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USA · Visit visa
US visit visa: B-1 B-2 tourist, business, family, and medical
A US visit visa is the B visa that lets Indian travellers enter the United States for a short stay. The B-1 covers business and the B-2 covers tourism, family, and medical visits, and most Indians get a combined B-1/B-2. It does not allow paid work or long study. A border officer decides entry and length of stay.
Data current as of June 2026
What the US visit visa covers
A US visit visa, officially the B visa, lets Indian travellers come to the United States for a short stay. One visa family covers many purposes.
The B-1 is for business visits, and the B-2 is for tourism, visiting family or friends, and medical treatment. Most Indian applicants are issued a combined B-1/B-2 visa, so the key is showing your real purpose and that you will return to India.
The visit visa does not allow paid work, and it does not allow a degree program, which needs a student visa. The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA do not apply to Indian citizens. This page is a full guide: the options, the costs, the documents, the DS-160 and interview steps, what to do before you fly, and what to do once you arrive.
Short-stay purposes at a glance
All short visits to the United States run through the B visa, issued as B-1, B-2, or a combined B-1/B-2. The diagram shows how the purposes branch from the visitor visa.
The visit visa purposes explained
The B visa serves several purposes. Here is what each one means and what officers expect to see.
B-2 tourist visit
A B-2 tourist visit is for holidays, sightseeing, road trips, and short personal travel. You explore cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando, national parks, and attractions. Show funds for the trip, a travel plan, and strong ties to India so the officer is satisfied you will return.
B-1 business visitor
A B-1 business visitor attends meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiations, or short training. You must not take a paid job or enter the US labour market. A letter from the host company explaining the purpose and who pays costs strengthens the file, with proof of your ties to India.
B-2 family and friends visit
This is a common reason. You visit relatives or friends in the US, often with a letter of invitation from your host that includes their status and address. The invitation supports your file but does not by itself guarantee approval. Your own funds and ties to India still matter most.
B-2 medical treatment
A B-2 medical visit is for treatment at a US hospital or clinic. Show a letter from the US facility, an estimate of the cost, proof you can pay, and your plan to return home. A doctor’s letter from India explaining the condition helps the officer understand the visit.
Child or dependant
A child or dependant files their own DS-160 and applies for their own B-2 visa, often with a parent. Include documents that show the family relationship, such as a birth certificate, and parental consent where a minor travels with one parent or alone. Each applicant pays their own fees.
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US short-stay visa options compared
Most short visits use the B visa for different purposes, and most Indians receive a combined B-1/B-2. This table compares the main options.
| Option | Who it is for | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|
| B-2 tourist visa | Holidays, sightseeing, travel | Set by officer |
| B-1 business visa | Meetings, conferences, training | Set by officer |
| B-2 family or friends visit | Visiting relatives or friends | Set by officer |
| B-2 medical visa | Treatment at a US facility | As approved |
| B-2 child or dependant | Children travelling with family | Set by officer |
| Combined B-1/B-2 | Most Indian applicants | Set by officer |
Source: US Department of State visitor-visa guidance, current for 2026. The B-1 covers business and the B-2 covers tourism, family, and medical visits, with most Indians issued a combined B-1/B-2. A border officer sets the exact stay on the I-94 at entry, usually up to six months. The Visa Waiver Program and ESTA do not apply to Indian citizens. Rules can change.
For most travellers one combined visa serves several purposes, so the key is showing your genuine reason and your funds. We match you to the right option.
Documents you need for a US visit visa
A complete file and a clear, honest interview are what matter most. This table shows the core documents and the extras for each purpose.
| Document | Who needs it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | All applicants | Usually valid 6 months beyond your stay |
| DS-160 confirmation | All applicants | With the barcode, matching your details |
| Fee receipt, photo | All applicants | MRV receipt and a US-style photo |
| Proof of funds, ties | All applicants | Bank statements, tax returns, job, family |
| Invitation letter | Family and business visits | Host status and address, or company letter |
| Birth certificate, consent | Child or dependant | Relationship proof and parental consent |
Source: US Department of State and Visa Application Centre guidance, current for 2026. Requirements vary by case and the consulate can ask for more, such as employment letters, salary slips, or business proof. US visa approval rests mainly on the interview, not documents alone. Confirm the current checklist before you apply.
Strong, consistent documents and a clear interview story are what officers reward. We build and review your full file so it matches your DS-160 and your answers.
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US visit visa fees
Government fees for a US visit visa are set by the United States. The table shows the main charges to plan for, with current additions to confirm.
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRV application fee | USD 185 / person | Non-refundable, paid before booking |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Added in 2026 | New charge; confirm the current amount |
| I-94 fee | Small fee | Entry record; confirm the current amount |
| I-539 extension | USCIS fee | Only if you extend from inside the US |
| Other costs | Varies | Insurance, photos, courier, translations |
Source: US Department of State fee schedule and recent 2026 updates. The MRV fee is USD 185 per person and non-refundable. A Visa Integrity Fee and a small I-94 fee were added for 2026, which raise the total per person, so confirm the current amounts on the official site before you pay. Children pay the same fees as adults. Fees can change.
Budget for the MRV fee, the newer 2026 charges, and travel medical insurance for your trip. We give you a clear, current cost picture before you apply.
What to do before you travel to the US
A smooth trip starts before you fly. Get your documents, money, and plans in order so the border officer sees a genuine, well-prepared visitor.
Check your passport and visa
Make sure your passport is valid for your trip and your visa stamp is correct. Carry both with you when you fly.
Buy travel medical insurance
Health care in the US is very costly for visitors. Buy private travel medical insurance for your trip dates before you leave.
