USA - FAQ's

Non-Immigration VISA - Forms, Applications, Fees

• Application Form

• How to Apply

• Application and Visa Fees
       

Application Form

A completed visa application form for any of the above categories is required for each person traveling, even children. Forms may be obtained from any American Consular Office or diplomatic mission. There is no charge for the application form.
    

How to Apply

There are four ways to apply for a visa: in person, by drop box, through specially authorized travel agencies, or via the VIP Business Program.

• In person: Indians applying in person should visit the Consular Office of the Embassy or Consulate General closest to their place of residence. (See "Consular Districts" above.)

• By drop box: A drop box is located just inside the door to the Consular Office at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. Those who travel frequently to North America, Western Europe, Australia or Japan, and those with recent full-validity visas, may use the drop box to apply for visas instead of standing in line.
  Drop box applications must include a completed application form, a passport-sized color photograph, a passport and demand drafts for all fees. Passports dropped off in the morning will generally be ready by 5 p.m. the same day. Those dropped off later will be ready the following day.
  Applicants using the drop box may be asked to apply in person, and there can be delays because of problems clearing name checks in our Washington database.
  Therefore, if you plan to use the drop box, apply earlier than you plan to travel.

• Through specially authorized travel agencies: Travel agencies which have been approved by the Embassy may submit visa applications without the need for a personal appearance on the part of an applicant.
  As with the drop box, a personal appearance may still be required or name check problems may arise, so it is best to apply as early as possible. Check with your travel agency to see if it is part of this special program.

• Via the VIP Business Program: Businesses that need to send employees to the U.S. frequently may sign up for the VIP Business Program. Personal appearances by applicants are routinely waived for applications submitted by approved businesses.
  As with the travel agent program, however, applicants may occasionally be required to appear for an interview and name check clearance delays may arise.
       

Application and Visa Fees

Note: VISA fees are subject to change due to the  Dollar/Rupee exchange rates. The Following assume an exchange rate of 44 Rupees to the Dollar in general.

There are two separate fees for Non-immigrant visas:

• Application Fees

• Issuance Fees

The visa application fee is Rs.1,980 regardless of the type of nonimmigrant visa desired. Those who apply in person in New Delhi may pay the fee in cash or via a demand draft in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." Persons applying via the drop box, through travel agencies or via the VIP Business Program must pay all fees via demand draft in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." The draft should be drawn on a bank with a branch in New Delhi.

Visa issuance fees vary according to the type and the duration of the visa.

• Most Visitor visas, including B-1 (Business) and B-2 (Tourist) visa valid up to 6 months: Rs.1,100.

• Most visitor visas valid up to 1 year: Rs.2,200.

• As of November 1, 1997, the maximum validity for B1/B2 visas is 10 years. The maximum validity for other visas is 5 years. Visas valid up to 10 years as well as all L or R visas: Rs.4,400.

Except for those individuals applying in person, visa fees for North Indian applications must be paid via demand draft in favor of the "American Embassy, New Delhi." Drafts should be drawn on a bank with a New Delhi branch.

Note: Applicants for nonimmigrant visas who have been refused twice or more during a two-year period must make all subsequent applications by mail until the two-year period has expired.
Mail applications should include applications forms, photographs, a demand draft for Rs. 1,980 for the visa application fee and copies of all relevant documents.

If a mail-in application is judged to contain significant new information, the applicant will be invited to make another application in person.