The B-1/B-2 visa is the standard US visitor visa for Indian passport holders. B-1 covers business visits and B-2 covers tourism, medical treatment, and family visits. The MRV fee is $185 (₹15,500 approx). A $250 integrity fee was signed into law in July 2025 but DHS has not yet published the implementing regulation — check the official State Department site for current fee requirements. Indian citizens typically receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa, with each stay limited to 180 days. India’s B1/B2 visa rejection rate was 16.32% in FY2024, with 214(b) being the most common refusal reason. Interviews are conducted at US consulates in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, with wait times varying from 1 to 10 months depending on the city.
What Is the B1/B2 Visa?
The B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visitor visa issued by the United States. It is the most common visa type for Indian citizens traveling to the US for short-term purposes.
- B-1 (Business Visitor): Attend business meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts, consult with business associates, or attend short-term training
- B-2 (Tourism/Personal): Tourism, vacation, visit family or friends, medical treatment, attend social events, or participate in amateur sports/music events
Most Indian applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa stamped in their passport, which allows both business and personal travel under a single visa.
Important: The B-1/B-2 visa does not permit employment, enrollment in a degree program, or permanent residence in the United States.
Who Should Apply for a B1/B2 Visa?
Indian citizens should apply for a B-1/B-2 visa for these purposes:
- Business travel: Attend conferences, negotiate contracts, meet clients, or consult with business partners
- Tourism: Visit tourist attractions, go on vacation, or travel across the US
- Visit family/friends: Meet relatives or friends living in the US
- Medical treatment: Seek medical treatment at a US hospital or clinic
- Attend events: Participate in social, cultural, or amateur sporting events (including FIFA World Cup 2026)
- Short-term study: Attend a short recreational course (not for credit or a degree)
You are not eligible for a B-1/B-2 if you plan to work, study full-time, or live permanently in the US. Those activities require separate visa categories (H-1B, F-1, immigrant visas, etc.).
B1/B2 Visa Fee for Indians in 2026
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Approximate INR |
|---|---|---|
| MRV Application Fee (DS-160) | $185 | ₹15,500 |
| Integrity Fee (signed into law July 2025) | $250 | ₹21,000 |
- The $185 MRV fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied
- The $250 integrity fee was signed into law on July 4, 2025. However, DHS has not yet published the implementing regulation required to begin collection. When implemented, this fee is paid upon successful visa issuance (not before your interview). Check the official State Department website for current fee requirements before paying
- MRV fee payment options: Net banking (HDFC, ICICI, Axis, SBI), UPI, NEFT, or cash at designated Citibank/Axis Bank branches
Disclaimer: Visa fees are subject to change. Always verify the current fee schedule on the official US Embassy website before making any payment.
Documents Required for B1/B2 Visa
Mandatory Documents
- Valid Indian passport — must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in the US
- DS-160 confirmation page — the barcode page generated after submitting your online application. Use our DS-160 Helper tool for step-by-step guidance
- Visa appointment confirmation — printout of your scheduled interview appointment
- Photograph — one 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) photo meeting US visa photo requirements (white background, taken within 6 months)
- Visa fee receipt — proof of MRV fee payment ($185 / ₹15,500)
Supporting Documents (Strongly Recommended)
- Financial proof: Last 3-6 months bank statements, income tax returns (ITR) for 2-3 years, salary slips
- Employment proof: Employment letter stating position, salary, tenure, and approved leave; OR business registration, GST returns, and company financials for self-employed applicants
- Travel itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a day-by-day travel plan
- Ties to India: Property documents, family ties (spouse, children in India), investment statements (FDs, mutual funds, PPF), and anything demonstrating you intend to return
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends): Letter from your US host with their full name, address, immigration status, and relationship to you
- Previous US visas: If you have traveled to the US before, carry your old passport with previous visa stamps
Use our Document Checklist tool to generate a personalized list based on your profile.
