Apply visa
Apply visa
Last Update: 14-05-2024
⚡Quick Summary
 Is a visa required for the US? | Yes, all Indian passport holders require a visa to visit the USA. |
 US business Visa Processing Time | 6-12 Months |
 US business visa fees | USD 185 (INR 15,540/-) |
 US business visa validity | 10 Years |
 US business visa stay duration | 6 Months |
 How to apply for a US business visa? |
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 Documents required for US business visa |
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Navigating the process to obtain a US Business Visa can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it's completely manageable. This guide is crafted to provide you with a clear and thorough understanding of what a B-1 visa is, the specific activities it permits, and the essential steps and documents required for your application.
Whether you're planning to attend a conference, engage in business negotiations, or explore potential business sites in the U.S., this guide will walk you through each step of the application process. Our goal is to simplify the information and provide practical advice to help you prepare a strong visa application, enhancing your chances for approval without unnecessary stress.
The B-1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for the United States specifically designed for individuals engaging in business activities of a commercial or professional nature. This visa allows visitors to enter the U.S. for a limited period to engage in business activities such as consulting with business associates, attending professional, scientific, educational, or business conventions or conferences, settling an estate, or negotiating contracts.
Applying for a US B1 Business Visa is streamlined and stress-free with Teleport. Here’s how you can start your application:
Step 1: Start Your USA Business Visa Application
Navigate to Teleport's USA business visa application page and click on 'Start Application.'
Step 2: Enter Basic Information and Make Payment
Upload digital copies of the front and back of your passport. Teleport allows you to autofill your data or enter it manually. Choose to pay the visa fee either fully or partially upfront.
Step 3: Collect Your Documents
A dedicated Teleport relationship manager will assist you in gathering all the necessary documents for your B1/B2 visa application.
Step 4: Appointment Booking
Your relationship manager will help schedule your US visa appointment at the visa application centre and ensure your documents and application are thoroughly reviewed before booking your appointments at the Visa Application Centre and the US consulate/embassy.
Step 5: Visit the Visa Application Centre
Attend the visa centre and the US Embassy to submit your biometrics, documents, and for your interview, guided throughout by your relationship manager.
Teleport meticulously checks your application and documents before submission. You will be regularly updated about your visa application status via WhatsApp messages and emails. Once approved, you can download your visa directly from the Teleport Dashboard.
Step 1: Know Your Visa Type
Identify the type of visa you need based on your travel purpose. For business-related travel, you typically need a B-1 visa.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Fill out the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Remember, you cannot make changes once the DS-160 is submitted, and the visa call center cannot assist with filling out the form.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
The visa application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before scheduling your appointment. After payment, it may take up to one business day for your receipt to activate.
Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Appointment and Interview
Log in to your profile to schedule your appointments. You'll need two appointments: one at a Visa Application Centre for biometrics and another for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
| Visa Application Centre | Address |
Delhi | S-1 American Plaza (Hotel Eros managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi - 110019 |
Chennai | No. 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai - 600018 |
Hyderabad | 502, Gowra Grand, S.P. Road, Begumpet, Secunderabad - 500003 |
Kolkata | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor), Kolkata - 700017 |
Mumbai | Trade Center, Gr. Floor, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 |
Step 5: Attend Your Visa Appointment
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and a photograph meeting US visa specifications to your Visa Application Center appointment. Children under 14 do not need to attend.
Step 6: Track Your Application
If approved, you will be notified by email and SMS when your passport and visa are ready for pickup at the selected location. Domestic and international delivery is also available as a premium service.
Passport |
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Recent Photograph |
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DS 160 Confirmation | A Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application Form or DS 160 Form |
Bank Statement | Last 6 months' bank statements |
Income Tax Return | Income Tax Return for the past 3 years |
Cover Letter |
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Invitation Letter | If visiting friends or family, outline trip details, accommodation, and the immigration status of the host in the USA |
If Employed |
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If Self-Employed | Company registration license, business registration certificate, GST registration with annexure A & B, partnership deed, or proof of proprietorship |
When applying for a U.S. visa, providing the right photo is crucial as it forms an essential part of your visa application. Here are some simplified guidelines to ensure your photo meets the necessary US business visa requirements:
For the best results, it’s recommended to use a professional visa photo service to ensure that your photo meets all these requirements. Properly following these guidelines will help avoid delays in your visa application process.
