US Tourist Visa for Indians

1. Long-Term Validity: Offering flexibility for multiple visits during the validity period of 10 years.

1. Facilitates Other Visa Applications: Increases the chance of obtaining visas for countries, such as Canada and the UK.

1. Simplified Immigration Process: Leads to better treatment by immigration officers as having a US visa reflects strong home-country ties.

How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to the USA?

The following are the steps to apply for a tourist visa to the USA: 

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you fulfill the requirements for applying for a B-2 visa. 

1. Fill Out the DS-160 Form: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application form, the DS-160 Form accurately. 

1. Pay the Visa Fee: To initiate the visa processing, make the tourist visa fee payment. 

1. Schedule an Interview: Arrange an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. 

1. Attend the Interview: Appear for the scheduled interview with all necessary documents. 

1. Await Processing: Wait for your visa application to be processed and receive notification of the final decision.

Documents Required for a US Tourist Visa for Indians

An Indian traveler seeking a Tourist Visa to the USA has to carry the following documents during the second interview:

Valid Passport:

1. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the US. 

1. It should be issued within 10 years of the visa application date with two blank pages. 

Photograph:

1. Passport-sized photo taken within six months. 

1. The photograph should be taken against a plain background. 

1. The face should occupy 50-60% of the image. 

Proof of Financial Support:

1. Provide bank statements of six months, attested by the bank 

1. The bank statement should be attestation dated within the last week, to confirm sufficient funds for your US stay. 

1. Invitation Letter: If invited, carry the inviter's valid passport or green card copy and a letter explaining the purpose of the invitation. 

Income Tax Returns (ITR): 

1. If employed, submit the Income Tax Return (ITR) assessment of the last three years. 

1. Provide the sponsor's ITR if unemployed. 

1. Employment Letter: Present a letter of employment on an official company letterhead. 

1. No Objection Certificate (NOC): Obtain an NOC from your school, institute, or employer, along with a photocopy of your ID card (for students or minors). 

1. GST Copy: Required for all self-employed applicants.

US Tourist Visa Fees for Indians

The Indian visa applicants must pay a fee for tourist visa to the USA and the fee details are mentioned below: 

1. The cost of a U.S. tourist visa from India is 160 dollar which is approximately Rs.13,000. 

1. Additional charges may apply for services, such as expedited processing, visa issuance, or delivery. 

1. Regardless of the outcome of the application, visa fees are non-refundable. 

1. Visa application fees and processes may change over time. 

Eligibility Criteria for US Tourist Visa (Indians)

1. The applicant should be a citizen of India.
2. The applicant should have a valid passport.
3. They must possess valid and correct IDs like PAN card, Aadhaar card, and Voter ID card.
4. Applicants with no criminal background are preferred to the ones with a history in crimes of any kind.

1. Must provide financial stability for the trip 

1. To ensure the return must demonstrate strong ties to India 

Validity of Different US Visa Types for Indians

Here are the validity details of US tourist visa for Indians: 

1. A US tourist visa is valid for 10 years 

1. The stay period permit under US tourist visa is up to 180 days. 

Processing Time for US Tourist Visa for Indians

Obtaining a US tourist visa is time-consuming due to the high number of applications.  The process takes around 300 to 320 days to process the visa application and may get completed earlier if the embassy is satisfied with the submitted documents.

US Tourist Visa Photo Requirements for Indians

Following are the specifications mentioned by the US government for photographs taken for visa purposes:

Photo Basics: 

1. Submit a recent color photo taken within the last six months. 

1. Ensure a clear image of your face and avoid using social media filters. 

1. Have someone else take the photo as selfy is not allowed. 

1. Remove eyeglasses for the photo. 

1. Use a plain white or off-white background. 

1. If you have an existing photo, use the Photo Tool to upload and crop it to the correct size. 

1. Note: The tool is only for cropping; the photo will be reviewed by the U.S. Department of State for acceptance. 

1. Face Coverings and Masks: 

1. Ensure full face visibility by removing the face coverings or masks for the photo. 

1. Selfies are discouraged as they often have incorrect sizing and positioning. 

Tips for Submitting Your Photo: 

1. Resolution, Print Size, and Quality: 

1. Submit a high-resolution photo without blurriness, graininess, or pixelation. 

1. Photo size must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). 

1. The head should measure 1 - 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. 

1. Print on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. 

1. Avoid digitally altering the photo. 

1. Do not submit damaged photos with holes, creases, or smudges. 

1. Confirm your photo meets requirements by using the photo tool. 

Pose and Expression: 

1. Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open. 

1. Ensure the full face is visibility by facing the camera directly. 

Attire:

1. Avoid wearing glasses unless it is medically necessary. 

1. Note that you must include a doctor’s note if glasses are needed for medical purposes. 

1. Wear everyday clothing; uniforms, uniform-like clothing, and camouflage attire are not allowed. 

1. Do not wear hats or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons: 

1. Submit a signed statement verifying it is traditional attire worn in public for religious purposes. 

1. rovide a signed doctor’s statement verifying daily use for medical purposes. 

1. Make sure that the full face is visible, with no shadows cast by head coverings. 

1. Avoid wearing headphones or wireless hands-free devices. 

1. Jewelry and facial piercings are acceptable if not obscuring the face. 

1. Permanent tattoos are allowed for passport purposes. 

Submission of application for Tourist Visa for travel in the USA is a process that demands meticulous efforts. Before submitting them, applicant has to make sure that all their documents are correct.