Overview: Planning a visit to the United States? This comprehensive guide will simplify the process of applying for a US visitor visa from India.
Immigrant vs. Nonimmigrant: Understand the two major categories of US visas - immigrant and nonimmigrant. Immigrant visas require approval from USCIS, while nonimmigrant visas are temporary and serve various purposes.
Common Nonimmigrant Visas: Learn about common types of nonimmigrant visas (NIV), including BusinessTourist (B-1B-2), Work (H, L, O, P, Q), Student (F, M), Exchange Visitor (J), TransitCrewmember (C, D), Religious Worker (R), Domestic Employment (B1), and Journalist and Media (I).
Fees: Know the visa application fees, such as USD 185 (INR 15,317 approximately) for BusinessTourist, Student, Exchange Visitor, TransitCrewmember, and Domestic Employment visas, and USD 205 (INR 16,972 approximately) for Work and Religious Worker visas.
Application Process: Understand the step-by-step process of applying for a US visitor visa, including filling out the DS-160 form, scheduling an interview, and paying the visa application fee.
Required Documents: Gather essential documents, such as a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee receipt, photo, and any additional documents specific to your visa category.
Interview: Prepare for the visa interview, which is a crucial part of the application process. Be ready to answer questions about your travel plans, ties to your home country, and more.
Biometric Data: Depending on the type of visa, you may need to provide biometric data like fingerprints and a digital photograph at an Application Support Center (ASC).
Visa Approval: After the interview, your visa application will be processed. If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa, allowing you to travel to the United States for your intended purpose.