The processing time for a US business visa from India can vary significantly as it depends on several factors, including the current workload and staffing levels at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. It's important to note that the wait times provided are estimates only and do not guarantee an exact appointment slot.
For routine visa applications, it's typical to wait for at least 180 days from the date of your visa interview or the submission of any required supplemental documents before making inquiries about the status of administrative processing, unless there is an emergency situation such as a serious illness or death in your immediate family.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa appointment availability and processing times, please refer to the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you intend to apply. This information is also available on various U.S. government websites, which track wait times for interviews and processing separately. Keep in mind that the time it takes to return your passport after visa issuance, via courier services or local mail, is not included in these processing times.
For U.S. business visa applicants from India, including children, it's mandatory to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee, often called the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is required regardless of whether the visa is ultimately issued or not. The specific amount you need to pay depends on the type of visa you are applying for.
| Visa Type | Fee Type | Amount |
B Type Visa | Embassy Fees | USD 185 (INR 15,540/-) |
When you apply for your US business visa using Teleport, you can expect to receive real-time updates. These updates can be accessed through WhatsApp, email, or directly from your Teleport Dashboard, ensuring you're always informed about the status of your application.
Here’s how you can easily check the progress of your application:
For those preferring to use the official channels, you can track your US business visa application through the government’s portal:
By following these steps, you can stay well-informed about your business visa application process, allowing you to plan accordingly and be prepared for your next steps.
The validity of a US business visa, specifically the B-1 or B-1/B-2 visa, typically extends up to 10 years from the date of issuance. This type of visa generally allows multiple entries into the United States.
However, it's important to understand that the actual validity period of your visa can vary based on several factors. These include the discretion of the consular officer at the time of your visa interview, the specific purpose of your visits, and your individual circumstances.
While the visa may be valid for up to 10 years, the length of each stay during your visits is not determined by the visa itself. Instead, this is decided by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. On a B-1 business visa, CBP officers typically authorize a stay of up to six months, as reflected on the Form I-94, which is issued at entry. This form specifies the duration of your permitted stay in the U.S. on that particular visit.
When traveling to the U.S. on a business visa, it's important to understand the specific activities that are permitted under this category. Here’s a simplified guide to what you can do on a U.S. business visa:
| Purpose of Visit | Permitted Activities |
Conference or Business Event Attendees | Can attend events without receiving salary or income from a U.S. based company. This includes scientific, educational, professional, or business gatherings. |
Exposition or Trade Show Staff | Employees of foreign exhibitors at international fairs can work on setting up, maintaining, or dismantling exhibits without receiving salary or income from a U.S. entity. |
Lecturers or Speakers | Can receive an honorarium for a maximum of nine days from any single institution, provided the engagement benefits the institution. No more than five institutions can offer such honorariums within six months. |
Researchers | May conduct independent research without salary or income from a U.S. source, and the research should not benefit a U.S. institution directly. |
Sales Representatives | Can exhibit, take orders, and negotiate and sign contracts for products that are manufactured outside the U.S |
Trainees | May engage in a training program that does not primarily provide employment. Trainees can receive an expense allowance or reimbursement related to their stay but no other payment or income from a U.S. source. |
Understanding these guidelines will help ensure that your activities during your stay are compliant with U.S. visa regulations, helping you avoid any misunderstandings or legal issues.
Applying for a B-1 Business Visa is a critical step for many professionals seeking to engage with the U.S. market. This guide has provided a comprehensive overview of everything from the eligibility criteria to the detailed document list and photo specifications needed for your application.
By understanding and preparing for each aspect of the application process, you can approach your visa interview with confidence. We encourage you to use this guide as a roadmap for your journey to securing a U.S. business visa, ensuring you are well-prepared for your professional activities in the United States.