Prepare a document folder
Carry your invitation letter, funds proof, return ticket, hotel or host address, and travel plan. The officer may ask to see them.
Know your I-94 and stay
The officer sets your stay on the I-94 at entry. Plan to check it online after you arrive and respect that date.
Know what you cannot bring
Declare food, plants, cash over the limit, and restricted goods at the border. Do not carry anything that breaks US rules.
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The US visit visa application process
The US route is interview-centric. You complete the DS-160, pay fees, give biometrics, and attend a consular interview. This table explains the key steps.
| Step | What it is | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Complete the DS-160 | Online nonimmigrant application | Details must match your documents |
| Pay the fees | MRV and other current charges | Keep the receipt to book appointments |
| Book appointments | Biometrics and interview slots | Wait times in India can be long |
| Give biometrics | Fingerprints and photo at a centre | Separate from the interview day |
| Attend the interview | Consular officer decides | Approval rests mainly on the interview |
| Collect your passport | Visa stamped if approved | Returned through the delivery method |
Source: US Department of State and Visa Application Centre guidance, current for 2026. Steps and fees are set by the United States and can change, and interview wait times in India can run from weeks to many months by consulate. A visa does not guarantee entry, since a border officer decides at arrival. Confirm current details before you apply.
Good preparation is everything here. We help you complete the DS-160, prepare your funds proof and documents, and get you ready for the interview so each step lines up before you travel.
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US visit visa dos and donts
US visas turn on intent and credibility at the interview. These dos and donts keep your application honest and strong.
Do the right things
- Show genuine funds and a clear source of money.
- Prove strong ties to India, such as a job, family, or property.
- State a clear purpose and realistic travel dates.
- Complete the DS-160 honestly and match it at the interview.
- Carry your documents and respect your I-94 date.
- Buy travel medical insurance for your trip.
Do not do these
- Do not work for pay without a work visa.
- Do not overstay the I-94 date you are given.
- Do not give false information or fake documents.
- Do not hide a past visa refusal from any country.
- Do not book non-refundable travel before approval.
- Do not enrol in a degree program without a student visa.
Source: US Department of State and USCIS guidance, current for 2026. False information or overstaying can lead to refusal and, in some cases, a ban from the US. Rules can change, so confirm current details. Following them protects your record.
What to do once you are in the US
A visit visa lets you do more than sightsee, within clear limits. Here is what you can and cannot do as a visitor.
You can
- Travel, sightsee, and visit family and friends.
- Attend meetings, conferences, and trade shows.
- Get medical treatment you have arranged.
- Take a short recreational course not for credit.
- Attend social events and amateur competitions.
- Check your I-94 record online after arrival.
You cannot
- Take paid work without a work visa.
- Enrol in a degree or full-time study program.
- Stay past your I-94 date without an extension.
- Change your activity from the purpose you stated.
- Reset your time by leaving and re-entering.
At the airport, a US border officer asks about your visit and sets your stay on the I-94 record. Check your I-94 online after arrival, since that date, not the visa stamp, controls how long you can stay.
Source: US Customs and Border Protection and USCIS guidance, current for 2026. The I-94 controls your authorised stay. Activities must match the purpose you stated. Rules can change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
Plans changing while in the US?
Get a free assessment and we will explain I-539 extensions and the right visa if you want to stay longer.
How long you can stay and how to extend
A visa, your authorised stay, and your I-94 are three different things. This table explains validity, stay, and how to extend.
| Item | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa validity | Up to 10 years | Common for Indians, multiple entries |
| Stay per entry | Set by officer | Usually up to 6 months on the I-94 |
| What controls stay | The I-94 date | Not the visa stamp date |
| Extension | Form I-539 | File before I-94 expires, about 45 days ahead |
| Cumulative time | Keep it temporary | Long or back-to-back stays raise doubts |
Source: US Customs and Border Protection and USCIS guidance, current for 2026. The visa stamp lets you seek entry, but the I-94 set by the officer controls your stay, usually up to six months. To stay longer you file Form I-539 before the I-94 expires, usually for up to six months at a time. Rules can change.
You cannot reset your time by leaving and returning, since officers track your pattern. To stay longer, file Form I-539 on time with a clear reason. We help you prepare an extension correctly.
What officers look for, and refusal reasons
A US visit visa turns on your intent to return, your finances, and your ties to India. Knowing what officers check at the interview helps you prepare.
Many refusals are under section 214(b), which means the officer was not convinced you will return home, often due to weak ties, unclear purpose, or finances. Some cases get a 221(g) notice asking for more documents or checks. Inconsistencies between your DS-160 and answers also cause doubt. You can reapply with a stronger case.
A US visit visa is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, applied for with the DS-160 and a consular interview, with an MRV fee of USD 185 plus newer 2026 charges. It covers tourism, business, family, medical, and child or dependant travel, is commonly issued for up to ten years for Indians, and the officer sets each stay on the I-94, usually up to six months. It does not allow paid work or long study.
Factual overview, verified against US Department of State, CBP, and USCIS guidance, current for 2026. Fees, stay periods, and rules are set by the United States and can change at any time. A visa does not guarantee entry.
Meeting the criteria improves your chances, but the final decision rests with the consular officer and the border officer. We give you a realistic view and help you build the strongest possible application and interview.
Speak with BestMigrationConsultant.com about your US visit visa
Our immigration experts guide Indian applicants through every US visit visa, from B-2 tourist, B-1 business, and family visits to medical, child, and dependant applications, including the DS-160, fees, documents, and interview preparation. Call +91-7670800002 or visit BestMigrationConsultant.com, and start with a free assessment today.