Step 1: Know Your Visa Type
Determine the type of visa you need based on the purpose of travel. For tourism and recreational purposes, Indians typically need a B-1/B-2 visa.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application Form
Complete the Non immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. You will need your DS-160 number to book your US visitor visa appointment. Read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form before starting the application. You can’t make changes to the form once it is submitted.
Step 3: Pay the US Tourist Visa Fees
Visa applicants are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee, whether or not a visa is issued to them.
To ensure the proper amount is paid timely, create a profile and choose the Schedule Appointment option. On the payment confirmation screen, you will be presented with payment options and further details for initiating payment. It can take up to 1 business day from the time of payment for your receipt to be activated.
You can pay the MRV fee using NEFT, UPI, debit or credit card, etc.
Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Appointment
To schedule your US tourist visa appointment, login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. On the dashboard, select the Schedule Appointment button. This will start the process of scheduling your appointment.
Applicants need to schedule two US tourist visa appointments, one for the Visa Application Center and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate
You will need the following to schedule your US tourist visa appointment-
- Your passport number
- The visa application fee receipt number
- The 10-digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 5: Attend Your US Visa Appointment
For your US Visa application centre appointment, you must present the authorities with the undermentioned:
- Passport to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.
- Your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your appointment confirmation page.
- One photograph as per USA visit visa photo requirements if the applicant is under 14 years of age. You can refer to the ‘Photo Specifications’ section below, to know more about the photo you need to present.
Step 6: Track Your Application
If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled your interview appointment. When your passport is available at the selected location you will receive an email and an SMS that your passport is “Ready for Pick Up”. Domestic and international delivery services to the applicant’s address are available as a premium service.