Application Process: Step by Step
- Complete DS-160 online — Fill out the DS-160 application form at ceac.state.gov. Our DS-160 Helper walks you through each section and flags common errors
- Pay the MRV fee — Pay $185 (₹15,500) via the US visa scheduling website using net banking, UPI, or NEFT
- Schedule your interview — Book an appointment at your preferred US consulate in India. You will also need to schedule a separate OFC (Offsite Facilitation Center) appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VFS Global center before your consulate interview
- Attend OFC appointment — Visit your nearest VFS Global center for biometrics. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and appointment letter
- Attend the visa interview — Arrive at the US consulate on time with all your documents
- Passport collection — If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be delivered via courier (typically 3-5 business days after interview)
Dropbox/Interview Waiver: Some applicants renewing their visa may qualify for a dropbox appointment (no interview required). Eligibility rules were tightened in 2024 — check our Dropbox Eligibility tool to verify if you qualify.
US Visa Interview Locations in India
US consular interviews for B-1/B-2 visas are conducted at five locations across India:
| City | Consulate Address | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | Shantipath, Chanakyapuri | North India (UP, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, HP, J&K, Delhi, Uttarakhand) |
| Mumbai | Lincoln House, Breach Candy | West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, MP) |
| Chennai | Gemini Circle, Anna Salai | South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, AP, Telangana, Puducherry) |
| Hyderabad | Paigah Palace, Begumpet | Telangana, AP (also handles overflow from Chennai) |
| Kolkata | Ho Chi Minh Sarani | East India (West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, NE states) |
You can schedule your interview at any of these five locations regardless of where you live, though your nearest consulate is recommended.
Prepare for your interview with our Interview Questions practice tool — it covers the most common B-1/B-2 questions asked at Indian consulates.
Common B1/B2 Visa Interview Questions
Consular officers typically spend 2-3 minutes per interview. Here are the most common questions asked at Indian consulates:
- What is the purpose of your trip? — Be specific: “I’m attending my nephew’s graduation at UCLA on June 15” is better than “tourism”
- Who is sponsoring your trip? — State clearly whether you’re self-funded or someone in the US is hosting you
- What do you do for a living? — State your job title, company name, and how long you’ve been employed
- Have you traveled abroad before? — Mention any previous international travel, especially to the US, UK, or Schengen countries
- How long do you plan to stay? — Give a specific duration (e.g., “2 weeks”) and your return date
- What ties do you have to India? — Mention family (spouse, children), property, job, and financial commitments that require your return
Practice with our Interview Simulator tool for a realistic mock interview experience.
Visa Validity and Maximum Stay
- Validity: Indian passport holders typically receive a 10-year multiple-entry B-1/B-2 visa
- Maximum stay per visit: Up to 6 months (180 days), as determined by the CBP officer at the US port of entry
- No annual limit: There is no official annual limit on the number of visits, but frequent or extended stays may attract scrutiny
- I-94 record: Your authorized stay period is recorded on your electronic I-94 form (check at i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
Important: The visa validity (10 years) is different from your authorized stay (up to 180 days). Overstaying your I-94 date — even by one day — can result in visa cancellation and future entry bans.
B1/B2 Visa Processing Time After Interview
Once your interview is complete and your visa is approved, here is the typical processing timeline:
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Interview result | Same day (approved, refused, or 221(g) administrative processing) |
| Passport processing after approval | 3-5 business days |
| Passport delivery via courier | 1-2 business days after processing |
| Total (approval to passport in hand) | 5-7 business days |
If you receive a 221(g) administrative processing notice (green or blue slip), processing can take 2-8 weeks or longer. This is more common for applicants in technology, research, or defense-related fields.
Disclaimer: Processing times vary. Track your visa status at ceac.state.gov using your DS-160 barcode number. Use our Processing Times tool for the latest estimates.
B1/B2 Visa Rejection Rate for Indians
India’s B-1/B-2 visa rejection rate was 16.32% in FY2024, meaning roughly 1 in 6 Indian applicants were refused. This is lower than the global average refusal rate of approximately 27.8%.
Most Common Rejection Reason: Section 214(b)
The overwhelming majority of B-1/B-2 refusals for Indian applicants cite Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This means the consular officer was not convinced that you:
- Have strong ties to India that would compel you to return (job, family, property)
- Have a legitimate, temporary purpose for visiting the US
- Can financially support your trip without unauthorized employment
A 214(b) refusal is not a permanent ban. You can reapply immediately, though it is advisable to address the reason for refusal (such as providing stronger financial documentation or employment proof) before reapplying.
