Your USA Visa Go-To Guide

Applying for a visa to a foreign country can be a daunting task. It’s enough to make some of us not want to travel or look at destinations that offer visas on arrival! The United States of America (USA) has a stringent visa application process. It involves many steps but the good news is that it’s not impossible to do if you follow the instructions carefully. We hope to simplify the process for you so here’s your USA visa go-to guide. 

Visa Type

Before you begin your application process, you’ll need to know which visa category you’re applying for. While the list of both non-immigrant and immigrant categories is fairly exhaustive, the most common visa category for tourists and general visitors to USA is B1/B2 or Business or Tourist visa as they’re popularly known. 

Documents Required To Apply for a USA Visa

Before you begin the process of filling up the B1/B2 Visa application form, make sure you have the following documents readily available – passport, travel itinerary and details of previous international travels including to the USA, if applicable.

Important Note – When applying for any USA visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the proposed date you plan to enter. Your passport must also be devoid of any damage, which includes peeling and tears to any of the pages. Your application will not be considered if you don’t meet these requirements. 

B1/B2 Visa Application and DS-160 Form

Log on to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ to initiate your USA visa application. This is the first step in the application process. You’ll be required to fill out a DS-160 form. You must fill in the DS-160 accurately and provide as much information as possible, which includes your contact and residence information, educational qualifications and your intended travel information including the addresses of places you plan to stay at in USA. 

For some reason, if you’re unable to complete the DS-160 in one go, you’ll get the option to save your application. In doing so, you’ll be able to retrieve your application up to 30 days from when you started it.

Important Note – On starting your application online, you’ll be given an Application ID on the top right-hand corner of the page. Make sure you write down this Application ID for future reference or retrieval. 

After Submitting the DS-160

After submitting the DS-160 form online, you will be sent an application submission receipt via email with an Application ID and bar code. You’ll need to take a print of the DS-160 confirmation page with the bar code on it as you’ll need to submit it at the time of your interview. It’s not required to take a print of your complete application form.

Paying the Visa Fee

When applying for any USA visa, there is a non-refundable fee that all applicants need to pay. This includes children and seniors. Though the visa fee is given in US Dollars, the US government applies an exchange rate that applicants need to use to pay in Indian Rupees. 

Important Note – The exchange rate for applying for a US visa must be the one stipulated by the US government and not any other authority. You can find the exchange rate here – http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visafeeinfo.asp.

Applicants are required to pay the USA visa fee via bank transfer or cash at designated Axis or Citibank branches across India. 

Fingerprinting and Digital Photograph

After submitting the DS-160 form, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to appear for an interview at the US Embassy and the Visa Application Center. At the Visa Application Center, you’ll be fingerprinted and your photo will be taken. You can find the Visa Application Center closest to you here - http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-loc-ofc.asp.

Important Note – The Visa Application Center and the US Embassy are two different entities so you’re required to make separate appointments for each. 

Making an Interview Appointment 

There’s usually a high demand for USA visas and number of applicants. After filling the DS-160 form and paying the visa fee, you’ll need to make an appointment to appear for an interview at the US Embassy closest to you. You can do so by visiting http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/index.html and finding a date and time slot that suits your convenience. It’s advisable to make an appointment immediately after submitting the DS-160 form to minimise a long wait time. After making an appointment, if you need to cancel or reschedule it, you can do so by following the instructions on the above mentioned link. 

Important Note – The USA visa fee is valid for one year from the date of payment so it’s important you make an appointment at the US Embassy within that time. 

Appearing for the Interview at the US Embassy

On the day of your visa interview at the US Embassy, make sure you reach no more than 15 minutes before your interview time. Carry original copies of all the mandatory and supporting documents you may need including your passport (current and old), your photograph, the DS-160 bar code confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, visa appointment letter and any relevant supporting documents establishing “strong ties” to India including income tax returns up to 3 years, employment records, bank statements up to 6 months and invitation letters from parties you plan to visit or meet in USA, if applicable.   

Visa Refusals

The right to issue a USA visa lies with the US Embassy and its officials. If for some reason a counselor is not convinced of your application and your request for a visa is denied, all your documents, including your passport will be returned to you. The visa fee will not be refunded. 

Important Note – If you plan to reapply for a USA visa after a rejection, you will need to fill out a new DS-160 form and will need to pay the visa fee again. In reapplying, ensure that you have the required documents that the counselor requested. However, in doing so, you’re not guaranteed an approval of a USA visa. 

FAQs

For more information and clarifications on applying for a USA visa, visit the official visa information website of the U.S. Mission in India here - http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/index.html. 

Important Note – Only the US Embassy can issue a valid USA visa to applicants. DO NOT use the services of any third party promising or guaranteeing visa acceptance. If you encounter any such individuals who ask for a bribe or commission to process your USA visa application, please report them to the authorities.