, employment or educational purposes. Specific US visa requirements in terms of the documents you need will differ based on your reason for visitation.

Visa Do’s & Don'ts 

1. In general, children under the age of 14 are not required to sit for visa interviews. However, relevant documents (passport, and birth certificate) are still needed when applying for a visa for them.
    
2. You CAN NOT travel to the US if your medical purpose is to give birth on US soil in order to obtain US citizenship for your child.
    
3. As an Indian from a non-English speaking country, all your documents must be translated and accompanied by a certified translation, meaning that a professional translator must carry out the translation of your documents in order for them to be accepted by the USCIS.
    
4. If you are travelling for business and you have an approved petition for a Non-immigrant Worker Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797, from USCIS, then you must also include the receipt number for your petition.
    
5. If you are included in an  L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S, Non-immigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to your visa approval interview.
    
6. Ensure you attend your interview with all the required documents & you do not submit the wrong form for your visa application.
    
7. If you are travelling to the US as an exchange student, you will require a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, Form DS-2019, and a Training/Internship Placement Plan, Form DS-7002.
    
8. If you are a journalist you must provide proof of your employment and scope alongside the general requirements.
    
9. Unlike visitors for tourism, when you are travelling for business, you must include documents that demonstrate that you have:

• A residence in your country that you do not intend to abandon.
• Solid family ties in your country of residence.
• A good economic situation in your country of residence (employment, housing).
• You have long-term plans in your country of residence.

Any additional documents must also be translated into English if they are in a different language. The translation must be conducted by legally approved translators, or your application will be rejected. The application fee can be as high as $190 and you may lose this fee if your documents are not properly translated before submission. When you reapply for your visa, the visa application fee will have to be paid again.

How to Apply for a US Visa from India?

 

As an Indian citizen, if you are planning to travel to the United States, you would typically need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of non-immigrant visa you are applying for. Here are the general requirements for most non-immigrant visas for Indian citizens:

1. Online application: You must complete the online non-immigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and submit it electronically.
    
2. Valid passport: You must have an Indian passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
    
3. Visa fee payment: You are required to pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which can be paid online or at designated banks. From 17th June 2023, the visa application fee for non-immigrant visas will now be $185 (INR 15,540) instead of the $160 that was accepted before.
    
4. Appointment: Schedule an appointment for your visa interview in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. There are 4 US embassies in India, namely; Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, & Chennai. Try to schedule an appointment at the embassy closest to you.
    
5. Photograph: Submit a recent coloured photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
    
6. Interview: Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date. During the interview, you may be asked questions about your intended purpose of travel, ties to your home country, financial situation, and other relevant factors. Ensure you answer all the questions correctly and truthfully.

What are the Supporting Documents Required for Immigrant & Non-Immigrant Visas for Indians?

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you need to prepare and bring along the following documents to your visa interview:

Non-immigrant Visa

1. A copy of your appointment confirmation letter.
2. A printout of the confirmation page of the DS-160 form.
3. A valid Indian passport.
4. Evidence of ties to your home country, such as family, employment, or property.
5. Visa payment receipt.
6. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
7. Divorce certificate (if applicable)
8. Police certificate.
9. Birth certificate.
10. Proof of funds (bank statement)
11. Employment letter (if applicable).
12. Court records (if applicable).
13. Student documents (if applicable).

Immigrant Visa

1. A copy of your appointment confirmation letter
2. A printout of the confirmation page of the DS-260 form
3. A valid Indian Passport
4. The supporting documents for your visa type (affidavit of support, translations, military records).
5. Medical examination report
6. Visa payment receipt
7. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
8. Divorce certificate (if applicable)
9. Police certificate.
10. Birth certificate.
11. Proof of funds (either yours or from your sponsor).
12. Employment letter (if applicable).
13. Court records (if applicable).

It is important to note that the U.S. visa application process can be complex, and requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the type of visa. It's advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Citizens for US Visa

In order to be considered eligible for a US visa as an Indian citizen, there are some criteria you must meet. It is important to note that you may be denied a visa if you do not meet these criteria. The eligibility criteria for a US visa are: 

• You must be able to show a valid flight ticket from India to the USA & back to India at the point when it is required of you.
• You must have a valid Indian passport (valid for the duration of your visit to the US).
• As stated above, you must show proof of your financial independence for the period of your visit to the US.
• You must have a valid reason for travelling to the US.
• You must NOT have any previous criminal record.
• You must be able to show a letter of acceptance either from an employer or from an academic institution (if applicable).
• You must meet the visa requirements already listed above.

