US Visitor Visa (B1/B2) from India in 2026: DS-160, Interview & Approval Tips

Fee as of 20 October 2026 · Source: US Department of State, visa fees

The US B1/B2 visitor visa fee is USD 185 per applicant, children included. You pay it before you book the interview, and it is not refunded if the visa is refused. A separate USD 250 visa integrity fee was passed into US law in July 2025. We check whether it is being collected before you pay.

A US tourist visa is one of the most sought-after and most misunderstood visas for Indian travellers. The B1/B2 visitor visa covers both tourism and business visits, and while the process is straightforward on paper, the interview and documentation trip up a lot of first-time applicants.

B1, B2, or B1/B2: which visa is this?

The B1 is for business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations). The B2 is for tourism, visiting family, or medical treatment. Most travellers are issued a combined B1/B2 visa, which covers both purposes. For a holiday or to visit relatives in the US, this is the visa you want. It does not permit paid work or long-term study.

One advantage for Indian applicants: the B1/B2 is often issued with long validity (up to 10 years, multiple entry), so once approved you can travel repeatedly without reapplying. The length of each stay is decided by the officer at the port of entry.

The US visa process from India, step by step

1. Complete the DS-160 form online. This is the core application. Accuracy matters enormously here; the interview is built directly off your DS-160 answers.
2. Pay the visa application fee (MRV fee): USD 185 per applicant.
3. Create your profile and schedule two appointments: one at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometrics/photo, and one at the US Consulate for the interview.
4. Attend biometrics, then the interview.
5. If approved, your passport is returned with the visa stamped.

The US interviews almost all applicants, and the decision depends heavily on a short in-person conversation.

The interview: what officers assess

The US visa interview is short, often just a few questions. The officer is evaluating one core thing: do you have strong reasons to return to India? Under US law, visitor-visa applicants are presumed to intend immigration until they demonstrate otherwise. Your job is to show clear ties (a stable job or business, family, property, ongoing commitments) and a specific purpose for the trip.

Answer concisely and consistently with your DS-160. Over-explaining, memorised speeches, or answers that don't match your form are what raise doubts. Confidence and clarity beat volume.

Documents to carry

While the interview is decisive, bring supporting documents in case they're requested: your passport, DS-160 confirmation, appointment confirmations, photo, financial proof (bank statements, ITR), employment or business proof, and anything supporting your trip purpose (invitation letter, event registration, family details). You may not be asked for all of it, but an organised file shows you are prepared.

Appointment wait times: plan early

The most important practical point for 2026: interview appointment wait times in India can be long and vary a lot by city and season. This is usually the biggest constraint on your timeline, far more than the paperwork. If a US trip is even a possibility, start the DS-160 and appointment booking as early as you can rather than waiting until your dates are fixed. The wait at each of the five consulates in India, and who can skip the interview through dropbox, are set out here: flynktours.com/blog/us-visa-wait-times-india-consulates.

How Flynk Tours helps

Flynk Tours provides US visa assistance for Indian travellers: we complete the DS-160, organise your financial and supporting documents, book VAC and consulate appointments, and run interview preparation. We focus on getting the details right the first time, because with the US visa, small inconsistencies cost you.

Get US visa assistance from Flynk

Frequently asked questions

How long is a US B1/B2 visa valid for Indians?

It's commonly issued for up to 10 years with multiple entries. Validity is at the consular officer's discretion, and the allowed stay per visit is set separately by immigration at entry.

How long does it take to get a US visa from India?

The paperwork is quick, but interview appointment wait times are the main variable and can be lengthy depending on city and season. Apply as early as possible.

What is the main reason US visitor visas get refused?

Most refusals (often under section 214(b)) come down to not demonstrating strong enough ties to India, or inconsistencies between the interview and the DS-160.

Can I work or study in the US on a B1/B2 visa?

No. It's strictly for tourism and short business visits. Work and study require different visa categories.

Do I need to book flights before the interview?

No. Do not book non-refundable travel before your visa is approved. A clear plan is enough.

Flynk Tours: travel, visa and study-abroad assistance, Delhi NCR. Phone: +91 97199 96838 · Email: info@flynktours.com · Okhla, New Delhi.

Visa rules, fees and appointment availability change frequently; always confirm current requirements on the official US visa portal before applying.