Current Wait Times for US Visa Interview in India
Interview wait times vary dramatically by city. As of early 2026, there are significant gaps between consulates:
| City | Approximate Wait Time (as of Feb 2026) |
|---|---|
| Chennai | ~1 month |
| Kolkata | ~2.5 months |
| New Delhi | ~8 months |
| Hyderabad | ~8 months |
| Mumbai | ~10 months |
Disclaimer: Wait times change frequently and can shift by weeks within a single month. Always check the official US visa appointment website for real-time slot availability. These figures are approximate as of February 2026 and are provided for planning purposes only. Booking 4-6 months before travel is strongly recommended, especially at Mumbai and Delhi.
Tip: If your nearest consulate has a long wait, consider scheduling at Chennai or Kolkata instead — you can interview at any of the five consulates regardless of where you live in India.
2025-2026 Policy Changes Affecting B1/B2 Visa
Several recent policy changes affect Indian B-1/B-2 applicants:
Integrity and Fraud Prevention Fee ($250)
The Laken Riley Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, authorized a $250 integrity fee for all non-immigrant visa applicants. However, DHS has not yet published the implementing regulation through the Federal Register rulemaking process. When it takes effect, this fee is collected upon successful visa issuance (not before your interview) and is separate from the $185 MRV fee. The fee increases annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
Visa Bond Pilot Program
The State Department has introduced a visa bond pilot program for B-1/B-2 applicants from designated countries. Under this program, consular officers may require applicants to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 at their discretion. The bond is refundable if the visa holder departs the US on time and complies with all visa conditions.
Social Media Screening Requirement
Since December 2025, US consulates in India have implemented mandatory social media scrutiny for most non-immigrant visa applicants. This has added an estimated 30% to appointment processing calendars. Applicants are asked to provide social media handles on the DS-160 form.
Tighter Dropbox/Interview Waiver Rules
The interview waiver (dropbox) program has been restricted. Applicants whose previous visa expired more than 48 months ago are now required to attend an in-person interview.
US Embassy Advisory on Permitted Activities
In January 2026, the US Embassy in India issued a formal advisory reminding B-1/B-2 visa holders of what they can and cannot do in the US. Working for pay, enrolling in academic programs, and overstaying are the most commonly cited violations.
How to Extend a B1/B2 Visa Stay
If you need to stay in the US beyond your authorized I-94 date, you must file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS before your I-94 expires.
- Filing fee: $370 (₹31,000 approx) plus $85 biometric services fee
- When to file: At least 45 days before your I-94 expiration date
- Processing time: 3-6 months (you can remain in the US while your extension is pending, as long as you filed before the I-94 expiry)
- Maximum extension: 6 months per extension request
Do NOT overstay your I-94 without filing for an extension. Overstaying by more than 180 days triggers a 3-year entry ban; overstaying by more than 1 year triggers a 10-year ban.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a B-1 and B2 visa?
A B-1 visa is for business visitors (meetings, conferences, contract negotiations) and a B-2 visa is for tourism, medical treatment, or visiting family. Most Indian applicants receive a combined B-1/B-2 visa that covers both purposes.
How long is the B-1 B2 visa valid for?
For Indian passport holders, the B-1/B-2 visa is typically issued with 10-year multiple-entry validity. However, each visit is limited to a maximum stay of 6 months (180 days) as determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry.
Can I marry on a B-1 B2 visa?
You can legally get married in the US on a B-1/B-2 visa since marriage itself is not restricted. However, you cannot stay in the US permanently after marriage on a B visa. You must return to India and apply for an immigrant visa (CR-1/IR-1) or adjust status only if you did not enter the US with the preconceived intent to immigrate.
Can I get a green card with a B-1 B2 visa?
A B-1/B-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, so it does not directly lead to a green card. Adjustment of status from B to permanent resident is possible in certain circumstances, but entering the US on a B visa with the intent to immigrate is considered visa fraud. You should consult an immigration attorney for your specific situation.
Ready to start your US visa application? Read our complete USA Visa Guide for Indians for detailed requirements, fees, and step-by-step instructions covering all US visa types.
Use our free tools to prepare: DS-160 Helper | Interview Questions | Document Checklist | Visa Readiness Score