How to Pay US Visa Fees

You can pay the visa fee in cash (INR/$)or by raising a bank draft (rupee) drawn from a nationalised bank. Note the bank draft must be issued in the name of “The American Embassy, New Delhi”, making it payable in Delhi or “US Consulate General, Mumbai” and it should be payable in Mumbai.

• Select the category of visa (immigrant/non-immigrant visa) you want to apply for and log in to your online application platform.
   
• Know the visa type you are applying for under the broad categories of immigrant visa & non-immigrant visa and select it.
• Complete your application form (DS-160/DS-260).
   
• Pay the visa fee. You can make payment using NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer), IMPS (Mobile Payments) or Cash over the counter at Citibank, DRUK bank or AXIS bank (note that the payment is non-refundable & debit cards or personal checks will not be accepted).
   
• Schedule your appointment. At this point, make sure you have your supporting documents at hand because you will be required to upload them.
   
• Attend your interview at the VAC (Visa application centre).
   
• Finally, you need to keep a close eye on your visa application & passport status. If you are a non-immigrant visa applicant, you can track them here.

US Visa Processing Time

The processing time for getting a US visa varies from the type of visa you applied for to the specific circumstances surrounding your visa application.

In some situations, your visa may be approved by the consulate during your interview and then processed for the next 7-10 working days, before delivering it to you. In other situations, your visa application may require further administrative processing. This administrative processing may be resolved within 60 days after the visa interview.

US Visa Refusal

Visa applicants may be denied visas for different reasons, ranging from criminal records, not meeting the visa criteria of the US immigration & submitting an incomplete or incorrect application. Your visa eligibility is determined by the Consular official from your interview. Depending on the grounds for your visa refusal, you may choose to apply for a US visa again.

Validity of US Visa

The validity of your US visa also known as the visa expiration date is the date when the visa will no longer be usable. The expiration date is not the same as the date when you are expected to leave the US. The date you will be expected to leave the US is determined by the Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) at the port of entry, every time you travel.

US Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

US visa photo requirements

1. Size and Format: The photo for the visa application must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm). The person's head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
    
2. Photo Quality: The photo should be in colour, taken in front of a plain white or off-white background. It should be a recent photo, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
    
3. Facial Expression and Position: The person should have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open. Face the camera directly with the full face in view.
    
4. Clothing and Appearance: You should wear clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis. Do not wear a uniform, except religious clothing that is worn daily. Also, do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose.
    
5. Eyeglasses: As of November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in visa photos.
    
6. Retouching: Photos must not be digitally enhanced or altered to change the person's appearance in any way.

It's worth noting that if your photo does not meet these requirements, it could lead to delays in processing your visa application. Therefore, it's recommended to have your photo taken by a professional service to ensure it meets all the guidelines. You may also find the U.S. Department of State's photo tool useful. It allows you to upload a photo to check whether it meets the requirements.

What if I Need to Take an Emergency Visa Interview Appointment?

You may decide to expedite your visa interview because of the funeral/death of someone close to you, for medical needs, for urgent business travels, if your ESTA was denied, or as a student/exchange visitor. To expedite your visa interview for any of the reasons above, you must first pay the visa fee and schedule your visa appointment. After you have been given an interview date via email, you can proceed to request an expedition on the same page where your interview was scheduled.

Certified Translation Services for Immigration Purposes

As the official language in the US is English, it is important to ensure that all necessary documents are accurately translated from Hindi to English when applying for a US visa. Certified translation services such as our USCIS-certified translation services play a crucial role in meeting this requirement, as the translations must be legally approved by the USCIS and attested to confirm their authenticity and accuracy. Let's explore the significance of certified translation services and their role in the visa application process:

• Certified translation helps to ensure that visa application time is not prolonged unnecessarily due to rejection from the USCIS.
• Certified translation allows USCIS officials to understand and process your documents accordingly because the language barrier has been eliminated.
• Certifying translation ensures that you are not limited in using your Indian-originated documents in the US because people are sceptical about the authenticity of your documents.

Ultimately, when travelling to the US from another country that speaks a different language, you need to translate all your required documents to ensure that you have a smooth visa application process. Since the US does not have a federal or state licensing certification that regulates the activities of translators, you can hire the services of a professional translator who is fluent in Hindi and English.     

Using certified translation services can assist in expediting the visa processing process and ensuring the integrity of your visa application. As visa processing times may vary across countries, accurate and professionally translated documents can help streamline the review process. It is essential to ensure proper translation to avoid any delays or potential loss of visa application fees

Translayte provides legally certified translation services, attested by stamp to confirm the authenticity and accuracy of the translation. We provide certified document translation services tailored to each client's specific needs. Our translations are in keeping with USCIS translation requirements that state:

1. All translations must be correct and as accurate as possible.
    
2. All translated documents must be certified: This means that the document must be accompanied by the translator's signed Certificate of Translation Accuracy, attesting to the accuracy of the translation.
    
3. You may be required to provide the original document for review, if you are unable to, your request may be denied.

Translayte is also a member of the American Translators Association which guarantees translations to the highest standard and ensures that you will not be prolonging your US visa application process. We guarantee rapid delivery in as little as 12 hours, with same-day delivery for urgent cases.  

When applying for a US visa, it is crucial to adhere to the required documentation and translation standards. Certified translation services play a vital role in ensuring accurate and legally approved translations of your documents. It is recommended to explore a reputable translation service provider to assist with meeting these requirements. Remember to consult the official website of the US Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements and application procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 

1. Can I extend my US Visa?

Ans: Yes, you can extend your US visa. Just ensure you extend it at least 45 days before the date your visa will expire, to give room for the extension application to be reviewed.
 

2. How much bank balance is required for a US Visa?

Ans: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be required to show financial proof that you will be able to cover the costs of your accommodation and expenses in the US, or otherwise show concrete proof that someone else will be sponsoring you. As long as your bank balance is able to cover all your expenses and that of your dependents (if any) who are travelling with you, then you are good.
 

3. What if I missed my Visa interview appointment for a US Visa?

Ans: If you missed your visa interview appointment, you can reschedule for a new appointment date, & you will be marked as a “no-show”. You will also be required to schedule your next appointment within the next 90 days from your “no-show” date.
 

4. How to renew my US Visa?

Ans: You can renew your US visa through the same process which you applied for the initial visa. However, people that hold diplomatic visas or their dependents can apply for a renewal at a US embassy or consulate in the US.
 

5. If I apply for an immigrant Visa to the US, does my child also need to attend the interview?

Ans: All family members, including unmarried children who will be immigrating with you, are required to sit for the visa interview. The names of all the travelling applicants expected to sit for the visa interview will be on the interview appointment letter sent to you by the National Visa Centre (NVC). But if the rest of your family will be travelling on a separate date from you, they are not required to participate in your interview. They will be scheduled for a separate appointment.
 

6. What if I don't have a police clearance certificate? Will I be allowed to attend my scheduled Visa immigrant Visa interview to the USA?

Ans: Being able to provide a police certificate is very crucial to the visa interview application. Because it certifies that you are not and have not been associated with any crime in your country. If you are not able to provide a police certificate, this may delay your visa application.
 

7. What is a K Visa?

Ans: The K-1 visa is a type of visa for fiancés of US citizens who want to come to the US to join their spouse-to-be. The holder of this visa is required to get married within 90 days of arrival.
 

8. What is the meaning of FNU in a US Visa?

Ans: FNU means ‘First Name Unknown’. Visas are usually issued in the name on the passport. If the first name is not issued on the passport, the visa will be issued with the names provided on the passport and the ‘First Name’ column will say “FNU”. The same applies when the surname is not provided.
 

9. What if my passport is about to expire in 2 months and I need to apply for a US Visa?

Ans: If your passport is about to expire and you need to apply for a visa, you can go ahead to apply for a new passport and a new visa. As long as the visa is valid, whichever comes first, your new passport with the new visa in it or the old passport with the new visa in it. You can use it as long as the visa is valid. Make sure you travel with both passports.
 

10. What do I do, if my US Visa gets damaged?

Ans: If your US visa is damaged, you need to apply for a new visa at the US Embassy or Consulate closest to you.
 

11. What if my visa to the USA was printed incorrectly?

Ans: If you feel your Visa to the US was printed incorrectly, you need to submit your passport with the visa in it to the Consular section of the Embassy where your visa interview was done. The Embassy officials will determine if there really is an error & how to correct it.
  

12. I have a valid H1-B Visa and I want to change my employer. Is it possible?

Ans: Yes, it is possible to change your employer. But not with the same H1-B visa you used with your previous employer. You will need to apply again like you did previously, your new employer will also submit the Labour Condition Approval, wait for approval of the LCA & then submit the l-129 form along with other necessary supporting documents. While you wait for the final approval, you can begin your new role, unlike your previous H1-B visa application where you had to wait.
 

13. What do I do, when my Visa is lost or stolen?

Ans: If your visa is lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to the local police in your location and obtain a police report. Report the stolen or lost visa to [email protected] including the police report, your name, nationality, address, contact information, where the visa was issued, circumstances of the loss & a picture or photocopy of the passport (if you have one). The stolen or lost visa cannot be reprinted or re-validated, so you will have to apply for a new visa like you did for the stolen/lost one. You will also pay a new visa application fee.
 

14. What is an H1-B Visa?

Ans: A H1-B visa is a US non-immigrant work visa that allows an employer in the US to hire a specialised foreign employee for a certain period. The roles usually require people with a higher degree from a Bachelor's degree upwards. Examples of some roles that can apply for an H1-B visa are Architect, Engineer, Technology expert etc.
 

15. What is L Visa?

Ans: An L visa is an intra-company transferee visa. This means that it is the visa for employees who are being transferred within the same company to another branch in the USA for work. The transferee is usually someone in a managerial or executive position or someone with a specialised skill within the organisation.
 

16. What is an H4 Visa?

Ans: The H4 visa is a type of visa available to dependents of H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 visa holders. The H4 visa allows its holder to accompany the primary work visa holder to the US for the duration of their work in the US. This visa is available to spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21).
 

17. What is an SB-1 Visa? Who needs it?

Ans: An SB-1 visa is a visa for returning residents of the US who have stayed out for the Us beyond 1 year or beyond the validity period of a re-entry permit (2 years). To re-enter the US they will need a new immigrant visa, which is where the SB-1 visa comes in.
 

18. How to apply for a Returning Visa to the USA?

Ans: Contact the US Embassy or Consulate close to you about getting the SB-1 visa at least 3 months before the intended date of your travel back to the US. You will go through a visa interview procedure. You will be required to submit a completed DS-117 form, your green card, your re-entry permit (if you have it), airline tickets or any other proof of your travel out of the US, proof of your ties to the US (tax returns etc.), proof that your given reason for being outside the US beyond the validity period was genuinely beyond your control, other supporting documents & your application fee.
 

19. Can I reschedule my US Visa interview?

Ans: Yes, you can reschedule your visa appointment if you find out you cannot make it to the initially scheduled interview appointment. It is advisable to only reschedule your interview once, so your visa payment is not forfeited. Log into the website www.ustraveldocs.com, and click on reschedule an appointment on the Applicant summary page. You can also reschedule it at your VAC.
 

20. Do I need to carry my original documents to my US Visa Interview?

Ans: Yes, you are expected to bring all your original & certified documents to your interview. Failure to do so may result in delay or denial of your visa application.
 

21. What is Section 214(b) for a US Visa?

Ans: Section 214(b) of the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that: "Every alien (non-US Citizen) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a non-immigrant status..."

In simple terms, this means that when you apply for a non-immigrant visa to the United States, such as a tourist visa, student visa, or work visa, you are assumed to have immigrant intentions. This means that the consular officer assumes that you intend to stay permanently in the United States.

To be granted the visa, it's your responsibility to prove that you have strong ties—such as a job, family, or financial assets—to your home country that would compel you to leave the United States at the end of your temporary stay.

A visa application can be denied under Section 214(b) if the applicant fails to convince the consular officer that they have strong enough ties to their home country and that they will return home after their temporary stay in the United States. This is one of the most common reasons for U.S. visa refusals.
 

22. Do I need a Visa to travel to the USA from the UK?

Ans: If you are a UK citizen, you do not necessarily need a visa to travel to the US, as you can get an ESTA to travel to the US for 90 days or less. If you want to travel for a specific purpose or for longer than 90 days, you need to get a visa.